Guild Categories and Rankings

Though 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, four 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 held at SCA events. Anyone wishing to hold a panel at an event should contact a senior member (see the contacts page) to coordinate it.

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 needlelace, 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 needleworker counts the ground threads to determine where to put the stitch. Cross-stich and pattern darning are forms within the category. Padded work is a category based on effect...the surface of the fabric is altered by adding layers; quilting and stumpwork are examples of techniques within the category.

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Expertise Levels

Within any category, the guild recognizes four levels of expertise: Working Knowledge, Competence, Period Competence and Expert. Definitions of required pieces are listed later.

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.

Period Competence demonstrates technical competency in the form, as well as an understanding of how the form was used in period. The needleworker must display a completed piece in period fashion, with documentation, and be prepared to talk both about the specific piece and about use of the needlework form in period. The discussion is informal, and includes Q&A from the panel.

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 masterwork in the form, as well as several supporting pieces also done in the same category. The number and scope of these varies depending on the category; the guildmistress can help in determining the makeup of the supporting work. Supporting pieces do not have to be new pieces, in fact it is most desirable for the member to show their progression in mastering the form over the years. The member must also have written documentation of the master work and supporting pieces and be prepared to discuss and answer questions about the pieces and the needlework form in period. Members must attain Craftsman rank (see below) before an expert rank in any form may be attempted.

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Guild Tokens

All guild members are encouraged to wear our guild badge. Click here to see a beautiful sample of the badge done by Lady Johanna le Mercer. There is also a pattern which you can download or print.. You can display the badge on any item you wish. (Extra "points" to those who also display their competency beads on the same item!)

In addition, those attaining period competency are awarded a pearl to accompany the stone for the category.

Expert ranked members are awarded a Lapis Lazuli stone to display with the stone for the category.

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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, Journeyman, Craftsman, Artisan, and Needlemistress/master.

New members to the guild are Apprentices; this level is open to anyone with an interest in the needle arts.

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.

Needlemistress/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: two of journeyman level or higher, led by one senior member. 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. The "panelee" must be present so we can give feedback on the work. Working level and competency pieces require a simple review, for period competency the "panelee" will be asked to give a short, informal talk and/or answer questions about the piece being paneled and use of the form in period.

Works being evaluated must be accompanied by a Panel Submission Form. For convenience, this form can be downloaded from our Forms and Documents page.

A panel to evaluate Expert Level work is a more formal panel. The panel consists of all senior members plus a founding guildmistress, and is convened at the request of the guild member. Experts must first attain Craftsman status in the guild. Guild members wishing to be paneled for Expert should first contact the guildmistress (see the contacts page) to discuss her/his plans. This guildmistress does not have to "approve" the member's decision to attempt Expert ranking, however a discussion is necessary to ensure that the scope of their work (including their master work and supporting pieces) and knowledge of the form is appropriate. Because the makeup of the panel is different, some time and coordination between the guildmistress, the panlee, and other guild members will be required to schedule it. During the panel the panelee must discuss her/his pieces, usage of the techniques in period, and answer questions. This is the guild's equivalent of a "PhD".

Senior Members, who are able to coordinate panels and sit on Master panels, must meet several requirements. First they must be members of the guild who have achieved Craftsman ranking in the guild (4 competent, 4 working knowledge). A senior member must have completed at least two of the following: judging 2 competitions, participating in at least 2 panels as an evaluator, and/or teaching at least 2 embroidery classes in the last year.

A senior must be given a copy of the handout "How to Evaluate Embroidery" (available on the Forms and Documents page) and review it with either the guildmistress or another senior member. That senior member must be satisfied that the new person understands how to fairly evaluate embroidery.

Every senior 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

A 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.

A basic piece is a small embroidered piece that demonstrates one or two stitches in any given technique. These are acceptable for gaining working knowledge.

For competency level, a finished or completed work is required. This is defined as a piece on which all the needlework has been completed. A variety of stitches should be demostrated (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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