Beginnings

The Guild began as the Australian Sewing and Creative Textiles Guild (incorporated in New South Wales , October 1996), the brainchild of Michelle Pullen, a well-recognised publisher and tutor.  Inspired by her connection to the American Sewing Guild, Michelle saw the potential for a similar organisation in Australia. Michelle partnered with Susan Neall, Executive Director of the Australian Sewing & Craft Industry Association (ASCIA) which set the wheels in motion.

The American Sewing Guild played a pivotal role in getting the Guild off the ground,  sharing their expertise to help draft the first constitution. The Australian Sewing & Craft Industry Association (which closed its doors in 1998) also provided crucial financial support, guided by President J.A. (Tony) Castley and Executive Director Susan Neall.

The power of publishing

Australian Stitches Magazine became one of the Guild’s earliest champions publishing an invitation calling on tutors, seamstresses, and sewing businesses to connect to The Guild. 

Between October 1996 and February 1997, a series of editorials helped launch the Guild, rapidly attracting enthusiastic members, Group Coordinators, and Regional Organisers.

Founding members (l-r) Diana Oakley, Christine Floyd, Robin Nixon, Susan Neall, Phyllis Hoffman (seated) Michelle Pullen

The Guild's first board

In March 1997, the Guild’s National Board took shape, bringing together a team that reflected the diversity of Australia’s sewing world—sewists, teachers, and industry leaders. Michelle Pullen, the founder, was joined by Diana Oakley (President), Christine Floyd (Treasurer), Susan Neall (Industry Liaison Officer), and Robin Nixon (Director and Convention Organiser). Soon after, Phyllis Hoffman joined as Newsletter Editor and Elizabeth Kennedy as Secretary. As the Guild grew, roles and titles evolved, with Diana Oakley stepping up as Vice President—and ultimately President—in 1998.

Guild sewing groups are formed

In 1996 Michelle Pullen piloted a neighbourhood  sewing group in Bega, ironing out the details of how a national network could work. The first official Neighbourhood Group (now known as a Sewcial Group) sprang to life in Carlingford, NSW, in July 1997. From there, the concept caught on like wildfire, with groups forming across the country.

July 1998 marked the Guild’s first step into the digital world, with a fledgling website hosted on a popular craft platform. The response was instant—five membership applications landed in the first week alone!

The Guild's first Convention

The inaugural National Convention in 1998 was held at a school in Armidale and was a milestone moment. Attendees bunked at the school and spent their days immersed in workshops. The tradition continues today, with Convention now a highlight of the sewing calendar—joined by Sewing Retreats, hands-on workshops, creative challenges, and online tutorials that connect sewists nationwide.

ASIC and ACNC registration

In 2015, members voted to transform the Guild from a NSW-based Incorporated Association into a nationally recognised Company Limited by Guarantee. On 14 November 2016, the Guild proudly became the Australian Sewing Guild Ltd, officially registered with ASIC—a new chapter in its ongoing story.

In 2025, The Australian Sewing Guild Ltd was registered with Australia's national charity regulator: The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission.