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EGA Group Correspondence Courses

Current Course Offerings:

September-October, 2008

To The Acorn

Fantasy

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Group Correspondence Courses (GCC) offer a low cost, high quality learning experiences for groups of twenty or less and their group coordinator. GCC’s are available only to EGA members.

 

GCC Course Listings

NEW COURSES

NEW! Assisi (Teacher: Marion Scoular)

Assisi embroidery, which originated in the birthplace of St. Francis in Italy, is a counted thread embroidery, characterized by the design being outlined and left empty and the background filled in, generally with cross stitch. This is known as a "Voided design". Double running is used for the outlines, making the work reversible. The cross stitch is then worked, with an effort to maintain vertical stitches on the wrong side. Long-armed cross stitch and N stitch are alternatives to cross stitch and will be explored.

Project: Three pincushion "doodles, followed by a small design (supplied)
or an original design by the stitcher.
Size: Pincushion (depending on fabric count chosen) 2" X 2 1/2"
Butterfly (depending on fabric count chose) 3" X 3 1/2"
Fabric: Evenweave choices given
Threads and Colours: Student's choice
Skill Level: Beginner
Prerequisites: Ability to read a chart
Time: Six months... Two, possibly three working meetings, one submission
Fee: $20 for 30 pages in a punchless binder
Supplies: Approximately $10
 

NEW! A Memory Book: Scrapbooking with a Needle (Teacher: Cathy Trostmann)

Have you ever wondered what to do with linens that stay in your closet because you cannot bear to toss them? Maybe Aunt Sallie or Grandmother Jo made them but now there are holes or stained spots in some area. I invite you to take a fun course that invites the stitcher to use bits and pieces of these treasured linens that are no longer useful in the home. Create a cloth book that will contain these keepsakes and make them available for viewing every day. If you have no keepsakes, then maybe a collection of buttons or handkerchiefs might be the answer. When your pages are complete, you will be directed to make a crazy quilt cover. This will enable you to use more collectables in this Victorian artwork. A truly unique course that will inspire your creativity while enjoying a little nostalgia! 

Project: A cloth book with linen pages and a crazy quilt cover
Size: Folded book is 8” X 10”
Threads: Wildflowers, pearl cotton or stitcher’s choice
Colors: Stitcher’s choice
Skill Level: All levels
Prerequisites: Basic sewing and embroidery knowledge
Time: 6 meetings, 6 months
Text: $35  per student, 47 pages that can be used in a notebook
Supplies: (approximate): $30 for linen, 100% cotton muslin, threads such as Wildflowers and pearl cotton, and stitcher’s choice of other decorative threads 
 

NEW! Japanese Temari Basics for Beginners (Teacher:Barbara Suess)

Written for absolute beginners, this course will ease you in a fun and gentle way into making your own temari balls with classic, introductory designs. Portrait Temari (optional project) begins your journey in stitching on a thread-wrapped ball. Three more patterns created exclusively for this course are July the 4th, Quaker Ladies, and Bound Star. Learn how to make a well-wrapped temari ball by starting with a Styrofoam® ball or a variety of other ingredients, such as thread scraps, rice hulls, or dryer lint. Directions are given for finding the north and south poles, and dividing the ball into 8 and 10 sections. Temari techniques and stitches include wrapped bands, starbursts, spindles, double herringbone stitching, and stitching a 5-point star interlocked with a pentagon. Students are encouraged along the way to drop any tendencies toward perfectionism and just have fun playing with this ancient folk craft from Japan.

Project: Japanese Temari Balls
Size: 10 inch (25 cm) circumference balls
Threads: black sewing thread for wrapping, YLI Candlelight or Kreinik #8 Braid for marking, DMC® #5 pearl cotton for stitching.
Colors: Suggestions provided but students are encouraged to choose their own colors
Skill Level: Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Time: 5 meetings, 5 months
Text: $29.50 per student, 54 pages, unbound in a 2-pocket folder, 5 pages color
 

Florentine and Tulips (Teacher: Gail Stafford)

Designed for the canvas embroidery beginner, and inspired by a love of flowers, patterns, and Florentine embroidery, this quilt-like design can be stitched in one of two suggested color schemes, or one of the stitcher’s choosing. The student will read and follow charts to execute the Reversed Scotch Stitch, Basketweave, Slanted Gobelin Stitch, a Florentine continuous line design, and the Continental Stitch. Participants will use a laying tool to create smooth stitches and maximize sheen with stranded embroidery cotton.

A brief history of Florentine Embroidery leads into an overview of continuous line designs. All correspondence course participants may choose the option of developing their own color schemes. Intermediate and advanced stitchers may select threads or canvas other than those recommended and may make minor design changes, should they chose to do so. 

Project: Framed picture
Size: Design area 6 ˝“ x 6 ˝ “, frame size 11” x 11”
Fabric: 18 count mono canvas
Threads: DMC® stranded embroidery cotton
Colors: red-orange/blue/green or violet/yellow/green or stitcher’s choice
Skill level: Beginner and beyond
Prerequisites: None
Time: Six sessions (six months)
Text: $30.00 per student, 37 pages pre-punched for three ring binder plus color photocopy and master chart for one quadrant of the design, unbound, two-pocket folder
Supplies: approximately $15.00
Additional equipment: stretcher bars and laying tool
 

Hummingbird and Honeysuckle - Stumpwork (Teacher: Luan Callery)

This realistic Ruby-throated hummer is worked on a 'slip' before attaching to the linen and stuffed. His wing is wired to give the illusion of hovering at the source of the honeysuckle nectar. The padded and wired elements establish dimension with the stuffed body sculpting a life-like hummingbird. The vine has whipped chain, dimensional buds, padded and wired flowers with a smattering of wired leaves.

Project: Framed picture
Size: 7 ˝ inch round or square mat or 8 inch framed without a mat
Fabric: Linen twill
Threads: Cotton or silk floss and gold metallic
Colors: Red, Green and Grey or students choice
Skill level: All levels
Prerequisites: Knowledge of basic stitches is helpful
Time: Five working sessions – six months
Fee: $150.00 per group
Text: $30.00 per student – two pocket folder with detailed color pictures
Supplies (approximate): $20.00 using cotton floss
 

Moonlight Sonata (Teacher: Cindy Valentine)

An intermediate course in Hardanger embroidery, this piece focuses on some of the ways traditional Hardanger embroidery stitches can be embellished using other pulled stitches, surface stitches, specialty threads, and beads. There is a chart to help the student select an alternate colorway if desired.  Several filling stitches will be learned while stitching this sampler, including small webbed spokes, adjoining wrapped bars, curled V, struvor, and large, wheeled spokes. In addition, there are double cables, a four-sided stitch, faggot stitch, Algerian eyelets and other eyelet stitches. These stitches are combined with traditional Hardanger motifs, satin stitches, and klosters to make a piece suitable for framing. Because some of these stitches require compensation or complex pathways, information is given to help the student plot a path for irregular areas of needleweaving or wrapping. Information is provided about how to repair common cutting errors.

Project: Framed piece
Size: Stitched area is 7.43” x 15.29” on 28-ct linen
Fabric: 28-ct linen
Threads: A variety of cottons, silks, and metallics
Colors: Periwinkle blues and white; chart included to aid in selecting alternate colorways
Skill level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Ability to read a chart and some Hardanger experience
Time: Six months
Fee: $150 per group
Text: $40.00 per student; more than 70 pages, extensive color graphics including photos showing each step for completing complex stitches and pathways
Supplies: (Approximate) $50.00
 

Summer Dream (Teacher: Luan Callery)

Summer Dream is a stumpwork embroidery which can be used alone or as a companion to Fantasy Remembered. The design is worked on crewel linen or linen twill. The colors can be changed to fit a particular décor. A lily is partly worked on the linen, two petals are padded, and for added dimension, two petals are worked on wire and attached to the flower. Beads enhance the petals and stamens poke out from the center of the flower. There are bullion buds, padded forget-me-nots, and wildflowers worked with needle weaving on wire. The butterfly and the bee incorporate wire in order for their wings to stand away from the linen. A padded lady bug crawls along a leaf, ready to take flight. Stitches include bullion knots, couching, fly, french knots, long and short shading, needle weaving, outline, satin, and seed stitches. The stamen stitch and buttonhole-on-wire complete the piece.

Project: Framed picture 6” x 12”
Fabric: Linen or linen twill
Threads: ©Appleton wool, stranded cotton, Neon Rays®, Watercolours®
Colors: Values of green, blue, bright pink; or students choice
Skill level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Knowledge of long and short shading is desirable
Time: Six sessions/six months
Fee: $150 per group
Text: $30.00 per student, includes detailed photographs
Supplies: (Approximate) $40.00; less than half that if sharing supplies
 

Morning Glories (Teacher: Ilse Altherr)

Morning Glories is a sampler of pulled thread stitches. The flowers and vines, worked in counted diagonal satin stitches and cross stitches, complement and introduce color to the design as well as give it a frame-like appearance. Ilse’s sampler measures approximately 8” by 11.25” and was worked on Zweigart®, Congressa Cloth®, a soft Congress cloth. The size of the student’s sampler will depend upon its ground fabric, which can be any countable ground, cotton or linen, with the exception of Aida® cloth or Hardanger fabric. Please note that counting the threads for the flowers on a high count, fine fabric, will, indeed, be a challenge. This sampler was designed for the advanced beginner. Each stitch is clearly graphed as to its location and execution. The text includes one color photocopy, nine master chart pages, one complete layout, numerous charts and instructions, as well as suggestions and hints for easier and better stitch accomplishments.

Project: Sampler
Size: 8” x 11.25”
Fabric: Zweigart® Congressa Cloth®, white or student’s choice
Threads: DMC® stranded cotton and pearl cotton sizes 8 and 5
Colors: White pearl cotton for the pulled thread patterns; all others, student’s choice
Skill level: Advanced beginner
Prerequisites: Ability to read and apply a graph to fabric threads
Time: Six months - Required number of meetings is left to discretion of the group.
Fee: $150.00 per group
Text: $31.00 per student, unbound, two-pocket folder, one color photocopy
Supplies (approximate): $25.00, less if materials are purchased to be shared or used from stash
 

My Favorite Bracelet (Teacher: Jeanette Carmichael)

Resplendent with pearl, silver, and crystal beads, My Favorite Bracelet is the time-honored classic bracelet, at home with both casual and formal wear and easily paired with a pearl necklace and earrings. It is made to fit the student’s wrist perfectly and is fastened with a sterling silver clasp. The student will learn about beads and bead finishes, the reinforced square stitch foundation upon which the embellishment beads are attached, and a technique for a looped raised platform atop the foundation providing a dimension of height to the bracelet. Other techniques include various types of bead attachments, the application of filler beads, silver bead caps and spacers, and anchor and pivot beads, and two very simple beading knots to end and begin new threads. The Color Choice Challenge allows for choice of beads in colors to coordinate with any wardrobe.

Project: Beaded bracelet
Size: Width: 1⅜ inches; Height: ˝ inch; Length: to fit wrist
Color: Pearl, silver, and crystal aurora borealis
Beads, etc.: Various seed and embellishment beads, thread, needles, beeswax, bead pad, and sharp embroidery scissors
Skill Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None
Time: Preliminary meeting plus three meetings suggested -- 3 months
Fee: $150.00 per group
Text: $33.00 per student, 55 pages, spiral bound, color photo
Supplies (approximate): $55.00 to $75.00 depending on beads selected and the sharing of supplies

 

Beading Color Play (Teacher: Peggy Wright)

Play with color while beading two peyote-stitch bracelets using cylinder beads. You first practice four types of peyote stitch and learn ways to design in the stitch. The course then covers basic color theory, and you work with color schemes to plan your two bracelets.

Project: Two bracelets
Beads & thread: Japanese 8 o seed beads and 11o cylinder beads, nylon thread
Colors: Student’s choice; class covers color theory and use of color schemes
Skill Level: Advanced beginner
Prerequisites: Some beading experience
Time: 8 meetings: 2 for Lesson 1; 2 for Lesson 2, and 1 for Lessons 3, 4, 5, and 6; 6 months total
Text: $35; 71 pages, including 10 pages with color graphics; spiral bound
Supplies (approximate): $40 to $100 retail, depending on whether students use the same or different cylinder beads for the exercises and the two bracelets and on whether they buy more or less expensive beads (the types of finishes on the beads makes some much more expensive than others).

 

gcc_crewelchoicesCrewel Choices (Teacher: Judy Jeroy)

This course was designed to encourage intermediate-level stitchers to make choices, take chances, and insert changes in my example. Students will be studying curved long and short shading, whipped crescent spider webs, bullion rosettes, twisted chain, fancy lattice filling, raised chain, and raised outline stitches. Students are encouraged to move the individual elements of the design around, and/or reverse them. The course is designed for the intermediate level in surface embroidery but is suitable for more advanced levels also. The oval design measures 7” x 10”, and is finished as a picture. My color scheme of corals, yellow, blue, olive, and grass green may not suit your taste, and you are encouraged to change the colors to suit.

There is an element of mystery as students are challenged to find the things that I would change about the piece if I were doing it again. Numerous technical tips and hints will be given to allow participants to achieve excellence in this medium. Stitching and shading with Appleton™ crewel wools on linen twill fabric will allow students to produce the lovely embroideries that they have long admired. Fabric, threads, and needles should cost from $42 - $50; scissors, hoop, and stretcher bars are also needed. The $25 text includes color photocopies.

History of the technique is given in some detail; you will learn how this form of needlework moved from England to America and how it was adapted to fit the conditions of the colonial world.

This course contains four lessons and could be completed within a 6-month period.
Project: Picture
Size: 7” x 10” oval design
Fabric: Linen twill
Threads: Appleton™ crewel wools
Colors: Student’s choice
Skill level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None
Time: Four lessons – 6 months
Fee: $130.00 per group
Text: $25.00
Supplies: $42.00-$50.00 plus scissors, hoop & stretcher bars.

 

More Options…In Hardanger (Teacher: Dale Sokolow)

Hardanger is a form of embroidery that originated in the Hardanger region of Norway. It is fun to do and can quickly become a quest to learn more and more filler stitches. In this class, the student will go beyond Options...in hardanger. We will review how to work such elements as diagonals, divided bars, blanket stitch, spider webs, Dove’s eyes, square filets, and picots. These elements will be used in new fillers and in a variety of combinations and different ways.

For those who want to learn how to do these new filler stitches but who do not want to do a bell pull, instructions will be given on how to make the project into a framed wall hanging. A variety of fabrics and threads will be discussed so the student will be able to select her/his own fabrics and threads. If you love Hardanger embroidery, you will find this class informative and fun. The instructions will also be a terrific resource for future Hardanger embroidery.

Project: Bell pull, wall hanging, or doily
Size: 7-5/8” x 13-3/8”
Fabric: 28-ct Jobelan® or the student’s choice
Threads: Watercolours( and pearl cotton or the student’s choosing
Colors: Color may be the student’s choosing or those of the teacher
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisites: Options...in hardanger or comparable course
Time: Six lessons in approximately six months
Fee: $150.00 per group
Text: $31.00, 65 pages plus one color copy and an enlargement of the project
Supplies: Approximately $13.00

 

Swiss Sampler (Teacher: Ilse Altherr)

The Swiss Sampler is a compilation of patterns and motifs garnered from a 1665 sampler housed in the Landesmuseum, Zurich. This beautiful sampler is worked mostly in double running stitch and long-arm cross stitch, as well as simple cross stitch. Although the embroidery on Ilse’s sampler measures approximately 11” by 15”, the size of the student’s sampler is adjustable to the time available to the stitcher and the space the sampler will occupy.

Worked with DMC® stranded cotton on Legacy, Dower Quality 30-ct linen, the expense incurred for the purchase of materials is minimal because most dedicated stitchers already have a sizable stash of stranded cotton threads and remnants of linen ground. If linen must be purchased, doing so by the yard and sharing will further reduce expense.

The sampler was designed for the intermediate to advanced stitcher. The $32.50 text includes two color photocopies, master chart pages, one complete layout, historical annotations, numerous charts and instructions, as well as suggestions and hints for easier and better stitch accomplishments.

Project: Sampler
Size: 11” by 15” or student’s choice
Fabric: Legacy, Dower Quality 30-ct linen or student’s choice
Threads: DMC® 6-stranded cotton in many colors
Colors: 20 different colors were used in Ilse’s original version; student’s choice
Skill level:
Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisites: Ability to read and apply a graph to fabric threads
Time: Six months with required meetings left to the discretion of the group
Text: $32.50 per student; unbound, two-pocket folder and two color photocopies
Supplies: Approximately $25.00, less if materials are purchased to be shared or used from stash

 

gcc_samplalgerianeyeSampling Needlepoint, Algerian Eye to Czar (Teacher: Wanda Linsley)

Sampling Needlepoint: Algerian eye to cZar is intended to introduce a variety of needlepoint stitches. The 26 stitches of the block sampler range from simple straight and diagonal stitches, such as Beaty and Mosaic, to more complex stitches, such as Norwich and Velvet. The text includes computer-generated graphs and color photocopies. Instructions and examples for compensation stitches are also included. This sampler will give the experienced stitcher some challenges and new ideas while creating a fun block sampler. The example was stitched on 14-count mono canvas with #3 pearl cotton. However the student has the option of choosing her own ground fabric, threads, and colors. They also have the option of choosing their own verse for the center of the samplers. This allows the stitcher some flexibility in designing the samplers to suit their own taste.

Project: Block Sampler
Size: 18 3/4:” x 13 5/8” on 14-count canvas; 13 9/10” x 10” on18-count
canvas
Fabric: 14- or 18-count canvas, or Congress Cloth
Threads: #3 or #5 pearl cotton, Persian-type wool, overdyes, or student’s Choice
Colors: Student’s choice or as suggested
Skill Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None
Time: Six months with five working meetings
Fee: $130.00
Text: $30.00 per student, unbound, two-pocket folder, color photocopies
Supplies: $45.00 - $65.00, depending on materials

 

ALL COURSES

Beading

Beaded Nutcrackers
Teacher: Kathleen Rake

These beaded nutcrackers can be worn as necklaces or used as ornaments. This is a fun project with a purpose. You will discover how to demystify the process of increasing and decreasing in an odd shape using odd count flat peyote stitch. There are four different nutcrackers each with a different hat shape. One is blue/red, one is green/red, one is bright blue/red, and one is purple/green. Color combinations are easy to exchange using the other shapes if you prefer. There is a lesson on how to select beads for the necklace and how to attach the nutcracker permanently or non-permanently so you can use it as either an ornament or wear it. Students will complete one nutcracker of their choice with a hanger and additional necklace.

Beading Color Play
Teacher: Peggy Wright

Play with color while beading two peyote-stitch bracelets! This course covers four types of peyote stitch and methods of designing in the stitch. You work exercises in flat and tubular, even and uneven-count stitch, starting with larger 8 o seed beads and completing the remaining exercises in cylinder beads. The course then covers basic color theory, and you work color exercises using cylinder beads in uneven-count flat and tubular peyote stitch. These exercises with color schemes allow you to plan your two bracelets. After working the exercises, you choose your own colors for your two bracelets. You work the flat bracelet first and learn to create the beaded toggle to finish it. You then work the tubular bracelet and learn to decrease to finish the bracelet's ends and the beaded end-cap.
 

NEW! My Favorite Bracelet (Teacher: Jeanette Carmichael)

Resplendent with pearl, silver, and crystal beads, My Favorite Bracelet is the time-honored classic bracelet, at home with both casual and formal wear and easily paired with a pearl necklace and earrings. It is made to fit the student’s wrist perfectly and is fastened with a sterling silver clasp. The student will learn about beads and bead finishes, the reinforced square stitch foundation upon which the embellishment beads are attached, and a technique for a looped raised platform atop the foundation providing a dimension of height to the bracelet. Other techniques include various types of bead attachments, the application of filler beads, silver bead caps and spacers, and anchor and pivot beads, and two very simple beading knots to end and begin new threads. The Color Choice Challenge allows for choice of beads in colors to coordinate with any wardrobe.
 

Canvas

Flaming Jewels
Teacher: Linda Wyszynski

Counted canvas design with 24 needlepoint stitches. Adventurous students can take the color challenge; advanced students can choose their own threads/colors (detailed instructions included). Text has step-by-step instructions with clear computer diagrams.

Meadowsweet
Teacher: Sandy Rodgers

A single flower is the focal point for a wonderful design to learn easy methods of shading. Small areas are devoted to realistic, counted, scatter, and shaded blackwork techniques, all well within the intermediate skill level. In addition to project instructions, the text is a reference for the silk or cotton and metallic threads used.

Plum Blossoms
Teacher: Margaret Kinsey

Rozashi is an ancient Japanese needlepoint, worked on a fine silk canvas (ro). All stitches are upright. The threads are silk, metallic, and a mixture of silk and metal. The design and colors are traditional. Because Rozashi supplies are scarce in this country and because the job of pasting the ro to the frame is tedious, teacher will offer the complete kit needed for this course. The kit includes silk threads, design on ro mounted in the frame, needle, and finishing paste.

Rose Splendor
Teacher: Linda Wyszynski

Combine the techniques of lacy stitches, couching, basketweave, and beading while creating a sampler of 14 different stitches. Adventurous students can take the challenge to choose their own colors following the detailed instructions included. The text has step-by-step instructions with clear computer diagrams.

gcc_samplalgerianeyeSampling Needlepoint, Algerian Eye to Czar
Teacher: Wanda Linsley

This course will introduce a variety of needlepoint stitches ranging from simple straight and diagonal stitches, such as Beaty and Mosaic, to more complex stitches, such as Norwich and Velvet. Students can choose their own ground fabric, threads, and colors. It will give the experienced stitcher some challenges and new ideas while creating a delightful block sampler.

Stained Glass Pillow
Teacher: Mary Long

Inspired by Art Deco stained glass windows, this project is a sampler of canvas stitches suitable for finishing either as a pillow or wall hanging. Thirty-four common stitches have been used - some are easy, others more challenging. The illustrations are presented with some compensating stitches shown and space to diagram the rest. Basic technique for canvaswork is covered.

Star of Hearts
Teacher: Kathleen Rake

This course studies the world of layered composite stitches: Layers of individual stitches that are individual stitches on their own, but by layering them on top of each other you will create intricate composite stitch grounds. A composite stitch is composed of differen components of stitches or combinations of stitches. You may finish it as a framed project or if you prefer, there are optional instructions for finishing the hearts as ornaments. Student will use cotton, metallic, and silk threads to execute the fillings. Instructions for congress cloth, 18- or 14-ct, and 25-ct fabrics are given. There is a mini-course in color included in the text. Students are encouraged to use creativity and change colors and/or threads.

Counted Thread

17C English Style Sampler
Teacher: Ilse Altherr

The nine bands in this sampler were adapted from a variety of embroideries housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as in private collections throughout England. Eight different stitches are clearly diagramed; they include, but are not limited to, diagonal cross stitch, double-running, satin, four-sided, and closed herringbone.

Beginner’s Hardanger
Teacher: Marion Scoular

Elegant and lace-like, Hardanger embroidery is easier to stitch than it appears.Worked in the hand, it is great to take on your travels. The basic techniques are clearly explained, and you have the option of stitching in a solid color or experimenting with Watercolours®.

Beginning Drawn Thread Sampler
Teacher: Jonalene Gutwein

Do you love the look of the old linens with their beautiful drawn thread borders? Are you interested in working the band samplers with drawn thread bands incorporated in them? Then this course is for you. Learn drawn thread the right way from the start. The course also includes many hints to perfect your stitching now and in the future.

Handy Huswif
Teacher: Cathy Trostmann

The huswif (needle roll) and its accessories are a fun project that will give you a brief history of samplers and their motifs, as well as a variety of stitches to work. Complete directions for finishing the huswif and its accessories are all a part of the course. The accessories include a needle book, scissors fob, pin keeper, and envelope bag.

Mariposa
Teacher: Dakota Rogers

There is more than one way to cross a stitch! Designed and written for the beginning/intermediate student, as well as the experienced stitcher, Mariposa is comprised of 24 different crossed stitches. Simple drawn thread bands add balance. A nocut method is used when withdrawing the threads.

More Options…In Hardanger
Teacher: Dale Sokolow

For those of you who loved Options...in Hardanger, MORE Options...in Hardanger is for you. This class is an extension of the first, with a whole batch of new fillers and new ways to use them. The project has been stitched as a bell pull, but it also can be worked as a framed wall hanging or doily. The option is yours.

The Needle Is My Immortality
Teacher: Pat Rozendal

The sampler is designed with three openwork techniques: Hardanger, where background threads are cut; pulled thread, where background threads are distorted; and drawn thread, where background threads are removed. The openwork is combined with challenging variations of traditional stitches such as cross stitch over one intersection, and back stitch over one thread. The satin stitch border is done with overdyed thread, and instructions are included for controlling the flow of colors; however, it will still test the abilities of the most experienced chart readers.

Options…in Hardanger
Teacher: Dale Sokolow

For those who love Hardanger, there are never enough filler stitches. This class will show the student how to work 17 of them using diagonals, divided bars, blanket stitch, spider webs, dove's eyes, square filets and picots. A drawn thread border is also included. Three layouts will be offered, but the student will be encouraged to design one using the elements supplied.

Oksana’s Sampler
Teacher: Judith Gulick

Oksana's Sampler students tour eastern Europe while learning"painless designing" with step-by-step instructions, including changing colors while maintaining design continuity. Choosing just required elements, students work traditional folk heart, Hardanger accents, plus four bands chosen from 12 diagramed, or students create these samplers with either finished edge.Oksana's Sampler text covers almost every stitching level.

Swiss Sampler
Teacher: Ilse Altherr

Swiss Sampler is a compilation of patterns and motifs garnered from a 1665 sampler housed in the Landesmuseum, Zurich. It is worked mostly in double running stitch and long-arm cross stitch as well as simple cross stitch. Students have the freedom to adjust the size of their samplers to suit their individual taste.

Tiramisu
Teacher: Dakota Rogers

Tiramisu is a sampler comprised of 12 bands of reversible blackwork, adapted from 16th and 17th century Italian samplers. The model is stitched on fine white linen with stranded silk. A basic color theory course is included. Students have supply and color options.

To The Acorn
Teacher: Pat Krahn

This band sampler incorporates some of the many acorn patterns that have been used over the centuries in samplers while offering an assortment of stitches, some old, some new. The student will use 22 different stitches including double straight cross, marking cross, cross over one and two, Smyrna cross, cable, satin, double faggot, leviathan, buttonhole bars, double running (Holbein), Gobelin, rice, herringbone, four-sided, long arm, pea, mosaic (pulled), wave (pulled), cobbler (pulled), diamond eyelet, and an area of filet work with dove's eyes. There is drawn work with withdrawn/rewoven threads. The student will create a sampler using fabric and threads in a limited palette.

Winterspring
Teacher: Judith D. Gulick

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall? Whatever the season or your favorite colors, create the beautiful Norwegian Hardanger design, Winterspring. Finished as a chatelaine, sewing basket accessories, or ornaments for any holiday,Winterspring (or Summerfall?) is worked "in hand" for a very portable medium. Enhance every outfit, sewing basket, or season with Winterspring.

Quilting

Crazy Patch Adventure
Teacher: Kathleen N. Herman

Victorian crazy patchwork lets you orchestrate the placement of both patches and the surface embroidery showcased, including some from unfinished but existing needlework. Spider, chain, and fly stitch variations join paisley and fan motifs, among many other diagramed presentations. Personalize patches with small sentimental objects. Encounter a wide array of experiences awaiting your exploration.

Stumpwork

Fantasy Remembered
Luan Callery

This graceful vine holds many dimensional fruits of fancy. The outline stitched stem holds padded and wired leaves, raised fruit, and wrapped berries. Some are stitched directly to the linen, while others are attached later, giving variety to the task at hand. A dragonfly hovers nearby, instilling fear in the spider spinning its web.

Surface Embroidery

gcc_crewelchoicesCrewel Choices
Teacher: Judy Jeroy

This course is designed to encourage intermediate-level stitchers to make choices, take chances, and insert changes in my example. Students are encouraged to move the individual elements of the design around and/or reverse them. There is an element of mystery as students are challenged to find the things that I would change about the piece if I were doing it again. Numerous technical tips and hints will be given to allow participants to achieve excellence in this medium

Crewel Confidence
Teacher: Judy Jeroy

Stitch crewel embroidery with confidence while creating a graceful floral design. Fifteen stitches are explored, including stem/outline, chain, back stitch, buttonhole, fly, coral knot, spider, herringbone, satin, feather, and long and short shading. The course is designed for the advanced beginner in surface embroidery. History of the technique is also given.

Luck of the Irish
Teacher: Michele Roberts

The gold shamrock is dimensional embroidery worked in several styles of metal purls over green silk. Students in this course are introduced to the techniques and materials of traditional English goldwork, employing invisible couching, laying, twisting, chipping, laying parallel lines, and attaching spangles with purls.

Silk and Metal Embroidery
Teacher: Kay Stanis

The purpose of this class is to take the anxiety out of silk and metal embroidery as the floral design is worked. It is hoped that the students will become more comfortable with silk and metal threads and the techniques for embroidering them. I would like to share the delight that comes from the essence of silk with gold and silver threads of exquisite and treasured gifts, the splendor of pageantry, and the poetry of legend. This essence is the glimmering, exciting reality that we all share. Photo is an example only.

Whitework

gcc_casalguidelavenderCasalguidi and Lavender
Teacher: Barbara Kershaw

Casalguidi is an old and beautiful form of whitework from Italy, named after the village of its origin in Tuscany. In this course we will learn the traditional elements of this unique style of raised embroidery which includes detached buttonhole stitch, bullion knots, detached needleweaving, continuous wrapping, laced knotted buttonhole insertion, and the Casalguidi stitch which is a raised stem stitch band, all worked on a background of four-sided stitch. Left-handed instructions are available. Please state how many left-handed copies are needed when you register.

Dainty Trifles
Teacher: Dianne Lewandowski

A comprehensive reference course for beginning embroidery and hand sewing. Embroiderers will find this a satisfying introduction for developing skills in hemming and seaming. You will create a hanger or garment cover embellished with basic surface stitches, learn problem solving, and adjust to white threads on a white ground of student's design.

White Queen
Teacher: Carolyn Webb

In this whitework band sampler you will explore pulled and
drawn thread work and learn the difference. White Queen will
teach hemstitching and several ways to finish the edges. Texture is emphasized with stitches and threads; beads and fresh-water pearls accent the design.

Other

Teapot Cosy
Teacher: Dianne Lewandowski

An introductory course for Australian wool embroidery. You will create a padded tea cosy embellished with basic surface stitches, learn new ways of embroidering with wool on a wool ground incorporate drawn fabric and darning stitches, and develop new and interesting skills in fabric manipulation, felling, tacking, catch stitching, and seaming as it pertains to construction.

gcc_finishingwithflairFinishing with Flair
Teacher: Marion Scoular

A notebook course covering three useful techniques for finishing your needlework and instructions for lacing needlework for framing. Do the finishing yourself, save money, and know that the work is done well. Little expense is involved as you may use scraps from your collection.

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