ORGANISATION historyThe Australian Sewing Guild Ltd (ASG) is a national not-for-profit organisation for people who regard sewing as a creative and rewarding activity. Sharing the benefits and joys of sewing is almost as much fun as sewing itself. The ASG provides the latest sewing information and a friendly support network for all levels of sewists, from beginners to advanced. Our motto is "Sharing and Furthering the Art of Sewing". The Australian Sewing Guild began in 1996 as the Australian Sewing and Creative Textiles Guild (incorporated in New South Wales , October 1996) as the brainchild of Michelle Pullen, a well-recognised publisher and tutor, with a business based in cutwork embroidery. Michelle had long been associated with the American Sewing Guild and realised that such an organisation would be of tremendous value to Australian sewists. The need arose for the establishment of the Guild when State governments downgraded textile courses in the schools and TAFE colleges. During a break in the Stitches & Craft Show in Melbourne, her idea was pitched to Susan Neall, Executive Director, and the Australian Sewing & Craft Industry Association (ASCIA) who met the idea with enthusiasm. The American Sewing Guild assisted with the formation of the Guild by allowing the founders to draw on their years of experience, and their Procedure Schedule to form the basis for the ASG's first constitution. Having this information made available helped to speed up the establishment process. The Australian Sewing & Craft Industry Association (defunct since 1998) financially supported the formation of the Guild under the Presidency of J.A. (Tony) Castley and Executive Director Susan Neall. Australian Stitches Magazine (published by Express Publications) were great supporters of the ASG and first published a personal invitation from Michelle Pullen in their magazine in 1996, for all tutors, seamstresses and businesses in the sewing industry to contact her with a view to meeting up for discussion. These meetings took place as she travelled around the country appearing at craft shows. From October 1996 through to February 1997 a series of editorials were published to launch the Guild to potential members. This proved very successful in obtaining members, Group Coordinators and Regional Organisers.
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Diana Oakley, Christine Floyd, Robin Nixon, Sue Neall, Phyllis Hoffmand and (seated) Founder, Michelle Pullen