Meetings are a stitch, and nobody gets needled -- that's because the Bermuda Guild of Stitchery is serious about having fun.

And if that seems a contradiction in terms, it really isn't because the newly-formed organisation aims to bring together needleworkers of all persuasions in a friendly, helpful setting.

"The purpose of the Guild is to encourage and promote the practice and knowledge of the art of embroidery in all its forms, and to develop a fellowship of persons interested in needle art in Bermuda,'' secretary Mrs.

Nancy Matthews explained.

Thus, members will not only benefit from lectures and inter-membership advice, but also obtain assistance with their projects.

From time to time, guest speakers will address the monthly meetings, and workshops on various subjects are also planned.

In fact, second vice-president Mrs. Shina Lyons will be teaching a Guild workshop in February, the subject of which will be a specific pattern called "The spirit of the Southwest.'' "It is a reaction to light,'' Mrs. Lyons explained. "Anyone who is interested in participating should contact me at 234-1117.'' Mrs. Marty Fountain, president of the Bermuda Quilters' Guild, will address the January 12 meeting on quilting and also show examples of her work.

On February 17 Ms Audrey Hossack will be the guest speaker.

"She is a needlework designer and member of the Toronto Museum of Textiles, and will be speaking on the history of embroidery, backed by a super slide show,'' Mrs. Matthews said. "Ms Hossack is also the North American booking agent for Mr. Kaffee Fassett.

"We are hoping to bring Mr. Fassett here also. He is a renowned designer of needlework who has written several books on the subject, and he also conducts workshops around the world.

'' Eventually, the Guild hopes to hold evening meetings and workshops in addition to the daytime ones, in order to accommodate stitchers who work. The organisation is also trying to build up a library of resource material for the use of its members. Anyone wishing to donate stitchery-related books may contact members of the executive committee (see list at end).

The Bermuda Guild of Stitchery is a chapter of the Embroiderers' Association of Canada, Atlantic Central Region, and was founded by Mrs. Nan Brown.

"She belonged to the Embroiderers' Association of Canada, and when she arrived in Bermuda she looked around for a local chapter to join. When she discovered there wasn't one, she started the local Guild,'' Mrs. Lyons explained.

Like Mrs. Brown and others, Mrs. Lyons and Mrs. Matthews are both keen stitchers whose homes are filled with many examples of their art. Both women began their hobby in childhood.

"There is a history of quilting and embroidery in my family, including my great grandmother and grandmother,'' Mrs. Matthews said. "I did my first piece, a pin cushion of a rabbit eating a carrot, for my grandmother at age four-and-a-half. My mother still has it.'' In the time-honoured tradition, she has now taught her granddaughter to needlepoint. Similarly, Mrs. Lyons' daughter, who has also learned from her mother, also does needlepoint, although she prefers cross stitch.

As with all needleworkers, both women have their preferences and dislikes.

While Mrs. Lyons enjoys doing a wide variety of stitches, Mrs. Matthews dislikes doing backgrounds.

As to why people take up needle art, it seems the reasons are as varied as the men and women themselves.

Some take it up when they quit smoking; naval personnel have a long history of doing needle art to while away the long off-duty hours at sea; still others find it a great way to pass tedious stretches of time at airports or in flight, and of course it is a very pleasant way to relax whenever spare time permits.

"If you enjoy it you get a great deal of satisfaction out of it,'' Mrs. Lyons confirmed.

New members are always welcome at the Bermuda Guild of Stitchery, and further information is available from any of these executive committee officers: President: Mrs. Nan Blair (tel. 236-9861, fax 236-4815), Mrs. Shina Lyons, first vice-president Mrs. Brenda Younie (tel. 293-2103), and Mrs. Nancy Matthews (tel. 296-1913).

Others on the executive committee are Mrs. Felicity Davidson, Mrs. Pat Goolcharan, Mrs. Susan Parker and Lady Sharpe.

STITCHES IN TIME -- Members of the Bermuda Guild of Stitchery admire the family crest worked in needlepoint by Mrs. Shina Lyons (seated right). They are (left to right) Mrs. Nancy Matthews, Mrs. Nan Brown and Mrs. Merilew West.