No report.

During the 2009/2010 season, the Education Committee of the Guelph Needlecraft Guild put together a program of 1- and 2-night courses, in order to offer as many different skills and projects to members as possible.

The Guelph guild has a terrific range of talent to draw from, and all classes this year were taught by members. During the fall session, the following classes were offered: a felted wool wall hanging; beaded embroidered cards; a cross-stitch Christmas card; a lace scarf knit from variegated sock yarn; a Christmas runner made with either machine- or hand-sewing techniques; a casserole tote; a cross-stitch butterfly; a knitted comfort shawl; beaded Christmas ornament covers and beaded earrings and pendant; a wine bottle bag. There was also a class where members could learn to crochet.

In January, a new series of classes was offered. These included the following: socks knit from the toe up; a folded star trivet; a stitcher's tool bag; a beaded talking stick; knit cabled mittens; a knitted heart pendant (at Valentine's day); a smocked Easter egg; felted beads, which were made into jewelry; 'cupcake' placemats and a potato baker bag. All classes were well-attended (in both fall and winter sessions).

At our October general meeting, multimedia artist Diane Eastham spoke about expressing our personal creativity. The February general meeting was cancelled due to a snowstorm. The guest speaker for that evening, fibre artist Sharon Begg, has been re-scheduled to an evening in April.

The Guelph guild has participated in several charity projects over the year. In early March, the guild started what is hoped will become a new annual tradition: a 'fun night' when no classes were scheduled, and members got together to socialize, knit blanket squares and sew gift bags as donations for local charity groups. There was also a free earring-making class, coffee/tea and dainties, and it was a wonderful evening of fellowship.

Another new opportunity for members to get together on Monday evenings has been the UFO and embellishment groups. Each Monday evening, space is available for members to drop in and work on unfinished projects, get extra help, or work on finishing techniques. It is hoped that the embellishment' projects will appear at ONN for display.

In the past, the Guelph guild has collected Zehr's tapes to be redeemed for money for the library. This program has been downsized and we are no longer eligible to redeem tapes, so at the 'fun night' in March, the guild held a penny table to raise money to purchase new library materials. All items on the penny table were donated by members, and over $100 was raised.

The guild will hold its annual Open House on Monday, May 3 at Kortright Presbyterian Church, from 2-4 and 6-8; all are welcome to attend. Our new executive will be announced at the final general meeting and pot-luck supper on Monday April 5. All executive members have worked hard to put together an interesting program, and all members have enjoyed the year.