The greatest satisfaction Heather Hamm gets from embroidery is seeing beginners complete their first piece.

“It’s so nice to see their progression. I guess that’s the teacher in me,” laughed the 79-year-old Matua resident.

Hamm, who taught home economics at Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School for 13 years, is one of the longest-serving members of Tauranga Embroiderers’ Guild. She joined in 1989.

“Back then, I was actually quite intimidated by the name ‘guild’ – as if they were all experts – but everyone starts somewhere.

“A woman at my mahjong class encouraged me to join, and I’m so glad I did.”

Hamm still enjoys Mah Jong and is now also an embroidery teacher.

Tauranga Embroiderers’ Guild member Heather Hamm shows some of her completed designs. Photo / Debbie Griffiths

“My mother and my grandmother were great knitters, but I never took to that. I loved sewing and became a sewing teacher.

“Education is a great focus of the Embroiderers’ Guild because ideas and fashions change. There are so many different types of embroidery, but I tend to prefer more structured designs in bright colours on canvas.”

From simple cushions and book covers to more complex purses, bags, jewellery rolls and three-dimensional decorations, Hamm is known for her originality and creativity.

“I design my own patterns,” Hamm said. “Years ago, embroidery cushion kits were mostly imported from the UK, but now there are endless ideas online.

“I like making things that are useful, and I encourage my students to do the same. When I teach a class, I want them to have something they’ll treasure, not just a piece of fabric they don’t know what to do with.”

To learn embroidery, email: taurangaembroiderersguild@gmail.com