Seminar Classes

CLASS IS FULL

Create an heirloom when you stitch this exquisite Christmas Cube. Using a variety of Jessica, Crescent, Amadeus and Walneto stitches with rich silk and sparkling threads, crystals, and beads, this ornament is sure to become a holiday favorite. Choose a white/silver canvas for a bright glow, or a brown canvas for a more vintage look. When the stitching is completed you will turn Christmas Cube into an iridescent 3D cube, or box.

Technique: Canvas
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $60
Design Area: 2” cube
Kit Contents: White/silver or brown #18 canvas, Gloriana 12 strand silk, Kreinik metallics, Rainbow Gallery Entice, Preciosa® crystals, beads, needles, and Instructions.

CLASS IS FULL

Monograms are an important part of bespoke tailoring and slippers, especially for the Lords and the Royal Family of Great Britain. Learn how to embroider your own.

Technique: Goldwork
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $50
Design Area: 3” x 1.75”
Kit Contents: Needles, fabrics, cotton and gold threads, padding, bees wax
Student to bring: Tapestry embroidery frame (20” to 30” long) and tirettes, small sharp scissors, pins

CLASS IS FULL

Nutcracker Santa is a delightful ornament that will look fantastic on your Christmas tree. It is the latest in a collection of Santa heads that are inspired by Polish glass ornaments. This ornament is stitched with a variety of rich and sparkling threads including Very Velvet, Ribbon Floss, Splendor Silk, Fuzzy Stuff, and Kreinik Metallics. Stitches and techniques used include basketweave, laid filling stitches, padded satin, and couching.

Technique: Needlepoint
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $75
Design Area: 4″ x 6″
Kit Contents: Line drawn 18-count mono canvas, all threads, and instructions needed to complete the project
Student to supply: 8″ x 10″ stretcher bars as well as the usual stitching tools

CLASS IS FULL

Strawberry is inspired by botanical illustrations of fruits and flowers published in England in the 16th century. The delicate flower and delectable fruits sparkle with highlights of silver and hints of gold. Layers of colored silks worked in simple embroidery stitches are combined with introductory metal thread techniques including the use of pearl purl and chipping. The project will be embroidered on a cream silk ground.

Technique: Traditional 16th century embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $75
Design Area: 4” X 4”
Kit Contents: Silk fabric with design, silk thread, a variety of metal thread in silver and gold, needles, color illustrated instruction booklet.
Student to bring: Wax, silk scissors, metal scissors, cutting board, 6” hoop, tape, stand or clamp for hands free stitching, magnifier and supplementary lighting (if required for very fine work), pencil, fading marker and standard embroidery supplies.

Create and enhance the illusion of dimension with techniques that are easily incorporated into needlework design. Working with Zentangle® inspired art, this class will explore the use of shadows, highlights, shading, overlapping, and coloring effects. Learn how to utilize these techniques with actual dimension for both faux and real spectacular results. A fun class for those who are ready to take their work to the next level! No previous art or Zentangle experience required.

Technique: Color and design
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $46
Design Area: Varies with each student
Kit Contents: Micron® brush, .01 and .05 pens, Sakura white gel pen, cover stock paper, color pencil set, tortillion (blending tool), pencil, Derwent® Blender pencil, written materials

Feel like royalty when you wear your embroidery. In this introduction to goldwork class you will learn the basics of Kreinik and Accentuate metallic threads. Students will have their choice of white or black silk dupioni background.

Technique: Surface embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $25
Design Area: 2½” round
Kit Contents: Silk dupioni ground fabric, white muslin lining fabric, unbleached muslin practice fabric; gold pearl purl, gold bright check, Kreinik braid, Accentuate, yellow sewing thread; needles, transfer tissue, Swarovski® crystal rivoli, beeswax, backing fabric, cotton batting, acidfree cardboard forms, pinback, instruction booklet.
Student to bring: 4″ embroidery hoop, scissors to cut threads and scissors to cut metal, needle threader, sewing thread to match the brooch fabric, beading mat, firm tweezers, mellor (may be helpful if you own one), fine point (0.7mm) lead pencil any hardness, straight pins, and optional light and magnification.

Create this lovely Rose Rondel worked with rozashi silk threads. The stitches are the irregular stitch, line stitch, ichi dan straight, and ni dan step stitch. The silk and metallic threads are designed especially for the ro.

Technique: Rozashi
Proficiency: All Levels
Kit Cost: $35, $85 with red pouch
Design Area: 2.75” motif, 3.25” overall
Kit Contents: All threads, ro attached to frame, a Japanese needle, nori sticking paste, and illustrated instruction booklet

CLASS IS FULL

Join me for an adventure in texture. Snow on the Mountain, a show towel, combines pulled, drawn and counted thread embroidery. The smooth silkiness of satin stitch contrasts with the roughness of feather stitch and the openness of drawn thread. Students will learn to pull and withdraw threads, secure open areas with hemstitching and cut a buttonholed edge. Working on a bookmark sized sampler students will complete each row of the design in class. Later they may individualize their towels with any desired design changes.

Technique: Pulled, drawn, counted thread
Proficiency: Advanced beginner (able to count threads)
Kit Cost: $40
Design Area: 3½” x 14”
Kit Contents: 25-count even weave linen, pearl cotton, needles, instructions with color photographs

CLASS IS FULL

Strawberry vines, each worked in a different group of counted stitches, adorn three sides. The needlebook at the top of the cube will store your needles and pins, while the back sheath will house a wee pair of scissors. Your time at seminar will be preserved in a lovely memento personalized with your name and the name of the event. Stitches include queen, eyelet, double cross, cross stitch over one, two versions of long-arm cross, two versions of Montenegrin, and stem.

Technique: Counted thread
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $82
Design Area: 3” cube
Kit Contents: 32-count linen, silk threads, needles, pins, practice fabric, wool fabric, Skirtex, iron-on interfacing, Ultrasuede®, batting, beads, color copies, charts, and instructions.

Smooth fitting fingertip gloves will keep your hands warm while you still have the capability of using your fingertips for cell phones and tablets. Class includes dimensional appliqué techniques, such as the tack stitch and Deborah’s own needle slanting techniques and fabric manipulation methods, as well as embroidery and appliqué placement guides, surface stitch combinations, and glove construction. Students can choose from 3-4 colorways and adjust the fit per their own hands. This is an excellent opportunity to learn dimensional wool appliqué with a fun little project.

Technique: Felted wool applique, bead embroidery embellishment
Proficiency: Beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate
Kit Cost: $65
Design Area: Personal to student
Kit Contents: Written instructions and color photos, patterns and placement guide, freezer paper, clear vinyl, black Dorr Mill felted wool, Week’s Dye Works™ felted wool fabric and wool thread, button, Velcro®, pearl cotton, seed beads, needles
Student to bring: Magnification, light, sewing tools

CLASS IS FULL

This pretty motif is inspired by embroidery decorating accessories worn during the reign of Elizabeth I. It is an intriguing combination of colorful silk embroidery and basic goldwork techniques using colored metal threads. A Tudor rose, strawberries and borage blooms in colored silk are entwined with delicate stems and leaves using metal threads on a silk satin ground dotted with sparkling gold spangles.

Technique: Surface embroidery with goldwork
Proficiency: Basic, Intermediate
Design area: 5” x 5”
Kit Cost: $90
Kit contents: Silk fabric with design, silk thread, metal threads, needles and color illustrated instruction booklet.
Student to bring: Magnifier and supplementary lighting (if required), laying tool, wax, silk scissors, metal scissors, cutting board, 12” scroll bars, 8” side bars with knobs, stand or clamp for hands free stitching and standard sewing kit.

This keepsake box is adorned with a compass rose on top and a 3-D gem-like painted centerpiece; inside, an extremely padded landscape speaks to our journey on many levels. Techniques include painting on fabric to create a reflective gemstone, painting shadows and highlights, covering a ring bezel for the padded gemstone, spectacular padding effects, and easy finishing. A wonderful project for those who are ready to move to the next level in their needlework!

Technique: Counted and surface embroidery, fabric painting, pulled edging, padding, and finishing.
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $60
Design Area: 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 1.5”
Kit Contents: Zweigart® Belfast 32-count antique ivory, cotton thread palette, Jacquard® textile paint set, acrylic paint, Royal® ¼” paint brush, sponge brush, palette paper, water cup, jewelry box, felt, ¾” plastic ring, lacing thread, needles in felt, Golden’s® Textile medium, written directions and pictures.

Don’t go crazy deciding on colors of floss and stitches to use for your next project. Let this class relieve your fears. You will learn basic color theory painlessly as well as add a bevy of more than two dozen surface embroidery stitches to your repertoire using a rainbow of 36 thread colors. You will explore the effect of colored backgrounds on color embroidery and create your own color wheel and value scale with Color-aid papers. The resulting 12″ pillow will show off your skills as an embroiderer beautifully.

Technique: Color theory, surface embroidery
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 12” square
Kit Contents: Ground and practice cotton RJR Fabrics™, DMC® cotton floss, needles, watercolor paper, Color-aid paper, quilter’s template plastic, instruction booklet.
Students to bring: Two embroidery hoops (6” and 4”), glue stick, scissors for threads and scissors for paper, pencil, watercolor paint (must include black), small paint brush, a few sheets of paper towels, container for water, fine point washout marker, and a 6″ straight edge ruler.

Our Ginger Jar creates a lovely picture with the wisteria worked in Rozashi silks, brocade, and metallic threads. The purples and blue are true to the color palette of the Heian period in Japan. The stitches are traditional to Rozashi.

Technique: Rozashi
Proficiency: All Levels
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 5.5” x 7.5” motif; 75” x 9.5” overall
Kit Contents: All threads, ro attached to the frame, an illustrated instruction booklet, a needle, and the sticking paste.

Romanesque Bracelet & Necklace was inspired by the many examples of Romanesque architecture and motifs in the Emilia Romagna area of northeast Italy, and handicrafts of the Ars Canusina movement in the town of Canossa, also in northern Italy. These pieces are the second in Maggie’s architecture series; the Romanesque arch is integral to both designs. The pieces are made with cubic right-angle weave, odd-count Peyote, and embellishments. The tassel also has a dome using circular brick stitch.

Technique: Beading
Proficiency: Intermediate, Advanced
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 7” x 1¼” bracelet; 40” x 1¼” necklace
Kit Contents: Round, cylinder, triangle, Super8®, peanut, and embellishment beads; silk cording; focal bead
Student to bring: Beading needles and beading thread of choice

About Maggie Meister:
Maggie’s love of ancient history, color and patterns has followed her throughout her life. She uses seed beads, gemstones, focal beads, and a variety of bead weaving stitches – Peyote, Right Angle Weave, St. Petersburg, to name just a few- to translate designs found in mosaics, frescoes, architecture and jewelry into sculptural bead art to wear. Maggie has taught and continues to teach workshops nationally and internationally throughout Europe. Her work has been shown in London, Milan and Naples and has been featured in Ornament magazine, Beadwork magazine, Bead & Button, and a variety of books. She has written a book, Classical Elegance, for Lark Books as part of their Master Beadweaving Series.

About Marie Campbell:
Retiring after 30 years teaching American culture and literature, Marie has focused on creating fiber and bead art. Marie has had numerous exhibits of her original beadwork and is a Fiber Forum member. A beader for 25 years, Marie has taught national, region and chapter groups. Her beading classes provide a path for students to use as a springboard for their inspirations.

This goldwork fleur-de-lis is fresher and visually lighter than the classic symbols of the cities named for French Kings – Louisville, St. Louis, New Orleans. Embellished with reflective jewels asymmetrically balanced into a stable triangle, and curve lines anchored with pearls, spangles, montées and shaped crystals. Depth of perspective is achieved by using graduated sizes of gold and other embellishments. The design combines the themes of the gold-embroidered clothes of 18th century French royalty with the look of the corner of an illuminated medieval manuscript.

Technique: Goldwork, surface embroidery, embellishment
Proficiency: Intermediate, Advanced
Kit Cost: $140
Design Area: 9” x 7” x ¼”
Kit Contents: Muslin, white Italian dupioni slubbed silk fabric, basting, couching, and beading threads, wardrobe of needles, several styles of gold in graduated sizes, including gold bullion pearl purl, spangles, bright check purl, braid in several sizes, rococo, check thread, Japan gold, Japanese pearls, and Swarovski® aurora borealis crystals in bicone, lochrose, and montée shapes, full color instruction booklet
Student to bring: Frame, tacks, excellent frame support, pencil, straight pins, tools for working with metals and beads

The iconic award in the annual running of the Kentucky Derby is a wreath of roses placed on the neck of the winner. Commemorate EGA’s 60th anniversary by constructing a needlebook and pinkeep to celebrate your seminar experience in Louisville. For the cover, use Au ver à Soie silk on linen to embroider a wreath of roses and leaves around an area of trailing used to form the words, “Pins and Needles.” A pocket for a needle threader is on the inside.

Technique: Trailing and surface embroidery
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $89
Design Area: 3¼” x 4”
Kit Contents: Instructions with photos, silk threads, linen with transfer, silk fabric, wool felt, antique mother of pearl button, pearl cotton, quilt bat, needles

CLASS IS FULL

Organize your favorite tools in a beautifully embroidered huswife. Crewel Necessities is a good introduction for those new to crewel embroidery. However the variety of stitches will hold the interest of those familiar with crewel. Tips on handling crewel wool, creating smooth satin stitch and sharp corners, and invisibly joining a new thread insure success. Finishing techniques demonstrated in class can be applied to future projects. Lecture in class will discuss how traditional crewel colors were dyed and the use of thread conserving stitches.

Technique: Crewel embroidery, finishing
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $48
Design Area: 5” x 7” closed; 10½” x 7” open
Kit Contents: Linen twill, felt, crewel wool, perle cotton, stranded cotton, button, graphite paper, mat board, template plastic, needles, instructions with colored photographs

Stitched with a variety of silks and cottons in shades of blue, pink, green, yellow, gray, red, and brown, this counted thread sampler features a floral border, quaint farm house, bee skeps, trees, and other rural delights along with the Shaker lyrics “Tis a Gift to be Simple.…” Stitches include chain, double backstitch, diagonal double backstitch, satin cushion, satin variations, petit point, cross over one, Smyrna, double Italian cross, long arm cross, diagonal cross, and detached buttonhole.

Technique: Counted thread
Proficiency: Intermediate, Advanced
Kit Cost: $150
Design Area: About 14½” x 15”
Kit Contents: 32-count linen 21” x 22”, various silk & overdyed cotton flosses, practice fabric, tapestry needles, instructions, charts, color copies.

This covered box, surrounded with brightly colored flowers, was inspired by an embroidered ribbon. The flowers are delicately appointed with beads and the box is large enough to house a purse, hairband and barrette accessories, or any embroidery smalls. Class includes dimensional appliqué techniques, such as the tack stitch and Deborah’s own needle slanting techniques and fabric manipulation methods. Box construction will be fully discussed. Students will learn the secrets of creating uniformity in surface work by stitching in a specific order.

Technique: Wool applique, bead embroidery embellishment
Proficiency: Beginner, intermediate, advanced-intermediate
Kit Cost: $155
Design Area: 5” high x 9” diameter
Kit Contents: Instructions and color photos, patterns and placement guide, freezer paper, clear vinyl, black and colored felted wool, Weeks Dye Works® wool threads, perle cotton, beads, needles, grosgrain ribbon, barrette forms, purse frame, comic book board
Student to bring: School glue, 1” paint brush, 9 inch circular papier mache box (these items will not be needed for class but for the finish)

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

This charming Haute Couture Flower brooch is created from silver wire, seed beads, Swarovski beads, and silver pearl purl. It will add elegance to any ensemble. Learn tambour beading and how to work with bondoweb.

Technique: Tambour beading
Proficiency: Basic, Intermediate
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 4” x 4”
Kit Contents: Tambour hook, needles, brooch attachment, fabrics, threads, and beads.
Student to bring: Tapestry embroidery frame (20” to 30” long) and tirettes, small sharp scissors, pins

In this class, a requisite for the EGA-Certified Appraiser Program, students will learn the fundamentals of appraising needlework, embroidery, quilts, and textiles for such purposes as obtaining insurance, filing for damages, selling items, or donating articles. Students will also learn the various types of value and how they are concluded. Time will also be allotted to conducting referenced research and practicing writing appraisals. Sessions will focus on professional practices, including ethical conduct, client relationships, document preparation, file maintenance, and other concerns.

Technique: Appraising
Proficiency: All Levels
Kit Cost: $35
Kit Contents: Appraisal manual and CD/DVD
Optional: Students may bring a laptop computer or iPad®-type device with a wireless internet capability

Enjoy a stroll through the gardens of Warwick Castle where peacocks freely roam. This traditional crewel tree of life design will include both intermediate stitches and unique applications of stitch patterns, including woven and laid stitches. Several metal embellishments and variegated crewel wool enhance the garden design. Students will be encouraged to experiment with stitch and color variations.

Technique: Crewel embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 16” x 18”
Kit Contents: Linen with design applied, Appleton crewel wool, Painter’s Thread crewel wool, a variety of metal threads, needles and instructions.
Student to bring: Stretcher bars, hoop, usual stitching supplies, light and magnification

Lighthouses are an iconic coastal motif and provide endless inspiration for artists. Their images foster feelings of safety, security and hope. In this workshop, students will learn a variety of traditional and non-traditional applique and goldwork embroidery techniques to create their own lighthouse landscape composition. Impressionist coastal landscapes will be discussed and their color mixing studied for inspiration for each student’s unique composition.

Technique: Applique, goldwork
Proficiency: All levels; hand sewing or embroidery experience recommended
Kit Cost: $150
Design Area: Finished composition 5” x 7”; technique and color sampler 6” x 6”
Kit Contents: Digitally-printed linen cotton canvas, cotton backing, white cotton muslin for sample hoop, gilt and silver-plated smooth purls, gilt perle purl, variegated cotton embroidery floss, mica, embroidery needles and tissue paper

Fifty Shades of Gray and a Red is a contemporary sampler comprised of nearly three dozen blackwork, needlepoint, and needle weaving stitches. The combination of single color and variegated fine pearl cotton threads plus an unconventional layout gives the piece depth and movement not usually found in samplers.

Technique: Blackwork, needlepoint, needle weaving
Proficiency: Intermediate. Not a course for beginners. Students must have basic working knowledge of needlepoint techniques.
Kit Cost: $110
Design Area: 11” x 13.5”
Kit Contents: Instruction text, #12 Valdani pearl cotton, 18-count 15” x 18”natural aida cloth, and needles.
Student to supply: Basic sewing kit, supplemental lighting, magnification as needed, stretcher bars (optional)

CLASS IS FULL

Exotic fuchsias hang in a century-old glass house. These uniquely attractive flowers are created with white and variegated silk ribbon; metal braid adds sparkle to the stamens. Variations of traditional needlepoint stitches in soft tones of grey create the effect of sunshine. Merrilyn’s Bow surrounds Glass House Fuchsias, delicately stitched with silk lame. Students will be required to have one or more flowers completed by the end of day four. Each flower created will have its own personality.

Technique: Silk ribbon on needlepoint
Proficiency: All levels but must be experienced in working a design from a graph.
Kit Cost: $175
Design Area: 10½” x 8”
Pre-work: 8 hours to stitch window outlines
Kit Contents: Detailed instructions, colored graphs, detailed photographs, white 18-count mono-canvas, Cascade House silk lame, #12 Kreinik® braid, variegated DMC® floss and pearl cotton, silk ribbon
Students to bring: #22 tapestry needle, beading needle, #22 chenille needle; scissors, working frame, other stitching supplies

Explore the classic techniques found in traditional Hardangersom while creating a charming doily. Learn techniques that make this form of embroidery easy to produce and fun to finish (no thread count errors allowed) and work samples of tricky stitches.

Technique: Hardangersom
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $44
Design Area: 15 ½” x 15 ½”
Kit Contents: 22-count fabric, pearl cotton threads to compliment the fabric, pattern and additional technique information, needles.
Student to provide: Embroidery floss, embroidery scissors (narrow blade, sharp pointed tips), optional magnification and lighting, optional hoop (for those with wrist/holding issues)

The quiet days of autumn have arrived. This peaceful forest scene is full of falling leaves and a fox relaxing near the river. Learn to use a variety of threads to create color and texture. The large tree, stitched on a separate piece of Congress cloth, is appliqued to the larger piece. Traditional and surface stitch techniques are suitable for intermediate stitchers, but also make this a fun learning experience for the more experienced stitcher. Use the canvas as a guide to stitch as directed and to personalize your work.

Technique: Mixed media
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $105
Design Area: 7” x 9 “
Kit Contents: Instructions with color photo, line drawn 24-count congress cloth, cotton, wool, metallic, and overdyed threads, silk ribbons and all materials needed to complete design.
Student to bring: Stretcher bars (11″ x 13″ and 5″ x 11”), tacks, laying tool, sharp scissors, frame weight or holder, magnification/light if desired, personal stitching

CLASS IS FULL

Full Metal Flowers is a sampler of twenty-four distinct Elizabethan surface stitches. Worked in six shades of metallic passing thread on high-count linen fabric, the student chooses either a square shape suitable for framing or a triangle similar to a 16th century forehead cloth. Uncommon stitches are worked first on large-mesh canvas to learn the thread’s path before being worked at the final size.

Technique: Elizabethan surface embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate, Advanced
Kit Cost:$90
Design Area: 6″ x 6.5″ rectangle or a triangle 13” long x 6” high
Pre-work: 10-15 hours of thread outlining, or 2 hours of tracing, to transfer design
Kit Contents: White linen, white cotton muslin, metal threads, needles, beeswax, practice materials, and instruction book

We welcome new, and intermediate, stitchers to enjoy the journey of Japanese embroidery through Crane with Temari Balls. Basic techniques such as weft, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, separated layers, and some couching techniques will be taught. Several advanced techniques, such as realistic effects, also will be covered. Participants may proceed to design if they have finished early and wish a further challenge.

Technique: Japanese Embroidery
Proficiency: Beginner through advanced intermediate
Kit Cost: $165
Kit Contents: Silk ground fabric, silk threads, metallic threads, couching threads, beads, needles, mounting fabric
Student to bring: Kit cost does not include embroidery frame and tools which may be brought by the student, or purchased, or rented for $125. Arrangements can be made with Mr. Tamura upon receipt of his welcome letter.

Snow Blossoms is an intermediate level Hardanger doily measuring just under 9 inches point to point. Time in class will be spent learning cutting techniques, the Greek cross and dove’s eye filling stitches, how to make consistent even eyelets, and how to work a nice, smooth blanket stitch edging.

Technique: Hardanger
Proficiency: Intermediate
Pre-work: 14-20 hours for stitching klosters and satin motifs
Kit Cost: $33
Design Area: 9” point to point
Kit Contents: 14” square 28-count linen, DMC® pearl cotton, needles, chart, instructions

Create your own Pearl Frost crystal by starting with the center star and expanding outward. Shimmering threads enhance the crystal structure; and the addition of 3mm and 4mm pearls add the perfect frosting. A library of thirty stitch variations allows students to change, rearrange, or invent new stitch configurations. The final topping of Pearl Frost will be eight beaded spokes designed by students from an array of pearls, beads and crystals. A gold colorway also will be available.

Technique: Canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: About 7” x 7”
Kit Contents: 12” x 12” Antique Blue or Soft White mono canvas, Rainbow Gallery Petite Silk Lamé Braid, Caron Waterlillies® 12-strand silk, Gloriana Princess Perle silk, and Accentuate metallic, 3mm and 4mm pearls, stitching and beading needles, instruction booklet.

Florentine Nights is an elegant, hard-shelled evening minaudière stitched in a variety of elegant black, gold, and silver threads such as Neon Rays Plus, Kreinik Metallics, Frye Werks, Silks, and Sundance Beads. This small treasure box features two different Florentine, or bargello, patterns that complement one another. The class will explore some of the history of bargello, as well as a bit of beading for the handle, while creating an elegant bag.

Technique: Canvas embellishment
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $135
Design Area: 4″ x 7″
Kit Contents: 18-count black mono canvas (two), a hard shell purse form and frame, threads, and beads
Student to bring: 9″ x 12″ stretcher bars (2 sets), usual stitching tools, a battery operated light, and magnification if needed.

This sampler offers a jubilee of stitches, diamonds and bling to commemorate EGA’s 60th Anniversary. A myriad of specialty stitches are used to create the sampler showcasing the skills that are taught through EGA. Enjoy stitching this piece with lovely hand overdyed silks threads, metallic threads and embellishments including Swarovski® crystals!

Technique: Counted canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $89
Design Area: 7” x 5”
Kit Contents: 13” x 11” 18-count silver and white metallic mono canvas, silk and metallic threads, glass beads and Swarovski® crystals, tapestry and beading needles, practice cloth and thread, instruction book
Student to bring: Embroidery scissors required; light and magnification, bars & tacks, q-snaps or hoops, and laying tool recommended

Create this bead embroidered cuff, embellished with your choice of an initial or cabochon, fresh water pearls, shibori ribbon, crystals, drops, accent beads and seed beads. A one of a kind statement piece with your personalized twist. Students will learn basic bead embroidery stitches including the back, stop and brick stitch.

Technique: Bead embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 2¾” tapered x 6½” adjustable
Kit Contents: Full instructions, with diagrams and photos, antique bronze cabochon initial coin, stiff backing, Ultrasuede®, seed beads, accent pearls, keishi flat black pearls, accent garnets, drops, shibori silk, plastic cuff insert, glue, beading needles, needle puller, clasp, Fireline® beading thread

Diamonds, hexagons, squares and rectangles entwine to create this intriguing design, enhanced by dramatic red, gray, and black colors. You will explore many different shades and textures of metallic, silk, and cotton threads as you create the shapes that entwine so captivatingly. The shapes evolve on the beautiful gray background fabric with the unusual dragon scale beads.

Technique: Canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate, advanced
Kit Cost: $145
Design Area: About 8” x 14”
Kit Content: Line-drawn smoke gray congress cloth, all threads (including cotton floss, metallics, overdyeds, and a variety of silks), needles, dragon scale beads, and instructions.
Student to bring: 12” x 18” stretcher bars and usual stitching supplies

Create an heirloom traditionally carried by northern Italian brides at weddings and the best of occasions. Learn the methods for constructing the drawstring and tassels. Stitches include as Casalguidi, hem stitching, Italian four-sided (modified Gayant), detached buttonhole, buttonhole, and a traditional joining stitch. Examples of Casalguidi embroidery from the town of Casalguidi in Pistoia, Tuscany will be shared.

Technique: Casalguidi
Proficiency: Beginner
Pre-work: Framing up prior to class.
Kit Cost: $100
Design Area: 8’ x 6¾”
Kit Contents: 38-count Special Embroidery Graziano Puro Lino, Ritorto Florentino cotton
Student to bring: Scroll or slate frame, magnification, lighting

CLASS IS FULL

The birds are on pins and needles as the handsome cat decides if he should leave the birdhouse alone. Learn several techniques used to create contemporary raised embroidery while working on this wonderful scene.

Technique: Stumpwork, counted thread
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $130
Design Area: 4” x 6”
Kit Contents: 34-count Legacy linen; muslin; silk, cotton and metallic threads; beads; felt; needles; all finishing materials; and instructions.

Inspired by a 16th century illuminated manuscript, the emblems of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon are worked in layers of polychrome silk and a variety metal threads. Basic embroidery stitches in silk thread are combined with gold and silver threads to create an intricately stitched image that glitters subtly. Techniques used include burden stitch over plate, padded satin, couching, threaded lizerene and chipping. The project will be embroidered on a cream silk ground.

Technique: Traditional 16th century Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design area: 4” X 4”
Kit Cost: $90
Kit includes: Silk fabric with design, silk thread, a variety of metal thread in silver and gold, needles, color illustrated instruction booklet
Student to bring: Wax, silk scissors, metal scissors, cutting board, 6” hoop or 8” scroll frame, laying tool, tape, stand or clamp, magnifier and supplementary lighting (if required for very fine work), pencil, fading marker and standard embroidery supplies

Using a lovely shaded and bricked background to add focal areas and emphasis, counted, surface and padded embroidery techniques add layers of depth and interest. The project is a diminutive book cover (3″ x 4″). This class explores many techniques to help understand how color, texture, shading, highlights, and regular patterning can be used to maximize interest and movement in a design. An easily finished edge will complete the lovely heirloom journal cover!

Technique: Counted and surface embroidery, fabric painting, pulled edging, padding, and finishing.
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $75
Design Area: 4″ x 6″ x .5″
Kit Contents: Zweigart® Belfast 32 count Antique Ivory 9″ x 13″, Jacquard® Textile Paint set, Royal® paint brushes ½” and ¼”, journal, cotton thread palette, needles in felt, palette paper, water cup, metallic paints shared in class, written directions and pictures
Student to bring: Frame or 7” hoop

The butterfly is outlined in pearl purls and filled with chipping technique in both silver and gold metals, and other stitches. The metals include check, smooth, rough and wire check purl, spangles, and pearl purl; the purls are couched with matching threads. Techniques are couching, chipping, diagonal satin, attaching spangles, and canvas stitches.

Technique: Gold work on canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $80
Design Area: 4.75” x 4.25” motif; 8” x 8” overall
Kit Contents: All threads and metals, needles, an instruction booklet with color images.

CLASS IS FULL

Chain for Lady Blanche is a chain that might have been worn by Blanche Parry, Queen Elizabeth I’s Chief Gentlewoman and Keeper of Her Majesty’s Jewels. It is inspired by Elizabethan and Jacobean jewelry in London’s Cheapside Hoard which was discovered in 1912. You will learn to make components using a variation of Huichol stitch (a type of netting), cubic right angle weave, and peyote.

Technique: Bead weaving
Proficiency: Intermediate, advanced
Kit Cost: $80
Design Area: 28” x 1½”
Kit Contents: Beads, SuperDuo®, Spiky Button®, embellishment beads
Student to bring: Beading needles, glover or sharp needles for joining, beading thread of preference

About Maggie Meister:
Maggie’s love of ancient history, color and patterns has followed her throughout her life. She uses seed beads, gemstones, focal beads, and a variety of bead weaving stitches – Peyote, Right Angle Weave, St. Petersburg, to name just a few- to translate designs found in mosaics, frescoes, architecture and jewelry into sculptural bead art to wear. Maggie has taught and continues to teach workshops nationally and internationally throughout Europe. Her work has been shown in London, Milan and Naples and has been featured in Ornament magazine, Beadwork magazine, Bead & Button, and a variety of books. She has written a book, Classical Elegance, for Lark Books as part of their Master Beadweaving Series.

About Marie Campbell:
Retiring after 30 years teaching American culture and literature, Marie has focused on creating fiber and bead art. Marie has had numerous exhibits of her original beadwork and is a Fiber Forum member. A beader for 25 years, Marie has taught national, region and chapter groups. Her beading classes provide a path for students to use as a springboard for their inspirations.

What could be more wonderful than jeweled Christmas tree ornaments? Using the techniques of traditional British goldwork, create three traditional simple but dramatic Victorian-style holiday decorations on a background of luxurious Scottish tartan fabrics to create. Gold bullion is enhanced with surface embroidery stitches and a variety of embellishments. Learn to create a precisely sized custom twist of gold braid, to attach rigid gold bullion invisibly, to securely attach individual embellishments, and to create a reinforced line of pearls, beads, and crystals.

Technique: Goldwork, surface embroidery, embellishment
Proficiency: Intermediate, Advanced
Kit Cost: $145
Design Area: 4 ½”x 3½”; 5¼” x 5¼” finished oval
Kit Contents: Muslin, three miniature plaid fabrics, basting, threads, needles, Gold bullion perle purl, check thread, bright check purl, Japan gold thread, Kreinik braids, Japanese white pearls, Delica® and size 15 rocaille beads, iridescent art sequins, Swarovski® aurora borealis crystals in various shapes and sizes, including crystals in monteé jewelry settings, full color instruction booklet. Option of choosing white Italian dupioni slubbed silk for background fabrics instead of plaids.
Student to bring: Three frames, tacks, excellent frame support, straight pins, pencil, tools for working with metals and beads

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of EGA, stitch in crewel embroidery the state bird, butterfly, and flower of the great State of Kentucky to celebrate your seminar experience in Louisville. The design includes a pair of cardinals, a Viceroy butterfly, and glorious goldenrod in full bloom. The outline of the State of Kentucky recedes in the background.

Technique: Crewel on linen twill
Proficiency: Intermediate, Advanced
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 8” x 9”
Kit Contents: Instructions with photos, linen twill with transfer, Appleton wool, needles

Combining stumpwork with silk ribbon, Partridge in a Pear Tree creates glowing, dimensional embroidery on silk dupioni. Beaded flowers and berries add bright glints of color reminiscent of an illuminated manuscript. Students will stitch needle lace over felt and as a detached element over wire. Using overdyed ribbon, stranded cotton and pearl cotton creates naturalistic color variations. While floche stitched over felt produces silky smooth pears. Partridge introduces the most commonly used raised and padded techniques in a fun class.

Technique: Stumpwork, Silk Ribbon
Proficiency: Intermediate (must know basic embroidery stitches)
Kit Cost: $45
Design Area: 6½” x 4”
Kit Contents: Silk dupioni ground backed by cotton muslin, standard and overdyed silk ribbon, overdyed pearl cotton, standard and overdyed stranded cotton, floche, seed beads, gold paillette, custom-made needlelace pad, wire, felt, needles, tissue paper, instructions with color photographs

Understand what your work can tell you and how judges evaluate needlework in a way that encourages the artist. Practical judging, critique writing and confidence building exercises provide a foundation for entering, producing or judging a show. The requirements of the EGA Certified Needlework Judge and Master Needlework Judge programs will be reviewed.

Technique: Judging
Proficiency: All Levels
Kit Cost: $25
Kit Contents: Instructional papers, judging forms, work sheets, bibliography
Student to bring: Two pieces of finished embroidery, framed or unframed.

CLASS IS FULL

This vibrant piece, stitched in shades of blue and green silk, showcases various counted thread detached filling stitches. The lid lifts to reveal two wool needle pages; the cylinder itself is stuffed with walnut shells so it can be used as a weight. Stitches include double running, whipped double running, trellis, spiral trellis, detached buttonhole, spiral detached buttonhole, buttonhole bars, hollie point, spiral hollie point, and chain.

Technique: Counted thread
Proficiency: Intermediate, Advanced
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 4½” high x 1¾“diameter cylinder
Kit Contents: 2 pieces of 32-count linen, silk threads, silk fabric, wool fabric, felt/batting, needles, practice fabric, muslin, interfacings, button, color copies, directions, charts, finishing instructions.

Imagine a full-blossomed pink peony adorning a table in the center hall of a mid-19th century home, next to a small silver tray for calling cards. Flowers were often gifted in this time in history; one could say a great deal by choosing the correct one. The peony was a popular design in the classic Baltimore album quilts of the period. Its symbolism ranges from healing to honor. The Spray of Peony block will achieve a completely updated look using dimensional techniques of layering and Deborah’s own needle slanting techniques.

Technique: Felted wool applique, bead embroidery embellishment
Proficiency: Beginner, intermediate
Pre-work: 1 hour
Kit Cost: $135
Design Area: 15” square
Kit Contents: Freezer paper, clear acetate, black and colored felted wool, backing fabric, Tristan Brooks crewel wool, Weeks Dye Works™ crewel, Genziana wool thread, wool Painter’s Thread, needles, and seed beads. Available in black or white wool.
Student to bring: Sewing tools, white cotton basing thread

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