This event has concluded. Our upcoming Extended Study Program Uncommon Stitches with Melinda Sherbring is an embroidery adventure exploring stitches rarely used in the modern world. Learn more and download a brochure below.
Uncommon Stitches with Melinda Sherbring
About Uncommon Stitches
This event has concluded.
Uncommon Stitches is an embroidery adventure exploring stitches rarely used in the modern world. This book-shaped box was inspired by decorated 17th century book covers. Many examples in this project are less common variations of stitches you may already know. Others may appear on only one or two historical pieces of clothing, and are presented here for the very first time.
This two-and-a-half day class covers:
- Creating these novel stitches.
- Learning about the pieces they came from,
- Guidance on finishing the project.
The design features a central cartouche delineated with a unique stitch from a nightcap said to have once belonged to Cardinal Wolsey. Cardinal Wolsey was, of course, Lord High Chancellor for King Henry VIII. The Manchester Gallery of Costume now owns the cap; they date it to the late 1500s, in Elizabeth’s reign, instead of earlier.
Inside that oval is your choice of a golden-scaled rampant wyvern or a peacock with tail displayed. Both feature a stitch found on a 1600s-era cushion cover now in Southern California at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. A bee modeled after those on two Elizabethan-era woman’s coifs in London’s Victoria and Albert museum has landed above the cartouche. Surrounding it are four typically 17th-century-style flower sprigs. The spine features the title of the work, three flower heads, and a space for your own name and the year you finish it. There is even a variant of Spiderweb based on several extant examples that has an even number of spokes.
This project uses some ancient but familiar stitches, such as Blanket, Chain, Satin, Stem, Straight, and Double Running. But it is the uncommon stitches, not found in books or other classes, that give this class its name. Since this project looks like a book, you may stitch the spine and both front and back covers. The instructions provide mirrored images of both designs to mix and match at will. Since it is also a box, you have the option of stitching only the top and spine, thus completing the project that much sooner.
Approximately 4 – 6 hours pre-work required.
More about Uncommon Stitches
-
Schedule
Wednesday, March 4, 2020, 6:00 pm
Arrival & Welcome Reception at Hyatt House Manhattan Beach HotelThursday, March 5, 2020
The search is on for uncommon treasures— buttons, ribbons, beads and fabric—in downtown Los Angeles.Friday thru Sunday noon, March 6 – 8, 2020
Working on our Uncommon Stitches project. -
About Teacher Melinda Sherbring
Melinda Sherbring Melinda Sherbring was a software engineer until retiring in Sept. 2013. In 1972, she discovered the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). This historical re-creation group ignited a passion for the history, culture, and crafts practiced before the year 1650. She started researching sweet bags in 1999, and saw her first one in person at the Nottingham Costume Museum in 2002. In the years since, Melinda has examined both sweet bags and other embroidery behind the scenes at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Manchester Gallery of Costume, the National Museum of Scotland, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum in Colonial Williamsburg, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, and in private collections.
Melinda now teaches needlework locally and nationally, with designs rooted in history. Her first EGA GCC, More Than a Rose, came out in June 2016. Her second GCC, Sweet Bag Sewed of Silver and Gold, was released in 2019.
Needle Arts Profile: Designer and Teacher Melinda Sherbring
-
Registration Details
Dates
Arrival on March 4; departure March 8 or 9.Fees
The fee for this program is $725.00. The shopping day and kit fee of $130.00 is included. Send the deposit of $100.00 and the completed, signed registration form to EGA Headquarters to reserve your space.Lodging
Hyatt House Manhattan Beach Hotel
Our two bedroom, two bathroom queen suite includes two queen beds (one bed per bedroom), as well as a sofa sleeper in the living area, We also offer a living area with a TV and DVD player, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen. The suite has a work space with full-size desk. These rooms are available for $229/day, Single rooms are available for $179/Day. Deadline for hotel reservation is Feb 3, 2020. Identity yourself as part of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America to receive group rate. Attendees are required to stay at the hotel. EGA will assist participants seeking a roommate.Special Features
Also included is a shopping excursion guided by The French General near downtown Los Angeles for a day of digging for treasures—beads, baubles, buttons, and fabric! The morning will be spent at some of our favorite fabric, bead, and old millinery shops. A stop at The French General includes lunch, shopping and show and tell. Wear comfortable walking shoes and digging clothes!Hotel Dining Options
H BAR – a social space within Hyatt House where you can unwind with craft cocktails and bar bites. You can share a plate of zesty Korean street tacos made from premium ingredients. It’s just one of the many tempting apps you’ll find on our Sip + Snack Menu.H Market – Snacks and sundries line the shelves Grab groceries to bring back to your room’s kitchen, or you can stop by to pick up a sandwich and a cold drink.
-
More information
If you need more information or have any questions, please contact our ESP chair Gaye Smith at esp@egausa.org
-
Cancellation Policy
Class Cancellation Policy: At the discretion of EGA, cancellation may be made in the case of insufficient enrollment, teacher’s or immediate family’s illness or death, act of nature, or other emergency. Student workshop registration fee reimbursement or credit will be issued. Travel cost is the sole responsibility of the student.
Student Cancellation policy: Refunds will be made up to Nov 15, 2019, less nonrefundable deposit of $100.00. After Nov 15, refunds less deposit wi ll be paid in the event of the student’s or immediate family’s illness or death. Other emergencies are refunded at the discretion of EGA.
Release of Liability: I release EGA and the teacher of this ESP workshop from liability for theft, property damage, or personal injury while I am participating in or attending any or all functions of the ESP. EGA and the Teacher are not responsible for actions and/or omissions made by any service supplier associated wit this class. I have read and I understand the EGA cancellation policy and liability policy.
