Individual Correspondence Courses

In-Depth Embroidery Study

Individual Correspondence Courses offer EGA members intense, personalized study under the supervision of teachers selected for their outstanding needlework skills and knowledge. The courses are in-depth study programs dealing with a wide range of embroidery techniques and disciplines at various skill levels. They are a perfect complement to workshop classes, group study courses, and lectures. ICC’s are often used as a jumping board for our Master Craftsman programs, or our Teaching and Judging Certification programs. Below you will see some Frequently Asked Questions followed by a list of available ICCs.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Before you register

    What are Individual Correspondence Courses?
    Individual Correspondence Courses (ICCs) are designed to provide an opportunity and access to a deeper dive into a technique, with shepherding and mentoring from a teacher. They are designed to help experienced stitchers level up in acquiring skill and depth of understanding.

    Who are ICCs for?
    • Advanced beginner to Intermediate stitchers looking to level up in a specific technique
    • Experienced Stitchers looking to learn a new technique
    • Self-motivated and curious learners
    • Stitchers working for certification in our Master Craftsman programs, or in our Teaching and Judging Certification programs.
    • Members-at-large (MAL) who do not have ready access to participate through a local chapter.
    • Stitchers who would like to work one on one with a specific teacher, by using the ICC.
    • Stitchers who just want the text and do not intend to complete the course.

    How many lessons does each ICC have?
    Depending upon the ICC course, some are 3 lesson, 6 lesson, and 9 lesson courses, offering different levels of skill mastery.

    Is there a difference in skill level depending on the number of lessons?
    The 6 and 9 lesson courses are considered “Intermediate-Advanced Level” and can be quite challenging and have been so marked. New courses are being shifted to include more beginner level information as we’ve begun to fill the need for a more comprehensive instruction in various techniques.

    Is there a set schedule for the ICC?
    Yes. The general understanding is that you have two months per lesson to complete an ICC and allow for the mailing between student and teacher. That being said, most of the teachers (if not all of them) are very understanding about life circumstances and can and will offer a short extension to accommodate delays. If it goes beyond a certain time frame, you may be asked to re-enroll and pay a new registration fee if you would like to continue working with the teacher.

    How long are ICCs available for?
    ICC’s are available for registration from the time they are launched until such time as the teacher retires the course. Many of our ICC’s have been offered for several years, which offers the student flexibility to sign up when time and life allows.

    Can I just buy the text and skip the class?
    The course textbook is not included in the course fee. However, you must purchase the entire course in order to acquire the textbook. While we’d love for you to go through this journey with your teacher’s guidance, you are always welcome purchase the course and skip the work portion of the class. Just let the teacher know.

    How will the teacher and I communicate during the ICC?
    The student and teacher correspond through email and mail at the conclusion of each lesson, and before the start of the next lesson.

    What are the student responsibilities and the policies on time extension?
    Click here to Read the Student Responsibilities and Time Extension Policies

    Are Individual Correspondence Courses refundable?
    Refunds for Individual Correspondence Course or text fees are not available, so make your selections carefully.

    Where can I download the Pilot Stitcher Application?
    Click here to get the Pilot Stitcher Application

    Who can I contact if I have more questions about Individual Correspondence Courses?
    You can contact our ICC Chair using the form on our Contact Us page and choosing Education: ICC as the topic.

    After you register

    When does the course start?
    The timeline for course completion begins when you register.

    How long do I have to finish the class?
    The “hard” deadline is 6 months for a 3-Lesson course, 12 months for a 6-Lesson course, and 18 months for a 9-Lesson course. An extension may be requested.

    Will I be required to send my finished work to the teacher?
    Yes and no. If you submit a lesson to the teacher for review, they will provide an assessment and then mail the work back. It’s a nice opportunity to work one on one with a teacher that you might have heard about, but not had access to learning from in the past.

    If you prefer not to submit work, a teacher will check in with you to see if you are still interested, but otherwise, you may sign out of the class and keep your text.

    How do I get the text for the class?
    If you ordered the PDF version you can download it from your Order History, on the left sidebar of your Profile. If you ordered the Hard Copy version you will be receiving it in the mail from your teacher.

    Where can I see the thread colors for ICC Pin?
    The list of thread colors is available here.

  • EGA Skill Level Definitions

    Basic: No experience with the technique being taught is necessary.

    Intermediate: Knowledge of basic stitches, materials, and their use in the technique being taught is required.

    Advanced: Ability to execute simple and difficult stitches in the technique is required. The student should also have knowledge of color and design that will allow exploration and creativity.

    All levels: Class is suitable for all levels.

Are you ready to level up your skills? Here’s how ICCs work

Step 1: You select and register for your preferred course.

Step 2: We process your registration and notify your teacher

Step 3: Your teacher will start communicating with you and will send you your welcome letter the class text if you ordered a hard copy of the text. If you chose the PDF version of your text, you can download it from your Order History as soon as you register.

Step 4: It’s time to gather your materials and start reading and working your way through the exercises!

Step 5: You will have two months per lesson to complete your work. After each lesson you will mail your finished exercise to the teacher.

Step 6: Receive your lesson evaluation from your teacher and start working on your next lesson!

Step 7: Celebrate your completion of your ICC with a notice in NeedleArts Magazine! Send your class evaluation and start looking through EGA Certifications or your next stitching adventure!

NOTE: Please read the Student Responsibilities before enrolling.

Choose your ICC

  • A Basic Study of Schwalm Embroidery with Barbara M. Kershaw
    Taught by Barbara M. Kershaw (view bio)

    ICC, Surface Embroidery

    A Basic Study of Schwalm Embroidery introduces the student to the beautiful style of whitework from Germany known as Schwalm Embroidery.

  • Crazy Quilting with J. Marsha Michler
    Taught by J. Marsha Michler (view bio)

    ICC, Quilting

    Learn new skills in Victorian Crazy Quilting in this comprehensive Individual Correspondence Course that will bring you to a mastery level of this much-loved art and craft.

  • Design for Needlework with India Hayford
    Taught by India Hayford (view bio)

    ICC, Design

    Our Individual Correspondence Course Design for Needlework with India Hayford is for the technically adept embroiderer who wishes to create unique embroideries.

  • Exploring Jacobean Crewel Embroidery with Carol Peao Currier
    Taught by Carol Peao Currier (view bio)

    ICC

    Jacobean Embroidery is a form of English crewel embroidery on linen from the early 17th century. The student will research the history of the period including the origin of typical design motifs and colors used in household furnishings. The student will then translate their research into a stitched design of their own choosing. The student also has the option to stitch the provided design.

  • Introduction to Metal Thread Embroidery with Kay Stanis
    Taught by Kay Stanis (view bio)

    ICC, Silk and Metal

    Our Individual Correspondence Course Introduction to Metal Thread Embroidery is an in-depth study of the techniques of metal thread embroidery that will introduce the student to the shimmer of real gold and silver on fabric.

  • Rainbows Bend: A Course on Color Theory with Carole Rinard
    Taught by Carole Rinard (view bio)

    ICC, Color Theory

    From color wheels to how to use color in your own work, our Individual Correspondence Course, Rainbows Bend: A Course on Color Theory is a comprehensive study of color.

  • Silk and Metal Thread Embroidery with Kay Stanis
    Taught by Kay Stanis (view bio)

    ICC, Silk and Metal

    Our Individual Correspondence Course Silk and Metal Thread Embroidery is an in-depth study of the various techniques of silk and metal thread embroidery.

  • Techniques for Canvas Embroidery with Diane Herrmann
    Taught by Diane Herrmann (view bio)

    ICC, Canvas

    Our Techniques for Canvas Embroidery Individual Correspondence Course is an in-depth study of the various techniques used in canvas embroidery.

  • The Art of Teaching Embroidery with Kay Stanis
    Taught by Kay Stanis (view bio)

    ICC, Teaching

    Are you interested in becoming a better teacher? Do you have questions about developing classes, text, kits, or visual aids? Or do you have questions about the practical aspects of teaching, finances, contracts, time management or proposals? Then our Individual Correspondence Course The Art of Teaching Embroidery is for you.

  • The Sampler Family Tree with Carolyn Standing Webb
    Taught by Carolyn Standing Webb (view bio)

    ICC

    Samplers are one of the most recognizable of the forms of historical embroidery. This Individual Correspondence Course with teacher Carolyn Standing Webb will help you to explore the history that is the family tree of samplers with all of the different branches.