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 a form within the category and the skills required for it, as demonstrated by a finished sampler or a basic piece.
Competence is an intermediate technical understanding of a form within the category with proven level of skill in execution, demonstrated by a completed piece of higher caliber. Modern pieces may be used for competency ranking. The embroidery on a piece paneled for competency must be completed, however if the embroidery is going on another object (such as a garment or cushion) the object does not have to be completed. Group projects may be used for Competence rank as long as the paneler can sufficiently isolate her/his work for review.
Panelers seeking Working Knowledge and Competency rankings may present their work at any panel, with no prior arrangements.
Period Competence demonstrates technical competence in a form, as well as an understanding of how the form was used in period. The item being paneled must be fully completed and made, as much as possible, of period materials. Written documentation should be provided. In addition to the quality of the embroidery, the authenticity of the context and aesthetics of the piece are also considered. The panel will include an informal discussion about the item and how the form was used in period, and may include Q&A from the panel.
Competence must be achieved in a category before Period Competence can be attempted.
The same piece may be used for competence and period competence as long as the piece is sufficiently added to/completed in between the panels. For example, one could use a single blackwork cuff for competency. A shirt with the same cuff and its mate, and a blackwork neckband can be paneled for period competence when completed. Presenting the same item with documentation is not sufficient addition/completion.
It is strongly recommended that those wishing to panel for Period Competence inform the Senior Member running the panel ahead of time, and email their documentation for prior review. These panels take a little longer, and it may not always be possible to accommodate them. In addition, a Senior Member may decline to run a period competency panel if s/he does not feel their knowledge of the category is sufficient.
Group projects may not be used for Period Competence. However if the embroidery has been designed and executed by one person, even if the finished item has been worked on by another (for example if another person has assisted in the fitting of a tailored garment), this may be used.
Expert rank is an advanced understanding of numerous forms in the same category, with a proven ability to execute them 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. 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 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 category may be attempted.
Anyone wishing to begin the process of attaining an expert rank should contact the guildmistress first and show a list of the proposed masterwork and supporting pieces. If it is felt that a technique within the category has been overlooked, an additional supporting piece may have to be added. See the “panels” page for more information.
