Guild Categories & Rankings

Last updated 6 January A.S. XL (CE 2006)

While Athena's Thimble does not require its members to "produce or perish", the guild offers a ranking system for those who wish to set goals and measure their achievement within the craft. The guild recognizes twelve categories of needlework, three levels of expertise within each category, and five levels of overall ranking within the guild. Evaluation is performed by an open forum panel of three or more guild members of journeyman or higher rank, headed by a senior member. Panels are generally held at SCA events. Anyone wishing to enter a piece of work for paneling (it is not necessary to be a member of the guild or of the SCA), or to hold a panel at an event should contact the guild mistress or chronicler. For definitions of works please click here

The guild defines needlework as an embellishment or addition to existing fabric made with a needle and utilizing thread, fabric, or other textiles. The only exception is punto in aria needle lace, where the entire piece is created with a needle, but no ground textile is used.

Categories

Categories are groups of embroidery styles that have a basic factor in common, either in the method of working or in the final effect. The categories of needlework recognized by the guild are:

A form or technique is a single style within a category. For example, counted thread is a category based on the method of working... the needle worker counts the ground threads to determine where to put the stitch. Padded work is a category based on effect... the surface of the fabric is altered by adding layers.

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Expertise Levels

Within any category, the guild recognizes three levels of expertise:

Working Knowledge:
Consists of a basic understanding of the form and the skills required for it, as demonstrated by a finished sampler or a basic piece.
Competence:
Is an intermediate understanding of the form and proven level of skill in execution, demonstrated by a completed piece of higher caliber. Understanding of the form in historical context must also be demonstrated.
Expert:
Is an advanced understanding of the form, with a proven ability to execute it to near perfection. This rank is achieved by completion of a master work in the form, as well as several supporting pieces also done in the same category. Members must attain Craftsman rank (see below) before an expert rank in any form may be attempted.
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Ranking

Though members are not required to participate in the ranking system, the guild does recognize five ranks based on demonstrated expertise. They are:

Apprentice:
All new members to the guild are Apprentices; this level is open to anyone with an interest in the needle arts regardless of skill level.
Journeyman:
Requires ranking in four of the needlework categories recognized by the guild, including competence in two.
Craftsman:
Requires ranking in eight categories, four of which must be competent.
Artisan:
Requires ranking in all twelve categories, with competency in eight.
Needle Mistress/Master
Requires expert rank in at least four categories, competency in at least four categories, and working knowledge in the remaining four categories.
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Panels

Evaluation of work to attain ranking is done during guild-sponsored Panels. This is a simultaneous review by no less than three guild members. The panels are in open forum so that members can observe. The member who has submitted work to the panel will be told immediately whether her work has been accepted for the level of expertise he/she is seeking.

Works being evaluated must be accompanied by a Submission Form. For your convenience a copy can be downloaded from the home page of this web site.

A panel to evaluate Expert Level work is convened at the request of the needle worker. Expert panels must consist of at least three senior members who will be notified beforehand.

Effective 18 February 2005, the steps to becoming a Senior Member in the guild are as follows:

  1. the member must have achieved the rank of Craftsman (4 competent and 4 working knowledge categories);

  2. the member must have completed at least two of the following:

    • judging two competitions (Thimble, Northern Lights, K&Q A&S);

    • participated in at least two panels as an evaluator; and/or

    • teaching at least two embroidery classes in the last year (local, event, Thimble academy, EKU);

  3. the member must be given a copy of the handout "How to Evaluate Embroidery" and review it with either the Guild Mistress or another senior member. The reviewing Senior Member must be satisfied that the new member understands how to fairly evaluate embroidery; and

  4. the member must organize and run (not just participate in) at least one paneling per year, at the event of their choice. Any senior member who does not run one paneling in a year will have their senior member status revoked until this requirement is satisfied.
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Definitions of Works

Sampler:
Is a piece of embroidered fabric used to practice and/or record motifs in one or more techniques. Samplers may be used for gaining working knowledge and do not need to be completed for judging.
Basic Piece:
Is a small embroidered piece that demonstrates one or two stitches in any given technique. These are acceptable for gaining working knowledge.
Finished or Completed Work:
A piece on which all the needlework has been completed. A variety of stitches should be demonstrated (if applicable) and an understanding of the work in historical context is strongly encouraged. Finished work is required for competency. Note: a finished work is not automatically a competent work.





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