Profile
Catherine Thomas began sewing with her grandmother at the age of 5 years old. Catherine joined the Embroiders Guild, Victoria Ballarat branch in 2005. While at the Guild she was introduced to the art of Needlelace and it quickly became her favorite technique. Her work has been exhibited in both Australia and overseas and has been the recipient of International awards. She is dedicated to learning and teaching the traditional techniques of this form of lace making. However, she enjoys the challenge of applying them to create her own contemporary designs.
Education
Currently completing a Bachelor of Visual Culture, Curtin University
Correspondance Needlelace Study, Australian Lace Guild 2010
Intermediate Certificate with Embroideres Guild, Victoria completed in 2010 in Creative Surface Stitchery, Canvas Work, Crewel Embroidery, Stump work
Bachelor of Science, Melbourne University
Various workshops and tutorials with highly regarded tutors from groups such as the Embroiders Guild Victoria and the International Bobbin and Needlelace Organisation
Correspondance Needlelace Study, Australian Lace Guild 2010
Intermediate Certificate with Embroideres Guild, Victoria completed in 2010 in Creative Surface Stitchery, Canvas Work, Crewel Embroidery, Stump work
Bachelor of Science, Melbourne University
Various workshops and tutorials with highly regarded tutors from groups such as the Embroiders Guild Victoria and the International Bobbin and Needlelace Organisation
Publications
The Embroiderers Guild, UK, Stitch December 2016/January 2017
Guild of Needlelaces UK, Needle 'n' Thread January 2014 Issue 92
Quarterly Journal of the International Bobbin and Needlace Organisation Oidfa
Guild of Needlelaces UK, Needle 'n' Thread January 2012 Issue 86
Australian Lace Guild, Australian Lace Summer/November 2011 Vol.33 No. 2
Guild of Needlelaces UK, Needle 'n' Thread January 2011 Issue 83
The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria, Threadlines December 2010 Issue 528
Guild of Needlelaces UK, Needle 'n' Thread September 2010 Issue 82
Guild of Needlelaces UK, Needle 'n' Thread January 2014 Issue 92
Quarterly Journal of the International Bobbin and Needlace Organisation Oidfa
Guild of Needlelaces UK, Needle 'n' Thread January 2012 Issue 86
Australian Lace Guild, Australian Lace Summer/November 2011 Vol.33 No. 2
Guild of Needlelaces UK, Needle 'n' Thread January 2011 Issue 83
The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria, Threadlines December 2010 Issue 528
Guild of Needlelaces UK, Needle 'n' Thread September 2010 Issue 82
Awards
Student/Apprentice Encouragement Award Contemporary Textiles Exhibition Buda Historic Home and Garden 2016
Winner of the Contemporary Lace Section Kenmare Ireland 2015
Winner of Heritage Style Apron Ballarat Apron Festival 2014-Apron With Lace Panel
Recipient of the Encouragement Award, The Embroideres Guild, Victoria Ballarat Branch 2011
Australian Sheep and Wool Show Woolcraft Section First Prize Traditional Wool Embroidery 2011-Needlelaced Hands from 4 generations
Guild of Needlelaces UK, The Ann Aldridge Trophy second prize for Bi-annual challenge themed Egypt 2010
Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society Best Article in Any Craft 2010.
Peoples Choice Award for Challenge Piece at the Colours of the Galaxy The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria 2009
Winner of the Contemporary Lace Section Kenmare Ireland 2015
Winner of Heritage Style Apron Ballarat Apron Festival 2014-Apron With Lace Panel
Recipient of the Encouragement Award, The Embroideres Guild, Victoria Ballarat Branch 2011
Australian Sheep and Wool Show Woolcraft Section First Prize Traditional Wool Embroidery 2011-Needlelaced Hands from 4 generations
Guild of Needlelaces UK, The Ann Aldridge Trophy second prize for Bi-annual challenge themed Egypt 2010
Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society Best Article in Any Craft 2010.
Peoples Choice Award for Challenge Piece at the Colours of the Galaxy The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria 2009
Exhibited Works
Top Floor Art Gallery, Curator's Choice, Belfast, Ireland, 2016
16th OIDFA World Lace Congress, Adelaide, Australia, 2014
Red Rock Regional Art Gallery, Grafted Exhibiton, Cororooke, Australia, 2013
Blarney's Biblio-Art Exhibition, Port Fairy, Australia, 2011 and 2013
Interpretations Celebrating 50 years of The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria, Kozminsky, Melbourne, Australia, October 2010
16th OIDFA World Lace Congress, Adelaide, Australia, 2014
Red Rock Regional Art Gallery, Grafted Exhibiton, Cororooke, Australia, 2013
Blarney's Biblio-Art Exhibition, Port Fairy, Australia, 2011 and 2013
Interpretations Celebrating 50 years of The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria, Kozminsky, Melbourne, Australia, October 2010