The concept of the Individual Correspondence Course (ICC) is to move the stitcher from an intermediate level (where the student has been learning by means of replicating a class project) to a more advanced level – moving the stitcher to a higher level of skill and independence in his/her work, particularly in the technique being taught. (Guidelines)
Ideally, the ICCs are a step in the journey towards a Master Craftsman, Appraiser, Judge, or Teacher Certification. These courses can be three, six, or nine lessons, with each lesson taking approximately two months to complete. Crucially, there is no class model to stitch; students are expected to develop their own designs, with guidance from the teacher. The courses can also require students to do some research and some writing, in addition to (or, in some cases, in place of) stitching. While the primary mode of instruction is through a text, instructors are encouraged to also develop videos or other aids for the students. Communication between the student and the teacher depends on the teacher’s preference; some may prefer US mail, some email only, while others are also available through video-conferencing applications or through phone calls, and still others some combination of these. However, teachers should also be aware of the student’s technical ability and should not make computer-dependent applications the only means of communication.
Currently, we really would like to develop courses in the following disciplines:
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- Beading
- Blackwork or other counted thread techniques
- Goldwork
- Teaching Embroidery
If you are interested in developing a course or would like more information, please contact Helene Ossipov, ICC Chair, at icc.chair.ega@gmail.com.
