The Embroiderers' Guild of SA with Ron Kandelaars: In the Adelaide City region of South Australia

In the backroom of the Embroiderers' Guild of South Australia there's a quiet hum as a group of children like seven year old Lucy McCarthy learn the intricacies of an ancient craft from their mums.

Lucy has been learning embroidery for three months and perhaps one days she'll be as good as the guild members who took part in the Ruby Challenge. Each person was given an 8 centimetre square of Ruby Dupion silk and asked to come back with their own creations. The resulting keepsakes will live long in the memory for lucky loved ones.

Over the past forty years the Guild has managed to raise enough funds to purchase the Mile End cottage which houses the Guild Museum's impressive collection. Members have restored some of the works while others reflect the rich and varied history of this ancient craft.

But the bulk of the Guild's work is anything but museum pieces. Members are rightly chuffed about the many examples of their work, which take pride of place in prominent buildings throughout the city

"There are some lovely embroideries around town," explained Maureen Holbrook. "The big Coats of Arms you see in the law courts were embroidered by the Guild. There's another in the foyer of the Telecom building and one in the Navel and Military Club."

They are all very big and impressive works but most is on a small scale but still performed with the same love and care.

"Some people are expert, others are just beginning," said Pat Beaven. "They all look beautiful but in the end it doesn't really matter what standard you're at there's always a place for you at the embroiderer's guild."

The Embroiderers' Guild of South Australia is at 16 Hughes Street, Mile End. There are regular classes. The Ruby Challenge exhibition is on until the end of August.

The Embroiderers' Guild of SA
16 Hughes St
Mile End
"Ruby Challenge" exhibition until August 31, 2005.
Open 10am - 3pm Mon to Thurs