Collections
The Embroiderers' Association of Canada started collecting pieces of stitchery and stitchery related items in the 1980s, but the Heritage collection was formed in 1991 with the donation of textiles from Leonida Leatherdale's estate. (Leonida was the founding member of EAC.) In fact, the collection really began in 1758 when some unknown child or woman stitched one of the oldest pieces in the collection—a sampler. There are purses, evening bags, embroidered panel, doilies, bits of lace, kalagas from southeast Asia, and other samples of ethnic embroideries, and the list continues to grow.
The collection is stored at Saskatchewan Government House in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Donations of stitchery have been made to the collection in recent years in memory of EAC members. Others have donated pieces that they have collected and felt deserving of a place in our history. Donations are accepted on their historical and stitching merit. To inquire about the collection or make donations contact Janice Routley.