The idea for a national embroiderers’ association began with a small group of dedicated embroiderers who met in Winnipeg, in the studio of Leonida Leatherdale. Letters were sent to needlework groups and guilds across Canada. The first formal organizational meeting was held on September 27, 1973. With the aid of competent legal advice, bylaws were drafted and approved by the federal government, and in November of 1974, the Embroiderers’ Association of Canada, Inc. officially came into existence. The head office was in Winnipeg, Manitoba β the geographic centre of Canada β where, it was felt, EAC could grow to the east and to the west.
The first EAC chapter was the Winnipeg Embroiderers’ Guild, which sponsored the first two seminars with participants from across Canada and the United States. Annual seminars were held at various Canadian locales thereafter, and EAC began to gain members and chapters.
In 2016, the French name of the association was added be inclusive of our French-speaking members. The name of the association is the Embroiderers’ Association of Canada, Inc./Association canadienne de broderie, Inc. or EAC/ACB. In 2023, a new logo and wordmark were chosen to lead us into the next 50 years. Designed by Cheryl Kienzle, of Marigold Needle Arts Guild, this fresh new design clarifies our focus.
Now 50 years old, with more than 35 chapters and almost 1,500 members from all across Canada and beyond, we have grown into a vital and exciting organization.
EAC/ACB Presidents
Over the years, many, many volunteers have contributed to the success of the association. More than 25 volunteers have held the vital president role since our beginnings.
Term β President β Location
- 1973-76 β Leonida Leatherdale, Winnipeg, MB
- 1976-78 β Sylvia Allen, Winnipeg, MB
- 1978-80 β Ardeen Hannus, St. Catharines, ON
- 1980-82 β Margery Essex, Thunder Bay, ON
- 1982-84 β Barbara LeSueur, Toronto, ON
- 1984-86 β Anna-Marie Winter, Regina, SK
- 1986-88 β Loletta Hale, Victoria, ON
- 1988-90 β Bunty Severs, St. John’s, NL
- 1990-92 β Helen McCrindle, Vancouver, BC
- 1992-94 β Connie Wilks, Vancouver, BC
- 1994-96 β Barbara Gilbert, Victoria, BC
- 1996-98 β Sheila Horsman, Moncton, NB
- 1998- 2000 β Joan Mills, Vancouver, BC
- 2000-02 β Phyllis Perkins, Regina, SK
- 2002-04 β Joyce Davis, Saskatoon, SK
- 2004-06 β Deborah Blackmore, Peterborough, ON
- 2006-08 β Madelaine Basta, Ottawa, ON
- 2008-10 β Leslie Burrows, Green Oak, NS
- 2010-12 β Sue Thomas, Lakefield, ON
- 2012-14 β Joyce Gill, Cornwall, PE
- 2014-16 β Beryl Burnett, Winnipeg, MB
- 2016-18 β Margaret Adey, St. Johnβs, NL
- 2018-20 β Dianna Thorne, Richmond Hill, ON
- 2020-22 β Nicole McReavy, Maple, ON
- 2022-23 β Amanda Baxter, Calgary, AB
- 2023-24 β Terri Briggs, Aurora, ON (completed the 2022-24 term)
- 2024-26 β Terri Briggs, Aurora, ON