2022 Seminar Classes

Tuesday evening mini-classes are presented by the Metropolitan Region and require a separate Registration Form from the seminar registration.

Revisit an exciting heritage craft technique that is fun to learn, and is a great stash busting craft. Dorset button making is a useful and creative way to embellish embroidery projects, fasten clothing items, and make gorgeous jewelry. Students will learn how to apply traditional thread-wrapped button making techniques to create a sumptuous variegated ruby colored shawl pin framed by wraps of rich gold thread. This versatile project can be used as a brooch, a key fob, or for many other types of ornamentation. This 2-hour class (7 – 9 pm) includes an interesting slideshow and an entertaining lecture about traditional Dorset button history, as well as an introduction to all of the original steps used to create these fiber treasures.

Technique: Dorset Button Making/Contemporary Wrapped Thread
Proficiency: All Levels
Registration Fee: $50
Kit Cost: $20
Design Area: 1 1/8” circular
Kit Contents: 1 skein DMC Article #115 Color Variations Pearl Cotton Size 5 in color A #4210 Radiant Ruby (rich red medley), 1 spool DMC Diamant Grandé in color B #G3852 Dark Gold, 1 plastic or coated metal ring, with an outer diameter of 1⅛’/2.8 cm, 2 plastic or coated metal rings, each with an outer diameter of ½”/1.25 cm, Pin Fastener, 1 bamboo fastening pin (approximately 4”/10 cm in length), Tapestry needle size 16 and a Chenille needle size 18 or 20 and instructions.
Student to supply: Scissors, tape measure and light and/or magnification (if needed).

Questions about the MET Region Mini-Classes can be addressed to Mary Beth Vetter Purcell at marybeth.vetter@gmail.com.

A Few of My Favorite Things is a 7” X 9” design worked on 28 count ivory Cashel linen. Five pulled thread stitches, a blackwork border along with the Italian whitework technique, Casalguidi, will be taught to make this lovely sampler. The threads include Wildflowers by Caron, DMC pearl cotton and silk pearl. Students will have color choices.

Technique: Pulled-Thread, Casalguidi and Blackwork
Proficiency: Basic-Intermediate
Design Area: 7″ X 9″
Kit Fee: $85
Kit Content: 28 count Cashel linen, cream 18 count linen Doodle cloth, threads: Pearl cotton sizes 5, 8 and 12, Wildflowers by Caron Collection (student’s choice of color), Elegance (silk Pearl) by Rainbow Gallery, pair of 13” and 15” stretcher bars, tapestry size 24 and 26, tacks, instructions.
Student Provides: scissors, light and extra magnification if needed, usual stitching supplies.

THIS CLASS IS FULL

Stitched on a cotton linen blend, this surface embroidery project uses cotton threads and Miyuki glass beads. It is filled with many of Hazel’s signature techniques which have the potential to inspire intermediate to advanced stitchers in their own embroidery. All the stitches and techniques will be taught in this class which includes a full kit of everything you need to complete the project.

Technique: Surface embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate to Advanced
Design Area: 8” X 8”
Kit Fee: $118
Kit Content: natural coloured linen cotton blend fabric, backed with voile, practice cloth, full instruction book, DMC stranded cotton, DMC #12 thread, Superlon beading thread, beads, Miyuki seed beads, needle pack, instructions.
Student Provides: 6” hoop (for classwork), 12 or 14” hoop (for the project, not required at the class), sharp scissors, notebook and pen or pencil, lighting, magnification if required, usual stitching supplies.

Students will be provided with a link and password for 8 separate lessons online for a period of 3 months after the seminar.

The Big Apple Frame Weight features a dramatic city skyline color palette (blues, blacks, silvers with red) stitched with rich silks, cottons and metallic threads on 18 count mono canvas. The design is highlighted by a silver apple charm. This useful frame weight is the perfect canvas for a variety of stitches and techniques that include: laying silk, bound cross, Smyrna cross, Cashmere, Scotch checker variation, Bargello, tent, stitching with hand overdyed silk and stitching with metallic thread.

Technique: Counted Needlepoint
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate (student must be familiar with counted charts and stitching on 18 count canvas)
Design Area: Approximately 7” wide x 5” high
Kit Fee: $99
Kit Content: 13″ wide x 11″ high cut of Zweigart 18 count mono canvas in white/silver, DMC pearl cotton #8 & 5, Splendor silk, Kreinik Tapestry #12 Braid, Belle Soie hand overdyed silk, needles, charms and instructions.
Student Provides: 13″ by 11″ stretcher bars, tacks, embroidery scissors (you will be cutting metallic and silk threads), optional but preferred: laying tool, light and/or magnification, needle threader, needle magnet, usual stitching supplies.

Using the inspiring motif of a Spider Mum, participants will be introduced to basic linear embroidery stitches and silk shading. We will explore these stitches and how to mix colors and change line weight to create different effects as participants render the petals for their own unique beautiful Spider Mum. The leaves will introduce participants to silk shading for naturalistic shading. There are options in the kit for the color of the mum and alternative leaf stitches.

Technique: Basic Traditional Embroidery Techniques including: running stitch, back stitch, stem stitch, split stitch and French knots
Level of Proficiency: All skill levels welcome, hand sewing or embroidery experience is recommended
Design Area: 5″ X 7″ on 40 count linen
Kit Fee: $75
Kit Content: 40 count linen with transferred design, 100% cotton plain weave for backing, Weeks Dye Works embroidery floss, embroidery needles, instructions.
Student Provides: 8″ – 10″ hoop or frame, scissors, light, magnifier if needed,
usual stitching supplies.

If you are looking for the perfect piece to hang for Valentine’s Day, then this is the one for you. You can leave a note for your loved one using handmade paper created by you. Slide the letter in the pocket of a heart made of Pavilion Boxes, Branscombe Edge and detached Buttonhole. Surround the heart with Patio Cashmere, Star Octagon, Smyrna, Mosaic, Oriental, Satin, Rhodes and Sprat’s Head.

The inside borders are accented with arrows, hearts, swirls and roses using silk ribbon. And to complete the piece, we’ll add stamped letters on handmade paper and a bow.

Technique: Canvas and handmade paper
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 8” X 8”
Kit Fee: $100
Kit Content: 18 count white canvas, pearl cotton, Splendor, River Silk, Overdyed floss, floss, Impressions, Brads, handmade paper, wipes and needles, instructions.
Student Provides: 12” by 14” Stretcher bars, laying tool, tacks, scissors, paper scissors, ruler, pencil or pen, Xacto-Knife, magnifier and light if needed, usual stitching supplies.

Royal Kimono embraces a wide variety of gold threads with many shades to weave a tapestry of gold for the finished design. The canvas embroidery kimono is stitched on an 18 count mono (line-drawn) eggshell canvas. Picking your own special color of silk to design a personalized chop to match your choice of mat color will make this piece the highlight of any home. Students will have the option to change the kimono shape to a rectangle. If the rectangle shape is selected the student will make design choices with Toni’s guidance.

Technique: Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 7 ½” X 8 ½”
Kit Fee: $135
Kit Content: White 18 count line-drawn Eggshell Canvas, instructions, needles & case, and all threads including many silks, Flair, Neon Rays, Mandarin Floss, Metallics, and cottons, instructions.
Student Provides: 12″ by 13″ stretcher bars, tacks, and usual stitching supplies.

Planted in August and harvested by hand in October, the saffron crocus holds the world’s most expensive seasoning. Try the Italian needle art of reticella cutwork using the gentle colors of the crocus. Worked on 32 count Belfast linen, this is the first in a set of four samplers that will explore the different stitches of reticella while celebrating the seasons.

Technique: Reticella in Color
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 6” X 6”
Kit Fee: $60
Kit Content: 13″ x 13″ Belfast linen-32 count-ecru, 6″ x 6″ square for practice, size 40 Lizbeth Cordonnet thread, Gentle Art Sampler Threads, DMC floss, pattern sheet, needles, instructions.
Student Provides: 6” or 8” fabric covered embroidery hoop, small scissors to cut threads, light colored basting thread, thimble (needed), straight pins, tweezers, needle grabber, measuring tape.

Three Buds is a beautiful embroidery worked on Thai silk stitched with silk and metal threads. The buds are in the Art Deco style. The student will work with padded satin stitch, a closed fly stitch for the leaves, couching the threads for the stems, and attaching spangles. Accenting the rose buds is silk wrapped purl in a darker color giving depth to the satin stitched petals. Couching three different threads forms the stems. The threads include soie de Paris, silk facette gimp, #2 and Super pearl purl in gold, and check thread in two sizes. Spangles are used at the base of the stems.

Technique: Silk and Metal Thread Embroidery
Proficiency: Basic-Intermediate
Design Area: 4” X 5”
Kit Fee: $105
Kit Content: 10” X 12” piece of Thai silk, cotton backing-hemmed, soie de Paris, silk facette gimp, #2 and Super pearl purl in gold, and check thread in two sizes, Spangles, assorted needles, instructions.
Student Provides: 13” by 14” stretcher bars, thumb tacks or staple gun, silk pins, scissors for silk, metal and crafts, tweezers with a fine point, laying tool: a tekobari, a trolley needle, or your choice, 6” see-through ruler, Beeswax, needle threader for fine eyed needles, needle threader for Chenille/tapestry needles, thimble, artist pencil HB or 4H or a mechanical pencil, magnification, light, usual stitching supplies.

Join me in creating this delightful silk ribbon summer garden, an embroidery study in Perspective and The Knotted Stitch. Our garden is a photo transfer on Congress cloth, embellished using silk ribbon and other surface embroidery techniques to create a dimensional and layered embroidery. There are 10 knotted-stitch variations presented in the design, as well as the ribbon stitch and the straight stitch. All stitches and techniques will be demonstrated in class.

Technique: Silk Ribbon Embroidery
Proficiency: Basic-Intermediate
Design Area: 5” X 7”
Kit Fee: $125
Kit Content: Congress cloth with a photo transfer, River Silks and Treenway Silks 4mm and 7mm overdyed silk ribbons, Caron Wildflowers and Waterlilies, needlepoint overdyed silk flosses, DMC floss and pearl cottons, Weeks and Gentle Arts overdyed flosses, instructions.
Student Provides: 11” by 13” stretcher & tacks or staples, wooden laying tool, usual stitching supplies.

THIS CLASS IS FULL

This goldwork panel was inspired by a Japanese family crest featuring a stylised plum blossom motif. Using traditional goldwork techniques with a variety of gold metallic threads and beads, and stranded cotton thread in several shades of pink (or the colour of your choice), this small embroidered medallion may be worked on ivory silk satin or a square of vintage kimono silk (a choice is offered). The finished panel may be framed, mounted into the lid of a box, or made into a brooch.

Technique: Goldwork and Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Design Area: 4” square
Kit Fee: $67
Kit Content: Project design, instructions and tracing paper, photograph of project, ivory silk satin or vintage kimono silk (a choice is offered), Calico backing fabric, Vliesofix and felt padding, DMC stranded cotton thread, gold metal threads, gold beads, nylon, polyester and gold metallic sewing threads
Student Provides: 8″ or 9” embroidery hoop, stretcher bars or square frame, needles, beeswax, thimble, small sharp-pointed embroidery scissors, paper scissors, and small sharp scissors for cutting metal thread, fine blunt-nosed tweezers, small metal nailfile or mellor, cutting board (a small square of cardboard covered with velveteen), small ruler, fine (0.5mm) HB lead pencil (a mechanical pencil works well), magnifier, usual stitching supplies.

The video below gives you a closer look at all of Jane Nicholas’ classes.

Create a kaleidoscope of color as you learn new ways to approach the painted canvas. This intermediate class will enhance your knowledge of color harmony and color theory by experiencing, in a brand-new way, color interaction with a painted canvas. Each student will receive a hand painted canvas, all threads for the design and instructions. Let yourself be guided through an exploration in creating this fun and exciting design: “Color Play.”

Technique: Painted Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 9” x 9”
Kit Fee: $125
Kit Content: Hand Painted 18 count mono canvas 12” x 12″, Caron Impression, Caron Wildflowers, Access Commodities, soie perlee, Access Commodities, Bijoux Crown Jewels, Kreinik #8 Braid, DMC Jewel Effects, DMC Pearl #8, assorted colored buttons, instructions.
Student Provides: 2 pairs 12” stretcher bars, tacks, and usual stitching supplies.

A mermaid disappears into clear tropical water, with just a flash of tail to reveal her story. The Mermaid’s Tale features levels of water painted on canvas, defined with several small stitches with Painter’s Threads. Instruction emphasizes how to “read” a diagram to determine the best stitching path, and how to compensate stitches. Threads used are Painter’s Threads overdyed cotton floss, fine metallic braid, gimpe, #8 pearl and single-loop rayon, with cup and seashell sequins.

Technique: Counted canvas/surface embroidery
Proficiency: Advanced
Design Area: 8” X 8”
Kit Fee: $125
Kit Content: 18 counted canvas, Painter’s Threads overdyed cotton floss, #8 pearl cotton, #8 metallic braid, gimpe and single loop rayon trim; 5mm cup sequins, and 14mm seashell sequins, instructions.
Student Provides: 2 pairs 14” stretcher bars, tacks, usual stitching supplies.

Butterfly and Blooms is based on the technique of Dresden lace, a counted thread embroidery. Various botanical motifs drawn on the fabric are filled with pulled thread patterns creating a variety of lacy textures and degrees of openness. The motifs are then outlined with chain, whipped chain or outline stitch. Discussion in class will cover compensation, differences in tension, the role value (light and dark) plays in white work with tips on designing Dresden lace embroidery.

Technique: Pulled Thread – Counted Whitework
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 8” X 6”
Kit Fee: $35
Kit Content: 12” X 10” 25 count even weave linen with design applied, Pearl cotton #5, Pearl cotton #8, Pearl cotton #12, tapestry needles, Instructions.
Student Provides: 10” X 12” stretcher bars, sufficient thumb tacks to place a tack at least every inch, pastel colored sewing thread for basting, tack pusher if desired, magnification if needed to see 25 count fabric, usual stitching supplies.

The video below gives you a closer look at both of Kim Sanders’ classes.

Elizabethan Enchantment, a 5” x 6” surface embroidery project of typically Elizabethan stitches and motifs, is worked in silk and non-tarnish metal threads on a high-count linen ground fabric. It features five quintessentially Elizabethan stitches: Ceylon, squiggle, corded lark’s head, corded detached buttonhole, and plaited braid, which are probably new to you. Stitchers should already be familiar with chain, French knot, satin, stem, and spiderweb stitches. Prework to transfer the design and mount the linen on stretcher bars.

Technique: Elizabethan silk and metal thread surface embroidery
Proficiency: Advanced intermediate
Design Area: 5” X 6”
Kit Fee: $80
Kit Content: sturdy white linen, 10” x 10” and muslin for lining, 10” x 10”, threads include spools of non-tarnish wire passing thread in Dark Gold, either Benton & Johnson 371 or Access Commodities MET0371, non-tarnish wire passing thread in Silver, either Benton & Johnson 380 or Access Commodities MET0, various skeins of Soie d’Alger, needles, beeswax, practice materials, instructions.
Student Provides: 2 pairs 10” stretcher bars with tacks, scissors for silk, scissors for metal threads, additional light and magnification if desired, usual stitching supplies.
Prework: 1-4 hours

Lotus Blossom Clutch is done in the Japanese bead embroidery method. Bead Embroidery in the Japanese method incorporates silk embroidery techniques translated with beads. The Lotus Blossoms come with either a white background or a black background floral design fabric foundation. The Blossoms fit symmetrically across the rectangle clutch and fill the shape perfectly. The beads used are a wide variety Tri-cut beads and glass seed beads. The foundation fabric is a floral design “Rainbow Flight” by Wilmington Prints 100% cotton fabric. The clutch shell and hardware are included and can be finished easily by the individual stitcher. The piece is stitched using stretcher bars.

Technique: Japanese Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: Basic
Design Area: 6 3/4” X 8 1/2″
Kit Fee: $160
Kit Content: beads, Cotton fabric – floral and stripe, clutch frame, shell and chain, pink floral lining, Gutermann sewing threads, special Japanese beading Koma made by John Sinton Woodworking ($25 value), design paper and pattern, Japanese needles (M2 & M3) with ultra fine needle threader, instructions.
Student Provides: clamps or frame stand, stretcher bars (10” x 12”) and tacks, silk pins, tulip beading awl or tekobari (optional), scissors-paper and embroidery, usual stitching supplies.
Color Choice: White or Black

Autumn leaves contrast with a background of evergreens – or your choice of colors. For the sky, create a sunrise, a blue sky, or a stormy sky with sun underneath as shown above. Paint the background on sturdy, translucent Lutradur 100. Then, embellish it with sheer fabrics to create texture. Render evergreen trees with one stitch and brightly colored deciduous trees with a contrasting stitch (several options for stitches). Learn to cascade the stitches to mimic textures of an old-growth forest. Optional deckle edge for easy finishing! Students will be layering mixed media and embroidery, painting with color gradation, use of contrasting stitches, stitch size control, how to create perspective in embroidery

Technique: Multi Media
Proficiency: All levels
Design Area: 11” X 14” not solidly stitched
Kit Fee: $84
Kit Content: 11” x 14” Lutradur 100, Lutradur postcards for practice, Dye-na-Flow paints, brush, sheer organza, Lutradur 25, tulle, threads, appropriate needles, instructions.
Student Provides: Neither a hoop nor stretcher bars are used. Usual stitching supplies, magnifier and light is needed.

Set up the chairs and the umbrella and enjoy a day at the beach. To capture the variety of colors in the ocean water, participants will paint the ocean portion of the canvas before they begin their stitching. They will stitch the ocean using the oblong cross stitch and a variation of the water stitch with a mix of overdyed threads and one sparkly thread. Other stitches include diagonal scotch, interlocking Gobelin, staggered cross stitch, Parisian, Nobuko and more.

Technique: Canvas embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 5” X 7”
Kit Fee: $85
Kit Content: 18 count canvas, needles, all threads to complete the project, and instructions.
Student Provides: 10” by 12” stretcher bars, usually stitching supplies, tacks, light and magnifier if needed.

The video below gives you a closer look at both of Gail Stafford’s classes.

This 4-1/2” high by 1-3/4” diameter cylinder is stitched using two different 32 count linens and silk threads in shades of blue and green. It is a vibrant teaching piece showcasing various detached filling stitches. The lid lifts to reveal 2 wool needle pages and the cylinder itself is stuffed with walnut shells so it can be used as a weight and/or pincushion. Stitches used 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 Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Design Size: 4 1/2″ X 1 3/4″
Kit Cost: $80
Kit Content: 2 pieces of 32 count linen ground fabric, silk flosses, silk fabric, muslin Skirtex, practice threads & fabrics, iron-on interfacing, cotton batting, wool fabric, mother-of-pearl button, needles- tapestry & milliner or crewel, crushed walnut shells, beads, color copies, directions, charts, finishing instructions.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies for all my classes-good scissors, needle threader, basting thread, light/magnification, etc.

Stitch on a new project or a favorite one you have been wanting to complete. Enjoy the company of other stitchers while working at your own pace, taking breaks on your own schedule. Space will be provided for two days of stitching, with access to an instructor to provide guidance, suggestions and help with stumbling blocks. It doesn’t get any better to resolve problems, share success and progress on your choice of projects with fellow stitchers!

If you are a “purple person”, you will love this tiny jewel perched on a bare branch with his brilliant signature throat aglow. It is stitched on Shantung silk using 37 colors of DMC floss. Students will easily create his exquisitely shaded feathers, using random long and short stitch. Other stitches used for the fine details are split stitch, running stitch, stem stitch, straight stitch, trailing stitch, and satin stitch. Students will learn to use a technique taught at the Royal School of Needlework to readily see color changes. In addition, students will learn how “order of work” stitched helps to achieve the maximum realism. The comprehensive instructions have color photographs showing thread placement, and all stitch diagrams needed to complete this design are provided. With minimal experience in stitching random long and short stitch, the student can easily recreate this realistic design with the teacher’s guidance, the written instructions and class structure. (This is the 2nd of a series of hummingbird classes to be offered.)

Technique: Thread Painting (Realistic Silk Shading)
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 10” X 12”
Kit Fee: $111
Kit Content: 14” x 16” Shantung silk with pre-drawn design and calico for backing, needles, DMC floss, color photo, all instructions, pre-work instructions will be sent to students.
Student Provides: 14” X 16” stretcher bars, tacks, 6” ruler, embroidery scissors, light, magnification if needed, threaders, 3 men’s hankies to cover your work, a stand, frame weight or table clamp for free, usual stitching supplies
Pre-work: 2 hours

Your magic carpet is flying over pyramids in all sizes, colors, and shapes…surrounded by lush greenery. The design, a study in texture and three-dimensionality, combines simple threads – Floche, and pearl cottons, metallic/silk blends, silk floss, metallics and over-dyes of different weights – to bring these shapes up off the canvas and become almost touchable. Stitch these shapes in simple, complex, and composite stitches like Jessicas, laid filling, knotted, and tied stitches, alongside easy to manipulate stitches, to create the look of a textured surface in an explosion of color.

Technique: Congress cloth
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Design Area: 10” X 10”
Kit Fee: $170
Kit Content: threads, beads, needles, line-drawn congress cloth, thread cards, instructions.
Student Provides: 2 pairs 14” stretcher bars, laying tool, frame stand or frame-weight for hands-free stitching, light and magnification recommended, usual stitching supplies.

Glitter, flash, and sparkle celebrates the Broadway experience. We will mount the center stone with shisha technique over padding. Students will work with a variety of jewel shapes from navette to montees to Loch Rosen crystals. These will be stitched in various combinations along with a detached wired element. Stitching techniques will include several paddings, laying flat silk, chipping, Burden stitch, S-ing along with working with plate and kid. The foundations are Congress Cloth and gold sparkle organza.

Technique: Contemporary silk and metal embroidery on canvas with raised and detached elements
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 8” X 8”
Kit Fee: $130
Kit Content: Congress Cloth and sparkle organza, threads, beads, needles, line-drawn canvas, thread cards, instructions.
Student Provides: 14˝ by 16˝ stretcher bars, tacks, beeswax, pencil, scissors: for cutting metal threads & one for cutting silk, laying tool, Jewel bond glue or glue stick, small tweezers, curved bladed scissors, sets of frame magnets, usual stitching supplies.

“The Sunny Spot” was designed to be traditional yet appealing for beginners and intermediate and above stitchers. We wish to welcome new stitchers, and help embark on their new journey entering the path of Japanese embroidery. Basic techniques, such as Weft, Vertical, Horizontal, Diagonal, and Separated layers will be taught. Also, several novel effects, such as Realistic effects, Knots technique and optional gold leaf will be introduced to add deeper expressions. The participant has an option to proceed to advanced-intermediate level stitching on other areas of the same design if he/she has finished early and wishes to take on a further challenge. The participants will have access to post-class online material if they wish.

Technique: Japanese Embroidery
Proficiency: Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced
Design Area: 15” X 13”
Kit Fee: $185
Kit Content: Silk fabric, silk and metal threads, instructions.
Student Provides: Frame and tools (needle set, stroking needle, awl) can be rented with buy back system for $145, usual stitching supplies. More information regarding the rental will be in the teacher’s letter to the students.

This pincushion, worked on tartan fabric and using beading thread, cotton threads and Miyuki beads, will cover 3-dimensional beadwork flowers for use in embroidery projects as well as the additional stitches and techniques needed to complete the project. A full kit with all the materials needed to complete the project is included in this class. Suitable for all stitchers.

Technique: Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $97
Design Area: 2 ½” X 1 ¼”
Kit Content: tartan fabric, DMC stranded threads, Miyuki seed beads and Delica beads, needle pack, small velour beading mat, instructions,
Student Provides: 6” hoop, light coloured chalk tailors’ pencil, sharp scissors, notebook and pen or pencil, magnification, usual stitching supplies.

Five patterns made of yellow and purple silk threads are used to create Amethyst Light, a bright Rozashi piece which fits as an insert to a Lee ® brand luggage tag. This beginning Rozashi piece is only 3” in diameter, on uneven weave silk Japanese “ro” gauze. This piece works up quickly and will definitely help identify your luggage on the airport conveyor belt!

Technique: Japanese Rozashi Embroidery
Proficiency: All levels
Design Area: 3” diameter
Kit Fee: $81 includes luggage tag or $66 with out luggage tag
Kit Content: foundation fabric attached to wooden frame, Japanese twisted silk Rozashi thread, needles, instructions. Optional: Lee® brand leather luggage tag.
Student Provides: Fine pointed scissors for cutting threads, thimble, laying tool, your choice tweezers, table frame, floor frame, frame clamp or frame weight, lighting, magnification as you require is a MUST!! – ro has a high thread count, your usual stitching supplies.

The jewel-like colors of autumn leaves glisten on the brilliance of gold couching. This small project is an introductory class in or nué and gold couching. Using some of Treenway Silks’ “65 Roses Limited Edition®” silk floss on cotton fabric, the overdyed threads lend themselves well to the mottling of fall leaves. The finishing of this project into a brooch or necklace pendant makes it a useful item on which to display your love of surface embroidery.

Technique: Gold Couching and Or Nué
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 2” X 2” brooch
Kit Fee: $30
Kit Content: 8″ square of Classic Cottons by RJR Fabrics broadcloth, gold & copper threads, silk thread, Silks Harmony 6-strand silk floss, 4″ square of gold “Fairy Frost” cotton fabric, batting, pin back, instructions.
Student Provides: 6″ embroidery hoop, scissors for thread and for metal, fine pointed tweezers, needle threader, 6″ see-thru ruler, mechanical pencil with 0.5mm lead, 1 full package (at least 5 needles) size 10 crewel or between needles, magnifiers/lighting, if finishing as a pendant you will need a bail, split rings, and necklace chain, usual stitching supplies.

This charming silk ribbon wildflower monogram will teach the student some basic silk ribbon stitches as well as other surface embroidery techniques and basic canvas work. Dimension is created using textural stitches and embellishments on painted Congress Cloth. The finished piece will fit in a box top or can be finished as an ornament. Each student will decide on their own monogram letter. All stitches and ribbon techniques will be demonstrated in class.

Technique: Silk Ribbon Embroidery on Painted Congress Cloth
Proficiency: All levels
Design Area: 5” X 5”
Kit Fee: $65
Kit Content: River Silks and Treenway Silks 4mm and 7mm overdyed silk ribbons, Silk Road Straw Silk, Caron Wildflowers, Rainbow Gallery Silk Lame Braids, Entice and Glisten as well as beads for embellishment, Wildflower Fields Charted Monogram booklet by Abigail Cecile included, instructions.
Student Provides: 10” x 10” stretcher bars, tacks or staples, wooden laying tool, usual stitching supplies.

Embroidered on a background of ivory satin with silk and cotton threads, this small stumpwork panel features the Heartsease, Viola tricolor: the petals are wired and detached, the stems and leaves are worked with surface embroidery. The finished embroidery may be framed, made into a box top, or used as a cover for a needlecase.

Technique: Stumpwork
Proficiency: Advanced intermediate
Design Area: 4” square
Kit Fee: $25
Kit Content: Project design and tracing paper, photograph of project, Ivory satin, Quilter’s muslin, Soie d’Alger silk thread, assorted silk and cotton threads, wires, instructions.
Student Provides: 5” or 6” embroidery hoop, 4” embroidery hoop, needles -Crewel/Embroidery size 10, Straw/Milliners size 3, Sharps 11 or 12, small sharp-pointed embroidery scissors, fine blunt-nosed tweezers to shape wire, small wire cutters or old scissors (can use nail clippers), Stylus, Clover Tracing pen or used ball-point pen for tracing, ruler – 15 cm (clear plastic is good), notebook and fine (0.5mm) HB lead pencil, roll of 13 mm (½”) Scotch Removable Magic Tape, usual stitching supplies.

The video below gives you a closer look at all of Jane Nicholas’ classes.

Stitched on 32 count linen with various overdyed cotton and silk threads, this 3-1/4” x 1-3/4” book (when folded shut) features a bevy of birds and berries and the saying “Birds of a feather stick together….except this one.” This wee book houses a pincushion, scissors sheath and fob, and a needlepage. Perfect for tucking inside a small purse or stitching bag. Stitches used include Petit Point, Cross-Stitch Over One, Stem, Long-Arm Cross, Queen, Satin, Backstitch, Encroaching Gobelin, Small Rice, Diagonal Princess, Montenegrin, and Spiral Trellis.

Technique: Counted Thread
Proficiency: Intermediate-Advanced
Design Area: 3 1/4 “ X 1 3/4 “
Kit Fee: $90
Kit Content: 32 count linen, practice fabric needles, silk threads, overdyed cotton threads, batting, Skirtex, Iron-on interfacing, mother-of-pearl button,silk ribbon, Ultrasuede, wool fabric, instructions.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies for all my classes-good scissors, needle threader, basting thread, light/magnification, etc.

A Room With a View is a fun doll house room framed in a doll house 6” X 5” bay window (included in the kit). This intermediate piece is worked on white 32 count Belfast linen with a variety of silk and cotton threads of different weights. Students will learn needlelace, work on silk gauze, wrap card and stitch a shisha mirror. Students will have color choices.

Technique: Stumpwork techniques, needlelace, wrapped card
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 6” X 5”
Kit Fee: $135 includes Doll House Bay window for frame
Kit Content: 32 count Linen Silk gauze, threads: Overdyed silk Waterlilies by Caron, DMC variegated, Splendor silks, silk pearl cotton, size 12, extras: various sizes of beads, doll house picture frame, Shisha Mirror, Trinket for wall decoration, perforated paper, wire to shape Needle lace, lace for curtains, flooring, doll house bay window for frame, foam core for mounting, padding, muslin and plastic for Needlelace foundations, stretcher bars. Students will have color choice for the Blackwork wall paper.
Student Provides: scissors, light and extra magnification if needed, usual stitching supplies.

THIS CLASS IS FULL

Featured in Hazel’s book, “Crewel Birds” (which you will need to bring to class), this project is stitched on a cotton linen blend using cotton threads and Miyuki glass beads. It uses many of Hazel’s signature techniques which have the potential to inspire intermediate to advanced stitchers in their own embroidery. The class includes a full kit and will cover all the stitches and techniques needed to complete the project.

Technique: Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate to Advanced
Design Area: 11” X 12”
Kit Fee: $135
Kit Content: Print on natural coloured linen cotton blend fabric, backed with voile and ready to stitch, batting pack, threads, DMC stranded cotton, DMC satin thread, DMC pearl #12 thread, Finca pearl #12 thread, DMC Dentelles, Madeira Glamour #12 thread, Miyuki seed beads, Preciosa flat back crystals, needle pack.
Student Provides: 6” hoop (for classwork), 17” x 17” stretcher bars or scroll frame to accommodate a similar visible stitching space (for the project, not required at the class), sharp scissors, notebook and pen or pencil, additional magnification, if required.
Students will be provided with a link and password for 3 separate lessons online for a period of 3 months after the seminar.

Because of a publishing agreement each student must obtain a copy of Hazel’s book, “Crewel Birds”. The book is available on Amazon, about $25.

The Historical Bargello Scissors Pocket is a journey in stitching historical wool Bargello work. We will make a useful and beautiful accessory while learning about this technique. A palette of China Blue, Hyacinth and Fuchsia in English wools will be used exclusively. This time-honored needlework technique is known for its long-lasting qualities so it has been used for footstools, chairs and accessories. Included in the instruction book are historical notes and finishing information.

Technique: Bargello
Proficiency: Intermediate (Student should be familiar with using charts on 24 count)
Design Area: 4” X 7 1/2”
Kit Fee: $99
Kit Content: 10″ wide x 13″ high cut of Zweigart 24 count Congress Cloth,10 shades of fine English wool, wood thread sorter, matching embroidery scissors, needles, charms and instructions.
Student Provides: pair 10″ and 13″ stretcher bars and tacks, embroidery scissors (you will be cutting wool threads), optional: laying tool, needle threader, needle magnet, light and/or magnification, usual stitching supplies.

Mixing contemporary goldwork with traditional embroidery, this whimsical bird feeder design offers a wonderful sampling of different techniques incorporating both counted and non-counted surface embroidery. There are options for other birds.

Technique: Traditional and creative embroidery techniques
Proficiency: All skill levels
Design Area: 4” X 8”
Kit Fee: $100
Kit Content: 18 count Aida cloth backed with cotton, embroidery floss, metal embroidery wires, leather kid, instructions.
Student Provides: 8”- 10” hoop or stretcher bars and embroidery scissors, usual stitching supplies.

Heart of the Sea: what a way to showcase your beachcombing collection, especially shells. A variety of stitches will be used to bring this piece to life. The student will learn how to transfer the base lines to the linen, and then spend time creating their own scene. Shells are included in the kit, but the student may want to use some of their own.

After the student has arranged and set the design of their piece, time is spent learning how to attach the shells to the linen using a few methods. In addition, the student will learn how to create a sea anemone, sea urchin, sea worm, starfish and brain coral. Stitches include Ribbed Spider’s Web, Buttonhole Rings, Fake Bullion, Eyelet, Ribbed Lazy Daisy and French Knots.

Technique: Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 6 1/2″ X 9″
Kit Fee: $88
Kit Content: 10″ x 13″ Cork linen, pearl cotton, Watercolours, Wildflowers, Planet Earth Silk, Vineyard Silk Classic, Oriental Linen, floss, Impressions, shells, pony beads, beads: variety of sizes in cream and off white, sea glass, tracing paper, needles, instructions.
Student Provides: pair of 10″ and 13″ stretcher bars, no scroll frames, tacks, red and green color pencils, tweezers, magnifier and light if needed, usual stitching supplies.

Texture as a Design Element begins with a great lecture on the visual elements of design, then we sample different ways to create texture in our needleart. The student will stitch small samples of all examples or they can create a design, Textured Paisley. This intermediate level piece on 18 count white mono canvas finishes to approximately 13” x13” and gives a better understanding of texture and how to use it effectively in your own designs or painted canvases.

Technique: Lecture and Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 10” X 10”
Kit Fee: $100
Kit Content: white 18 count mono canvas, needles and case, photo, and all threads, beads, and embellishments to complete project, including Ultra Suede, Wool felt, copper sheeting, copper scrubbie, tulle, a variety of threads, Wonder Ribbon, and beads. Instructions.
Student Provides: 2 pairs of 13″ stretcher bars and usual stitching supplies.

May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you guide your way on inspired the creation of these sunrise/sunset postcards – one to send and one to keep. Textile paints are used to add beautiful landscape coloring effects. Using aerial perspective techniques, surface embroidery stitches add to the illusion of depth. A fun exploration into using paints on silk dupioni while learning more about design.

Technique: Surface embroidery, fabric painting, finishing
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 5.5″ X 4.25″
Kit Fee: $80
Kit Content: Chinese silk dupioni 9″ x 12″ (2), photo transfer cotton sheets (2), mat board 5.5″ x 4.25″ (4), silk ribbon overdyed, cotton thread palette, glazed sewing thread, Jacquard® Textile paint set, Royal® paint brushes ½”, ¼” and detail, Coats® Button & Carpet thread, paint palettes and water cup, instructions.
Student Provides: 9″ x 12″ stretcher bars or 8” hoop, piece of silk dupioni, usual stitching supplies.

Glitz and glam is the hallmark of this big city. Adding the glitz and glam of metallic threads and metals brings this temari to a whole new level. Kaye has taken the most difficult part of the temari process away by using a pre-wrapped, eight division ball. Adding more divisions to the temari makes stitching this design easy. You will learn about basic temari embroidery, but you will take this artform to another level by adding goldwork to it as well.

Technique: Temari and Goldwork
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Design Area: 3 1/4″ diameter ball
Kit Fee: $165
Kit Content: prewrapped temari, Kreinik threads Silk Bella, Silk Serica3, Kreinik Metallic Braids Size 4, Size 8, Size 12, Size 16, Kreinik 1/8” ribbon, other metallic threads, smooth purl #2, Gutterman thread, various needles, straight pins mixed colors, tape measure, thread waxer, instructions.
Student Provides: Scissors to cut thread and to cut metal, thimble, mellor if you have one, firm tweezers, box to cut chipping, fine pencil for tracing, optional light and magnifier, usual stitching supplies.

THIS CLASS IS FULL

This small exotic panel was inspired by a seventeenth century Syrian enamelled wall-tile. Combining stumpwork, goldwork, surface embroidery and beading techniques, this circular panel is worked on an ivory silk background with silks, gold metallic threads, beads and tiny gold spangles. The design features a stylized pomegranate flower, worked in silks, gold kid and gilt purl, purple iris and pear flowers with detached petals, and beaded prunus blossoms. The panel is enclosed by an ornate scalloped border worked in a variety of gold metallic threads and beads. It may be framed or made into a box top.

Technique: Stumpwork, Goldwork, Beadwork and Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: Advanced
Design Area: 5” circle
Kit Fee: $107
Kit Content: Ivory silk dupioni and backing fabric, fabrics for applied and detached elements, Soie d’Alger silk threads, metallic sewing threads, gold metal threads, gold kid leather, beads, sequins and spangles, coloured wires, tracing paper, instructions.
Student Provides: 8” or 9” embroidery hoop or stretcher bars, three 4” embroidery hoops, needles, thimble, Beeswax, small sharp-pointed embroideryscissors and paper scissors, small sharp scissors for metal thread, small wire cutters or old scissors (to cut wire), fine blunt-nosed tweezers, metal nailfile or mellor, rulers – 6” and 12”, Clover Tracer Pen, empty ball-point pen or stylus for tracing, notebook and fine (0.5mm) HB lead pencil, small container for beads, magnifier (if required), usual stitching supplies.

The video below gives you a closer look at all of Jane Nicholas’ classes.

Imari Wind is inspired from the ceramic patterns of Japan known as Imari. This elegant piece introduces many unusual patterns and stitches with silk and metal for the intermediate student. The design creates a sense of movement and interest and the colors are reminiscent of deep tone jewels. The kit includes a line drawn design on Congress Cloth, silk and other threads, and instructions to complete the piece. Let your needle fly on the Imari Wind.

Technique: Canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 6” X 6”
Kit Fee: $100
Kit Content: Off white Congress cloth, DMC floss, Access Commodities Bijoux, Kreinik Braid, Caron Soie Cristale, Gloriana stranded silk, Needlepoint, Inc silk, instructions.
Student Provides: 2 pairs 10” stretcher bars, tacks, laying tool and usual stitching supplies.

Take seven shimmering silks. Add embroidery, lace and ribbon. Garnish with beads and buttons. Create a beautiful huswife to house your favorite embroidery tools. Personalize with your choice of stitches and selections from the class stash. The class will cover a variety of surface embroidery stitches traditional to crazy quilts. To maximize class time for embroidery, students will receive a pre-pieced foundation. Class lecture will include information on the history of crazy quilting and silk.

Technique: Crazy Quilting
Proficiency: Advanced basic to Intermediate
Design Area: 7” X 10 1/2” (open)
Kit Fee: $65
Kit Content: Pre-pieced silk dupioni ground backed with cotton Muslin, additional silk dupioni for interior, Aida doodle cloth, #12 pearl cotton. #5 pearl cotton, various silk ribbons, 6 stranded cottons, Valenciennes lace, beading thread, various color seed beads, buttons, needles, instructions and finishing directions
Student Provides: 13” by 10” stretcher bars, sufficient thumb tacks to place a tack at least every inch, tack pusher if desired, 5-inch hoop, white sewing thread for basting, bead cloth, 12” ruler, magnification if desired, usual stitching supplies.

The video below gives you a closer look at both of Kim Sanders’ classes.

Full Metal Fruits and Nuts, a surface embroidery project on linen, showcases some less-common Elizabethan stitches in a metal-thread-only composition typical of late 16th century England. The new stitches are Ceylon, three raised stitches, two Pekinese, two corded buttonhole stitches, and a woven stitch. Stitchers should already be familiar with blanket, chain, stem, double running, and spiderweb stitches. Prework is to transfer the design and mount the linen on stretcher bars.

Technique: Elizabethan metal thread surface embroidery
Proficiency: Advanced intermediate
Design Area: 3” X 8”
Kit Fee: $80
Kit Content: 14” x 10” white high thread-count sturdy linen, Beeswax, threads include pearl cotton size #3, #8 & #12, DMC floss, non-tarnish wire passing threads by Benton & Johnson, lacing cord, needles, Yarn Darner for cord, stitching instructions for both right- and left-handed stitchers.
Student Provides: pair of 14“and 10” stretcher bars with tacks or staples, scissors for cutting metal threads and for cutting silk threads, tweezers, magnification,
usual stitching supplies.
Prework: 1 – 4 hours

The Whirligig Treasure Chest is done in Japanese bead embroidery method and is a entry level piece. Bead Embroidery in the Japanese method incorporates silk embroidery techniques translated with beads. The presentation wooden box is by Sudberry that the Whirligig is displayed in and is included in the kit.. The beads used are a wide variety Tri-cut and glass seed beads. The technique of using a Beading Koma to couch down lines of beads in order to create smooth curves is explored in this piece. The foundation fabric is a floral pinwheel 100% cotton fabric called Safari SO Goodie by Wilmington Prints stitched using stretcher bars. (Box Lid design © Mary Alice Sinton)

Technique: Japanese Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: Basic
Design Area: 2 1/2″ X 3 3/4″
Kit Fee: $85
Kit Content: cotton fabric, Sudberry trinket box, Gutermann sewing threads: Black and Bone, special Japanese Beading Koma made by John Sinton Woodworking, design paper & pattern, Japanese needles (M2 & M3) with ultra-fine needle threader, instructions.
Student Provides: pair of 7” and 8” stretcher bars, clamps or frame stand, and tacks, silk pins, Tulip Beading Awl or tekobari (optional), scissors-paper and embroidery, usual stitching supplies.

Create a serene evening by the sea with stitched textures and subtle color progressions. Trace design elements and paint a background. Add sheer fabric overlays to provide texture for the sky and mountains. The barn and foreground tundra are fabric appliqués. The foreground can be embellished with hand stitches to represent flowers or sea grass. The lighthouse and ocean are softly shaded with long-and-short stitch. Bring the ocean to life by adding silver reflections.

Technique: Multi Media
Proficiency: Basic Intermediate and beyond
Design Area: 8” X 10”
Kit Fee: $95
Kit Content: 24 count Congress cloth size 12” x 14”, 8 momme silk habotai for moon, organza, tulle, cotton twill attachments, Caron Watercolours, Splendor silk, Kreinik #4, Dye-na-Flow paints, brushes, palette, nitrile gloves, mixing sticks, appropriate needles, dust mask, class treasure chest of fabric and threads will provide many color options. instructions.
Student Provides: pair of 12” and 14” stretcher bars, tacks, tack hammer, usual stitching supplies.

It’s a bright sunny day at City Lake. The crepe myrtles are no longer in bloom, but their leaves cast shade on the ground below. The sky’s reflection in the water is a beautiful shade of blue. Create this scene using overdyed threads and stranded embroidery cotton. Learn to apply paint to canvas and ultra-suede. Add depth to the design by attaching the painted ultra-suede trees to the canvas. Stitches include Woven Trellis, Double Upright Cross, Diamond Ray, Interlocking Gobelin, some random stitches and more.

Technique: Canvas embroidery
Proficiency Level: Intermediate
Design size: 5” X 7”
Kit Cost: $85
Kit Contents: Congress cloth, needles, all threads to complete the project, and instructions
Student to Provide: pair of 10” and 12” stretcher bars, tacks and usual stitching supplies.

The video below gives you a closer look at both of Gail Stafford’s classes.

Worked on 32 count linen with silk threads, this small band sampler incorporates various embellished Double Running Stitch patterns featuring fanciful flowers, leaves, strawberries, and peapods. Stitches used include Double Running, Detached Buttonhole, Trellis, Spiral Trellis, Double Italian Cross, Roman, Long-Arm Cross, Small Rice Stitch, Diagonal Princess Stitch, Satin, Queen, Montenegrin, and Petit Point.

Technique: Counted Thread
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Design Area: 4” X 13“
Kit Fee: $140
Kit Content: 32 count linen cut approximately 9” wide x 18” high, silk threads, needles, practice fabric, practice thread, color copies, charts, graphs, instructions.
Student Provides: good scissors, needle threader, basting thread, light/magnification, usual stitching supplies.

Stitch on a new project or a favorite one you have been wanting to complete. Enjoy the company of other stitchers while working at your own pace, taking breaks on your own schedule. Space will be provided for two days of stitching, with access to an instructor to provide guidance, suggestions and help with stumbling blocks. It doesn’t get any better to resolve problems, share success and progress on your choice of projects with fellow stitchers!