Challenges and Education

New work table

Each year there are local and national challenges, with the entries displayed at exhibitions or online.

AEG Challenges for the 2026 Display

  • Elizabeth Ellett Challenge 2026 … to be advised
  • Special category … to be advised

Embroiderers’ Great Escape Challenges 2026

The Great Escape Weekend of Stitch includes a general exhibition.  There are four categories of work:  The challenges are:

  • Traditional Work – Counted work of any kind.  This award, in memory of Elizabeth Ellett, recognises her passion and expertise in this style of embroidery.  Entries can be original, from a workshop or kit.
  • Innovative – Own design and work of any kind.
  • Theme for 2026 – OPAL (2026 is the 34th Great Escape!). Any kind of work in keeping with the theme.
  • Each of these sections above will be eligible for an award of $50.00 selected by one of the weekend’s tutors.
  • General Display – any work that does not fit into the above categories. This section will not be judged but is included in the Viewers’ Choice award.

Please check out the Great Escape Exhibition page for more details and submission dates.

ANZEG Challenges

ANZEG Colour Challenge 2025 – BLUE

From Sky Blue to Navy Blue and from Indigo to Royal Blue, the colour BLUE is all around us. For the 2025 ANZEG Colour Challenge we invite you to explore your love of Blue. From traditional to modern, from realistic to abstract, we will create a sea of blue on the gallery walls.

This challenge for embroidery and / or mixed media is open to all textile artists.

Registration by Friday July 25, 2025.
Details and entry forms can be found at https://www.embroiderynz.co.nz/colour-challenge

ANZEG 2026 Conference Challenge – Te Wero Tuia

This year’s design is a Rose, celebrating Palmerston North, the location for the 2026 Conference. Details of the 2026 Embroidery Challenge can be found, here. This challenge is open to everyone, and people new to embroidery are especially encouraged to have a go.

For full details of all conference exhibition categories see https://www.embroiderynz.co.nz/conference26-exhibitions

ANZEG Education – Embroidery Modules and Diploma programme

​ANZEG modules are designed to encourage the self-development of any stitcher, not only Guild members.  They provide a wide variety of embroidery techniques to explore.

The syllabus with detailed information about the modules is available through the ANZEG website shop, https://www.embroiderynz.co.nz/shop

For more information visit https://www.embroiderynz.co.nz/modules-diploma-courses, or contact the ANZEG Education Co-ordinator Jo Dixey,  anzegeducation@gmail.com