2019 Seminar Classes

Tuesday evening mini-classes are presented by the Heartland Region and requires a separate Registration Form from the seminar registration. Cost of a class is $50 plus kit fee. Start your seminar off with one of these classes at the Marriott St. Louis Grand hotel.

This is a bead weaving bracelet class for students of all levels of ability. Some participants will be able to finish the bracelet during the class. Others will leave with a working knowledge of all the steps to complete the bracelet on their own. Participants will learn a modified ladder stitch base with embellishment added with a circle stitch.  Various bead weaving tips will be presented throughout the class.

Technique: Bead Weaving
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $45
Design Area: approximately 1” wide x length to fit wrist
Kit Contents: Michele Kruse created pattern, 4mm Swarovski pearls, 3mm Czech fire polished beads, 6/0 and 11/0 seed beads, clasp, needles, thread, bead mat

Student Provides: Scissors for cutting thread, light and magnification, if needed

Download: Registration Form

Tuesday evening mini-classes are presented by the Heartland Region and requires a separate Registration Form from the seminar registration. Cost of a class is $50 plus kit fee. Start your seminar off with one of these classes at the Marriott St. Louis Grand hotel.

Hardanger embroidery comes from the Hardanger region of southwestern Norway. This form of hand-done openwork, known as Norwegian Drawn Work, dates back to the 1600’s. Traditional designs were stitched with white thread on white linen. Today, this traditional counted thread needle art is done on cotton hardanger fabric with two sizes of pearl cotton. In the Heartland Hardanger Heart class, students will create a small hardanger heart suitable for use as an ornament or for framing. Stitches for this project will include kloster blocks, buttonhole stitch, eyelets, woven bars and dove’s eyes.

Technique: Hardanger
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost:  $11
Design Area: Approximately 3” X 3”
Kit Contents: Instructions, 22-count hardanger fabric, needles, #5 and #8 pearl cotton, hardanger reference book

Student Provides: Sharp, finely, pointed scissors, 4” embroidery hoop (optional), light and magnification if needed

Download: Registration Form

Tuesday evening mini-classes are presented by the Heartland Region and requires a separate Registration Form from the seminar registration. Cost of a class is $50 plus kit fee. Start your seminar off with one of these classes at the Marriott St. Louis Grand hotel.

Stitched on 32 count white Jobelan® over one fabric thread with one strand of floss, this Thanksgiving Strawberry includes pumpkins, a turkey, fall leaves along with three sailing ships to represent the coming to America. In class students will go over all instructions for stitching the strawberry. During class students will stuff a fabric practice strawberry and add a loop ribbon top. This will help when finishing the stitched strawberry. Students will have the option to add a felt turkey by cutting felt pieces and attaching to the outside of your stuffed strawberry.  

Technique: Cross stitch over one thread
Proficiency: Basic/Intermediate
Kit Cost: $25
Design Area: 2“strawberry
Kit Contents: Sharon Maxwell created pattern, finishing instructions, 32-count Jobelan®, needle, thread, finishing materials for both the stitched and practice strawberry

Student Provides: Usual stitching tools. Task light and magnification if needed

Download: Registration Form

Tuesday evening mini-classes are presented by the Heartland Region and requires a separate Registration Form from the seminar registration. Cost of a class is $50 plus kit fee. Start your seminar off with one of these classes at the Marriott St. Louis Grand hotel.

Students will stitch a delightful needle case on fine linen twill using cotton floss.  Stitches include split stitch, padded satin stitch, stem stitch and basic silk shading.

Technique: Silk shading, surface embroidery
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $50
Design Area: 4” X 5”
Kit Contents: Instructions, linen, DMC® floss, needle, wool flannel or felt, lining fabric, color flyer with historical information about the pattern

Student Provides: additional size 8 embroidery needles, a ring frame/hoop frame that can be mounted on a table or seat stand in addition to their usual embroidery tools. Usual stitching supplies, lighting and magnification if needed

Download: Registration Form

Presented as a notebook class, the student will make 16 different samples of fillings and 8 different kloster variations. Ideas for a set piece will be suggested in the student letter. If the student decides to make a biscornu, some filling designs will be squared off to fit in 2” squares.

Technique: Hardanger embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate/Advanced
Kit Cost: $35
Design Area: Depends on linen choice
Kit Contents: Instructional book

Student Provides: Choice of linen (may be scraps or larger pieces) and threads to fit linen, usual stitching supplies

LIMITED SEATING

Rescent – short for rose crescent angel – is a study of variations of crescent stitches. Bring Rescent to life with crescent stitches, along with Jessica’s, mistakes, and plaited ray stitches. Work these stitches with an array of lustrous threads, including Soie Perlee, Petite Silk Lame’ Braid, and Elegance® silks, Petite Very Velvet® Crystal Braid® and Sparkle!® and Accentuate, Kreinik and Treasure Braid® metallics. Rescent will be embellished with pearls, crystals, and beads to make this angel glimmer.

Technique: Counted canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $145
Design Area: 8.3˝ x 8.6˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 18-count mono canvas, a wide array of Rainbow Gallery threads, metallics, other threads, beads, pearls, crystals, needles

Student Provides:  15” x15” stretcher bars, tacks or staples, laying tool, frame stand/weight, usual stitching supplies, light (extension cord) and magnification, if needed

Berries grow wild in Humboldt County, California. In late summer, plump and juicy berries can be found along roadsides, on the river banks and in the forest. In this class, students will learn intermediate stumpwork embroidery while couching wire, creating padded slips, wrapping beads and wire, and using needle lace techniques to create wild blackberries, blueberries and a strawberry.

Technique: Stumpwork
Prerequisite: Experience with surface embroidery encouraged
Proficiency: Intermediate/Advanced
Kit Cost: $45
Design Area: 3˝ x 3˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, silk shantung, cotton fabric, stranded silk and cotton threads, beads, felt, 33-gauge wrapped wire, needles

Students Provides: 4” embroidery hoop; 9”x 9” Evertite frame or stretcher bars, OR 8” embroidery hoop; wire cutters; 6” ruler; white tissue paper; tweezers; acid free dark green felt tip marking pen; acid free glue stick; masking tape; mechanical pencil or Pigma® pen; small sharp scissors; scissors for cutting paper; sewing thread; needle threader; usual stitching supplies; magnification, highly recommended

CLASS IS FULL

Worked on Japanese organza with one strand of Australian hand dyed silk, this piece is made up of simple stitches worked in such a way as to layer themselves on and under the organza. The embroidered organza floats above a foamcore stage with a thin stick of dried agapanthus stem. The background helps give the embroidery a floating look.

Technique: Organza embroidery
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 12” x 12˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, Japanese organza, thread, organza, work frame, needle, DVD

Student Provides: Scissors for threads, 2B mechanical pencil, sticky tape, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

LIMITED SEATING

Designed as a fireplace screen for a special friend, Helen, the garden offers opportunities for experimentation and playing with different filling patterns. Explore the play of light and shadow and explore laid and woven stitches used in unique ways.

Technique: Crewel
Proficiency: Basic/Intermediate
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 10˝ x 5˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, linen with design applied, crewel thread, metallic threads, needles, color photograph.

Student Provides: 6” hoop (not plastic!) or stretcher bars 14” x 19”, tacks, usual stitching supplies

Be introduced to color theory of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters and apply this knowledge to color mixing in embroidery. Be guided through a series of exercises to challenge your color mixing with thread utilizing basic embroidery stitches. Work on a sampler of basic stitches and compile a notebook of references and resources addressing embroidery and color theory.  

Technique: Basic embroidery, create notebook on color mixing and theory
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $75
Design Area: 8˝ x 8˝
Kit Contents: Muslin, Valdani and Weeks Dye Works variegated cotton floss, needles, tissue paper

Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies

Pieces of the Past is a journey into the world of steampunk. The stitches represent a needlepointer’s interpretation of this genre. After placing the rubber-stamped handmade paper and these selected stitches: Walnetto, medallions, herringbone, Amadeus, Casique, pinwheel, corset stitch, lacy Jessica, sprats head, eight-point star, fleur-de-lis and double fan, you will complete the design by adding beads, gears, charms and a metal lock.

Technique: Canvaswork
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $130
Design Area: 8˝ x 10˝
Kit Contents: 18-count canvas, floss, #5 pearl cotton, Flair®, Watercolours®, Impressions®, Kreinik, Soy Luster, Spendor®, handmade paper, copper heart, beads, gears, lock, metal square, charms, needles
Student Provides: 12”x14” stretcher bars – no scroll frame, small ruler, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

Tulips dance within a framework of a pulled thread “mat.” Begin with a brief overview of historical pulled thread work. Then explore a variety of pulled thread stitches with optional intermediate patterns for those familiar with pulled thread. This offers some exploration of your personal creativity so that no two completed projects will be the same. Upon completion of this project, you will be prepared to design your own piece in the future.

Technique: Pulled thread
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 12˝ x 12˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, framed 28-count linen, threads, needles

Student Provides:  Usual stitching supplies

Create this bead embroidered bracelet showcasing the new and exciting pre-cut metallic leather in a beautiful lace design. This bracelet will be embellished with silk ribbon, pearls, seed beads, and beaded flowers.  

Technique: Beads with leather
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 1 3/4˝ x 7˝ adjustable
Kit Contents: Leather, interfacing, Ultrasuede®, beads

Student Provides: Additional #12 short beading needles, scissors, work surface mat, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

LIMITED SEATING

He is hungry, but he just cannot reach them. He can see them, but they are just out of reach. He is frustrated so the grapes must taste sour. The hungry red fox looks longingly at the beautiful grape vines that decorate the sewing case cover.  Inside the case are needle pages, waxer, and a pincushion. Learn several techniques used to create contemporary raised embroidery while working on the charming sewing case.

Technique: Stumpwork and counted thread work
Proficiency: Advanced intermediate
Kit Cost: $140
Design Area: 5 1/2˝ x 8˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 34-count Legacy linen, muslin, silk, cotton, metallic threads, beads, felt, needles, hoop, finishing materials

Student Provides:  Usual stitching supplies

Perched in the vines a delightful little wren eyes an insect. There is added challenge because of the density of stitches in this project. The class expands on twelve of the basic stitches and primary dimensional stitches of Brazilian embroidery.    

Technique: Brazilian/Dimensional embroidery with beading
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $45
Design Area: 5 3/4˝ x 4˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, blazer poplin Trigger cloth fabric, practice fabric, threads, needles, beads, felt

Student Provides: Small, sharp scissors, 4” to 6” embroidery hoop(s) (it is sometimes helpful to have different sizes), needle threader, light and magnification, if needed

In Japan the chrysanthemum is most revered. It symbolizes beauty and elegance. These mums are worked in the line stitch, the irregular, satin, and ichi dan san straight stitch. The forefront flower is the darkest color while the two receding mums have lighter colors. Leaves are worked in ni dan straight and the line stitch. Water lines are worked in line stitch. Background is worked using the ni dan step stitch. All stitches are traditional to rozashi.

Technique: Rozashi
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $80
Design Area: 5˝ x 5˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, ro (silk ground fabric) attached to the frame, Japanese needle, sticking paste, color image, silk and metallic threads

Student Provides:  Needle threader for fine needles, scissors for cutting silks, scissors for cutting thread, pencil and pad, thimble, beeswax, a lap cloth of dark colored fabric or dark clothes to help see the holes in the ro, light and magnification (most important for success with this technique)

What is more inviting than a garden occupied with delightful butterflies? Use your gardening skills to create this Bargello collage. Explore many different traditional Bargello techniques including Florentine patterns and Hungarian point. The butterfly focal point can be stitched as a separate piece for a box-top or small framed piece. Three colorways are offered: red/green, blue morpho (turquoise to teal), and the monarch (oranges to brown).

Colorways:

Technique: Counted canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 12˝ x 10.5˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 18-count mono canvas, Silk & Ivory®, pearl cotton #3, Threadworx® Expressions, other threads, photographs, needles

Student Provides: 1 pair of 16” AND 1 pair of 15” stretcher bars, tacks or staples, frame or frame-weight, laying tool, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

CLASS IS FULL

The techniques are taken from a 16th century Elizabethan Guild Crown that is not on public display in any London museum. Many of the goldwork techniques found on this crown do not exist on any other surviving piece of embroidery. Use long & short stitch, satin stitch, gold couching, and burden stitch. In addition, learn the application of spangles, cutting & application of broad plate. Create spiral strapping with gold plated jeweler’s wire.  Some techniques on The Elizabethan Plum Tree differ from those on the Elizabethan Cherry Tree. Other stitch techniques will be shared.

Technique: Surface embroidery and goldwork
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $120
Design Area: 4 1/2˝ x 6 1/2˝
Kit Contents: Taffeta, organdie, gold plated wire, DMC® threads, goldwork threads, purl and wires, backing fabric, spangles, wire forms, beeswax, needles

Student Provides: Ecru sewing thread, scotch tape, black pen, 10” hoop (no stretcher bars), usual stitching supplies

St. Louis is one of three cities (also New Orleans and Louisville) with the French Bourbon fleur de lys in the city flag. One side of the purse is gold, pearl and Swarovski crystal fleur de lys with a Bargello background. The other side is the Gateway Arch in silver, the river in Bargello wave pattern, the skyline in dark gold and the sky in iridescent cream and silver. Finishing will be discussed.

Technique: Bargello and surface embellishments
Proficiency: Intermediate/Advanced
Kit Cost: $119 or $149 with purse
Design Area: 6 3/4˝ x 4 1/8˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 18-count mono canvas, Rainbow Gallery ribbons, threads, needles, practice canvas

Student Provides: Three frames: two 8”x10” frames for inserts, one 8”x8” frame for practice, plenty of tacks, laying tool, good frame support, light and magnification

In 1804-1806, Lewis and Clark led the Corps of Discovery from St. Louis through uncharted lands towards the Pacific Ocean. They catalogued hundreds of plants and animals new to science. This crazy quilt landscape features a few of what the Corps recorded. Embroidered inhabitants will be identified and rendered with stitching techniques that bring traditional crazy quilting up-to-date with contemporary threads and embellishments. Learn two methods of foundation piecing. No sewing machine is used. Complete as a one-of-a-kind hussif, a charming snap-top bag or a dimensional vessel.

Technique: Crazy quilt and embellishment
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 15˝ x 8˝
Kit Contents: Instructions for stitches and finishing, muslin, batiks, beads, ribbons, sequins, fibers, floss, interfacings, bead mat

Student Provides: Scissors (both for fabric and paper,) pincushion and pins, needle threader, thimble, thread (white, cream, black, medium gray are good neutrals,) mechanical pencil, eraser, washable marking pencil(s), quilter’s marking pencils, pencil sharpener, fine-tip permanent marker, seam ripper, masking tape, Stiletto, a selection of white, medium green, and pastel yellow and pink stranded cotton floss, size 10 bead embroidery needles, size 10 betweens, embroidery needles in assorted sizes, chenille needles in assorted sizes, beading thread –either Nymo® or Silamide—in light, medium, and dark neutral colors, 16” snap frame

Enchanting Delftware patterns are worked using blackwork techniques, including several methods of shading or changing the color.

Technique: Blackwork with surface stitches
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $30
Design Area: 9˝ x 9˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 28-count linen, threads

Student Provides: 12” X 12” stretcher bars, 6-9” hoops, usual stitching supplies  

A variety of counted thread patterns featuring strawberries & a script alphabet adorn the cover & pages of this 3-1/2” square book. Stitching is worked with silk threads in red, green, & black. The student is introduced to a wide range of stitches such as queen, rice, long-arm cross, Montenegrin, satin, & petit point that can be used as the student wishes to create the pages. Detailed finishing instructions are included.

Technique: Counted thread
Proficiency: Intermediate/Advanced
Kit Cost: $130
Design Area: 3 1/2˝ x 3 1/2˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 32-count linen, silk threads, DMC® Cordonnet, needles, practice fabric, color copies, most finishing materials

Student Provides: Scroll frame for pages, optional scroll frame or stretcher bars for cover, usual stitching supplies

Give a gift to yourself—time all to yourself so you can work on projects in the company of friends—with access to an instructor to provide guidance, suggestions, and help with stumbling blocks. It just doesn’t get any better!

Technique: Any
Proficiency: All

Learn to design and create your own garden using patterns of drawn flowers, garden implements and features. This class is aimed at helping and encouraging those who feel they are unable to draw their own designs. The garden can be created on a small, simple scale or on a larger scale for those wanting more of a challenge. Be introduced to a variety of 3-dimensional, raised and textured stitches and learn how to apply them to the design. Create a piece that is uniquely personal.

Technique: Color & design; raised and textured embroidery (no silk ribbon embroidery)
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $150
Design Area: 4˝ x 9˝ or as desired
Kit Contents: Instructions, linen/cotton blend fabric, muslin, pelmet Vilene®, Chameleon hand-dyed pearl #12 & #16, stranded cotton, metallic and DMC® threads, needles, colored photographs, stitch glossary, practice cloth

Student Provides: 6” hoop for practicing stitches AND a 9” hoop for the design, table clamp or seat frame so hands are free, usual stitching supplies, lightbox is needed.

Explode your stitching and patriotic decorating with these 3 stand-up Firecrackers. Each Firecracker is stitched and finished separately, but will tie together with threads and patterns. Using silks, metallic, velvet, Neon Rays+®, and of course, Fyre Werks®, these Firecrackers come to life and become a favorite display for the Independence Day holiday. Stitches include old favorites, as well as, a few surprises. The finishing can include exploding tops. The fun star embellishments add the perfect touch.

Technique: Canvas embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $175
Design Area: 10” x 3”; 7” x 2 ¼”; 5” x 1 ½”
Kit Contents: Instructions, 18-count mono canvas, needles & case, photograph, threads, beads, & embellishments

Student Provides:  13” x 14” and 11” x 11” and 9” x 9” stretcher bars, usual stitching supplies

LIMITED SEATING

It is a beautiful, sunny, summer day and the virgin prairie is in full flower as a large billed Dickcissel surveys his native domain, the prairie landscape. Class will include discussion relating to color theory in landscape design and stitch techniques including soft shading and stitching bird forms. Students will paint the background landscape using acrylic paints. Making self-cords and the actual construction of the box will be demonstrated.  

Technique: Surface embroidery
Proficiency: Advanced intermediate
Kit Cost: $138
Design Area: 3 1/2˝ x 3 1/4˝ 6-sided box
Kit Contents: Instructions, hand painted linen, silk embroidery threads, pearl cotton #12 and #5, needles, mat board, Mylar®, Steam-A-Seam®, quilt bat, Pellon®

Student Provides: 5” hoop, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

LIMITED SEATING

Learn the basics of three lesser known whitework techniques with this soft sided cube sampler. Two sides feature Holsaum from Norway, which is similar to Hardanger with lots of eyelets, but without the cutwork. Two sides feature Punt ’e nù from Sardinia, a highly textural embroidery made by knots on the fabric surface. Two sides are worked in Guimarães embroidery from Portugal, with drawn thread work and lots of bullions. Directions for constructing the cube will be included.

Technique: Holsaum (Norway), Punt ‘e nù (Sardinia), Guimarães embroidery (Portugal)
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $32
Design Area: 2.5˝ x 2.5” x 2.5˝
Kit Contents: 28, 35, and 38-count linens, pearl cotton #8 and #12, needles

Student Provides: 4” hoop (required); sharp, finely pointed scissors (required); light and magnification is highly recommende

As summer is ending, the meadows are alive with a variety of wild flowers and trees changing color. Stitches emphasize patterns based on diamond shaped variations. The student has a choice of placement of floral bands by increasing or changing stitches. Experimentation is encouraged.

Technique: Needlepoint
Proficiency: Advanced intermediate
Kit Cost: $130
Design Area: 7 1/4˝  x 9 1/2˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 24-count congress cloth, threads including Thread Gatherer’s Silk N Colors™, Threadworx®, overdyed floss, and DMC® floss, needles

Student Provides:  11”x14” stretcher bars, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

CLASS IS FULL

Design will be screen printed onto the fabric. Be introduced to a variety of 3-dimensional, raised and textured stitches and learn how to apply them to the design. Stitches include backstitch, split stitch, buttonhole, detached chain or lazy daisy, stem, overcast, stem stitch, tufting, bullion and other stitches. This little piece can be framed or made into a pincushion, etc.

Technique: Raised and textured embroidery
Proficiency: Basic and Intermediate
Kit Cost: $65
Design Area: 4˝ x 4˝ or as desired
Kit Contents: Instructions, linen/cotton blend fabric, muslin, pearl cotton #12, hand dyed thread, needles, stitch glossary, practice cloth, photograph

Student Provides: Frame or 6” hoop, usual stitching supplies

This is an embellishment class. Learn how to print the fabric ready for embellishment. Then spend the rest of the class stitching the panel. The DVD has examples of other embellishment projects plus a pdf of the patterns in the class. For those who do not possess design skills but enjoy stitching, embellishment is an exciting world. This class shows how to begin the journey. 

Technique: Fabric embellishment
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $20
Design Area: approximately 3˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, pre-printed fabric, nylon brooch form, pin, thread, needle, DVD

Student Provides: 4” hoop, scissors, needles, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

Inspired by William Morris designs, Night Blooms is a small taste of crewel stitches.

Technique: Crewel
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $35
Design Area: 4” circle
Kit Contents: Linen with basic design applied and edges finished, a variety of crewel threads, needles

Student Provides: 6” hoop (not plastic), embroidery scissors, pencil, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

LIMITED SEATING

Create a bead embroidered embellished dragonfly with a bail and a Russian spiral rope. Learn basic bead embroidery stitches including the back, stop and brick stitch. Creating the damselflies is really fun and highly addictive. They can be used to embellish many things, so let your imagination explore! You have a choice of colors.

Technique: Beading
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $85
Design Area: 1 1/2˝ x 3˝with optional 18” Russian spiral necklace
Kit Contents: Beads, interfacing, needles

Student Provides:  Additional #12 short beading needles, scissors, work surface mat, usual stitching supplies, if needed light and magnification

CLASS IS FULL

An elegant set of accessories is created with dimensional embroidery that is finished with beads. The round scissors fob has a lovely grapevine design on both sides. Its edge is decorated with Delica® beads creating a beautiful tool. The scissors fob is complimented by a matching scissors pocket making it a beautiful set. Learn basic dimensional techniques and finishing while completing the grapevine inspired design.

 Technique: Stumpwork & Beading
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $85
Design Area: 2˝ x 4 1/4˝, pocket; 2” diameter, fob
Kit Contents: Instructions, Robert Kaufmann Fusions® Regent cotton fabric, muslin, silk, cotton, metallic threads, beads, felt, needles, finishing materials

Student Provides:  Usual stitching supplies

LIMITED SEATING

Stitch decadent treats while working with rayon threads used in Brazilian embroidery. Treats are: Ice cream cone – 1” x 1 5/8”, birthday cake – 1 3/8”x 1 3/8”, banana split 2 1/8”x 1 1/4”, layer cake 2”x 1 1/8”, cupcake – 1 1/8” x 1 1/8.” Use the motifs to embellish crazy quilts, gift tags, greeting cards, etc.,or as tiny framed works of art.

 Technique: Brazilian/Dimensional Embroidery
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $40
Design Area: 1˝-2 1/8” x 1 1/8”-1 5/8″
Kit Contents: Instructions, blazer poplin Trigger cloth fabric, practice fabric, threads, needles, beads

Student Provides: Small, sharp scissors, 4” to 6” embroidery hoop(s) (it is sometimes helpful to have different sizes, but larger than the 6” will not work with these designs), needle threader, light and magnification, if needed

Sampler in Purple is a study in traditional Japanese patterns. The colors are shades of purple, light reds, green and pale green urushi thread. The stitches are traditional to rozashi. The finished piece is suitable for a small box top, an insert into a larger box or a small hanging.

Technique: Rozashi
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $50
Design Area: 3.25˝ x 3˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, ro (silk ground fabric) attached to the frame, silk and urushi threads, non-sticking paste, needles, color photograph

Student Provides:  Needle threader for fine needles, scissors for cutting silks, scissors for cutting metal thread, pencil and pad, thimble, beeswax, light and magnification (most important for success with this technique), a lap cloth of dark colored fabric or dark clothes to help see the holes in the ro.

CLASS IS FULL

The Magna Carta, an important document in western history, established that everyone is subject to the law and guarantees the rights of individuals, the right to justice and the right to a fair trial by jury. Create a matching set of scissor fob and needle case. The elaborate medieval “E” stands for embroidery and for King Edward, who confirmed the document’s final version. Use 3-dimensional monogram techniques. Learn satin stitch over laid cord foundation, raised satin, stem, Smyrna cross, and Venetian picot stitch.

Technique: Surface embroidery & whitework monogram
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $40
Design Area: 3 1/4˝ square needlecase, 2 1/4” square fob
Kit Contents: DMC® floss and threads, pearl cotton, fine shadow work linen, needles, ribbons, handmade counterweight for the scissor fob

Student Provides: Lining (needlecase)/backing (scissor fob) in fabric of choice, 6” embroidery hoop, usual stitching supplies.

Second in a series, this piece includes bands of old hedebo and drawn thread, Ukrainian drawn thread, three bands of surface embroidery, and an eyelet variation. A band of needlelace leaves completes the piece.  The student may substitute a stitch for the leaves.

Technique: Whitework, drawn and pulled thread
Proficiency: Intermediate/Advanced
Kit Cost: $75
Design Area: 9 1/2˝ x 4 1/2˝
Kit Contents: 24-count congress cloth, pearl cotton #8 and #12, silk Waterlilies® in choice of colors, stretcher bars

Student Provides: Scissors, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

Dali’s Diamonds is named for the bending lines in the center row of the three-tier diamond shape. Enhance this middle row with a metallic paint of your color choice, making Dali’s Diamonds individualized and eye catching. Diamonds are stitched with a variety of overlapping stitches, using sprats heads and wrapped eyelet stitches. Threads include Gloriana, Waterlilies®, Soie Perlee and Elegance® silks, and Accentuate metallics. Beads and crystals add depth and sparkle to this distinctive 3D piece.

Technique: Geometric stitching, canvaswork, embellishment
Proficiency: Advanced intermediate
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 10˝ x 6˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 18-count mono canvas, all threads, silks, metallics, crystals, beads, needles

Student Provides: 14” x 10” stretcher bars, tacks or staples, laying tool, frame stand/weight, usual stitching supplies, light (extension cord) and magnification, if needed

Learn to design around recycled aluminum products and create a flow in design. Cut and shape the aluminum, the base fabrics and attach the aluminum. There are many grades and varieties of aluminum and we will share with others gaining knowledge of supplies. The aim will not be just to stitch pieces of aluminum to fabric but to integrate all materials into a cohesive piece of art. Enjoy experimenting.

Technique: Stitch recycling and free style
Proficiency: Basic/Intermediate
Kit Cost: $30
Design Area: 12˝ x 12˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, DVD. (All other materials will be provided by the student as described in an introductory letter sent before class.)

Student Provides: Lightweight canvas stretcher bars, coke can, scissors suitable for cutting aluminum, aluminum foil disposable bake ware, thread of any color, type or thickness, beads, nuts, bolts, washers, chamois and/or black poplin or similar as a base fabric

Experience this introduction to contemporary goldwork embroidery with thread mixing and shading for the blossom.

Technique: Goldwork, surface embroidery
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $90
Design Area: 3˝ x 6˝
Kit Contents: 36-count linen, Weeks Dye Works and Valdani embroidery flosses, metal wires, needles, tissue paper

Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies

CLASS IS FULL

The Michigan Great Lakes shoreline is decorated with a variety of stones, driftwood and shells, which can be used to create a beautiful beach piece. Select a focal point, such as, a Petoskey stone, a variety of beach items, and add stitches to create your own piece. Learn how to attach items to the ground fabric, create a fake bullion and how to make a shell.

Technique: Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $80
Design Area: 8˝ x 10˝
Kit Contents: Linen or 18-count canvas, overdyed floss, Perle Finca #3, DMC® pearl cotton #8 and #12, Alpaca, Watercolours®, Impressions®, Petoskey stone, driftwood, stones, shells, beads, felt, needles

Student Provides: 12” x 16” stretcher bars – no scroll frame, colored pencils, usual class stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

LIMITED SEATING

Choose either a charted design or a canvas with sections outlined awaiting the student’s choice of stitch placement. Either design uses the same stitches, the exception being a Bargello pattern, uses the same or similar threads, ranging from shiny to matte plus a variegated thread and a ribbon to make this project unique. Both designs have an unusual interlaced border stitched over a ribbon underlay. The unworked canvas is part of the design. Color choices include grey, aqua, tan and white.

Colorways:

Technique: Canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $75
Design Area: 8˝ x 8˝ or 6 ½” x 9 ½”
Kit Contents: Instructions, framed 18-count canvas, threads, needles

Student Provides: Clamp, frame weight or stand, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

Make this beaded embroidered pendant and necklace. Ellis created the muse using “Raku” clay and firing technique. No two will be exactly alike. Learn basic bead embroidery techniques, including the bead backstitch, circular peyote, brick edge stitch, and a modified version of the Russian spiral for the rope. The addition of chain and pearls enhance the finished piece.

Technique: Bead embroidery
Proficiency: Basic/Intermediate
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: Varies depending on length of rope
Kit Contents: Interfacing, muse, beads, thread

Student Provides:  Additional #12 short beading needles, scissors, work surface mat, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification, if needed

LIMITED SEATING

A warm spring day in the garden would not be complete without the beautiful songs of the birds. Every year the warblers stop at Magee Marsh to feed before flying over Lake Erie. The detailed birds on the cover of the case look as if they will join the migration. Learn several techniques used to create contemporary raised embroidery while working on the charming sewing box.

Technique: Stumpwork and counted thread
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Kit Cost: $140
Design Area: 6˝ x 4˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 34-count Legacy linen, muslin, silk, cotton, metallic threads, beads, felt, needles, finishing materials

Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies

A miniature landscape worked with counted, surface and pulled techniques on hand painted linen create a meditational spot in this miniature terrarium. Focus will be on using color, stitch placement, dimensional stitches and padding to create a unique garden with rhythmic use of stitches to draw the eye through the design. Each garden will be a special creation as you choose colors, stitches, and threads.

Technique: Fabric painting, counted, surface & pulled techniques, padding, finishing
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $93
Design Area: 8˝ x 8˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 32-count Zweigart® Belfast linen, cotton and wool threads, Jacquard® textile paint set, finishing materials, Royal® paint brush, needles, photographs, and glass box

Student Provides: Frame or hoop, usual stitching supplies

CLASS IS FULL

Bees buzz in a garden of dimensional roses, mums, carnations and daisies. Be introduced to twelve of the basic stitches and primary dimensional stitches and how to work with the rayon threads used in Brazilian embroidery. Explore how stitch placement creates a different look.

Technique: Brazilian/Dimensional embroidery
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $45
Design Area: 6 3/8˝ x 7 1/2˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, blazer poplin Trigger cloth, practice fabric, threads, needles, beads, felt

Student Provides: Small, sharp scissors, 4” to 6” embroidery hoop(s) (it is sometimes helpful to have different sizes), needle threader, light and magnification, if needed

CLASS IS FULL

Join us in working this exotic lily in metal threads. Relatively new to market are #5 Japan metal threads in colors of magenta, green and other assorted colors. These new colored Japan threads are highlighted in this piece and accompanied with check purl, #5 Japan gold, imitation and pearl purl. Stitches include couching, diagonal satin, and chipping. Learn the brick pattern couching, diagonal satin stitch using check purl, chipping, and attaching pearl purl.

Technique: Metal thread embroidery
Proficiency: Basic/Intermediate
Kit Cost: $80
Design Area: 7˝ x 6˝
Kit Contents: Illustrated booklet, silk shantung fabric, #5 Japan thread, #6 check purl, pearl purl, couching thread, invisible thread, hemmed cotton, needles

Student Provides:  One pair 14” stretcher bars, 1 pair 16” stretcher bars,  thumbtacks, frame holder, beeswax, scissors for cutting silk, scissors for cutting metals, tweezers with sharp points, needle threader for fine needles, needle threader for tapestry needles, pencil with blue or yellow lead, velvet board (5” to 6” piece of velvet glued to piece of cardboard of same size), Koma or felt roll (toilet paper roll wrapped in felt will work), 6” see through ruler

Purple rocks and yellow moths? Nature surprises us with its wild display of color. Create such a setting for a beautiful appliqued moth by making color placement and stitch density choices, mastering puddling and subtractive stitching. Manipulate composite stitches and overdyed threads creating wonderful organic textures and subtle color play. Practice the applique technique on a small companion canvas and come away with two versions of the design. Keep one and set one free!

Technique: Counted canvas and canvas applique
Proficiency: Advanced
Prework: three hours of stitching
Kit Cost: $175
Design Area: 6.5˝ x 13.5” and 3” x 5”
Kit Contents: Instructions, 18-count mono canvas, congress cloth, Vineyard Silk, Splendor®, Mandarin Floss, Wildflowers®, Painter’s Threads, Silk Lame’ Braid, needles, photographs

Student Provides: One pair 12”, one pair 18”, three pairs 8”, 3 pairs 6” stretcher bars, tacks or staples, frame stand, clamps or frame-weight for two-handed stitching, laying tool, utility scissors to cut canvas, straight pins, usual stitching supplies, most importantly – imagination

LIMITED SEATING

The techniques are taken from a 16thcentury Elizabethan Guild Crown that is not on public display. Many of the techniques found on this crown do not exist on any other surviving piece of embroidery. Use long & short stitch, satin stitch, gold couching, trellis, and burden stitch. In addition, learn the application of spangles, cutting & application of broad plate. Create spiral strapping with gold plated jeweler’s wire. Some techniques on the Elizabethan Cherry Tree differ from those on The Elizabethan Plum Tree.   Other stitch techniques will be shared.

Technique: Goldwork, surface embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $120
Design Area: 4 1/2˝ x 6 1/2˝
Kit Contents: Taffeta, organza, gold plated jeweler’s wire, DMC® threads, specialty threads, silk organdie, backing fabric, spangles, needles, forms for twisting wires, beeswax, beads, fine Japan gold, goldwork threads, purl & wires

Student Provides: Ecru sewing thread, scotch tape, black pen, 10” hoop (no stretcher bars), usual stitching supplies

Significant differences identify traditional European goldwork and ethnic goldwork. Designs, materials, and techniques all vary. Learn about zardozi (northern India) and sadi (southern India) embroidery. How to simulate tambour work with chain stitch and how to add texture without padding are only two examples of your experience in this class.

Technique: Ethnic gold bullion embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $88
Design Area: 7˝ x 5˝ x ¼”
Kit Contents: Instructions, threads, needles, tissue, wax paper, gold and colored bullions, jewels, wax, practice supplies, photograph

Student Provides: Frame and frame support, tools for working with metal, separate frame and fabric for practice, optional piece of brocade or silk, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification

Add texture, highlights and patterns to your work with stitch variations and threads. Get the most from basic stitch families by adapting and modifying them.   Experiment with four stitch families: blanket stitch, herringbone stitch, knotted stitches and woven stitches. Select colors and threads to alter basic stitches, create a sampler or stitch several suggested small pieces.  

Technique: Basic stitches
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $50
Design Area: Varies from 6” to 8˝ x 8” to 10˝
Kit Contents:  Kona cotton, doodle cloth, needles, pearl cotton, specialty threads in wool, cotton, rayon, and silk

Student Provides: 10” x 12” stretcher bars or hoop to fit fabric

LIMITED SEATING

A strawberry border surrounds an all-American scene featuring a log cabin, American flag, pine trees, verdant grass, and woolly sheep.  A quote from Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address is displayed in the midst of the sampler and a cartouche enclosing an alphabet and personalization finishes the piece. Stitches include long-arm cross, Smyrna cross, Roman stitch, various satin stitches, petit point, diagonal cross, trellis stitch, buttonhole stitch, oblong cross, and stem stitch.

Technique: Counted thread
Proficiency: Intermediate/Advanced
Kit Cost: $130
Design Area: 13˝ x 11˝
Kit Contents: Instructions, 32-count linen, silk & overdyed cotton threads, practice fabric, needles, color copy

Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies

Give a gift to yourself—time all to yourself so you can work on projects in the company of friends—with access to an instructor to provide guidance, suggestions, and help with stumbling blocks. It just doesn’t get any better!

Technique: Any
Proficiency: All