2025 Seminar Classes

The main focus of the class will be on the filling stitches, eyelets, blanket stitch, and lacy edge. The filling stitches include twisted spokes, Dove’s Eye, and Crossed Dove’s Eye. Klosters will be worked at home enabling the class to focus on development of Hardanger techniques. Lacy edge is not often taught in intermediate level classes, but the petite insert in the V on the sides allows it to be learned in a small section rather than surrounding the entire design. Genevieve is worked on 28 count linen with two sizes of pearl cotton.

Technique: Hardanger
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $55
Design Area: 4.24” x 9.24”
Kit Contents: 28 ct. Cashel linen, pearl cotton #8 and #12, tapestry 26 and 24 needles, charts and instructions packet.
Student Provides: Embroidery scissors (short, thin, sharp blades), 8” X 11” Q-Snap™ or 10” X 15” stretcher bars (with tacks or staples) or scroll frame. Hoop not recommended due to rectangular shape. Any lighting or magnification needed by student to work on 28 count linen, usual stitching tools.

The design is worked on a linen fabric in Appletons crewel wools in lovely shades of green and terracotta. This design is based on an original pot holder or tea kettle holder held in the collection at the Winterthur Museum in Delaware. The original embroidery has been worked mostly in stem, chain, and satin stitches, but other stitches such as heavy chain and French knots have been added.

Technique: Crewel
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $65
Design Area: 5″ x 7″
Kit Contents: Calico backing fabric, linen fabric with design, needles, Appletons crewel skeins x 10, full instruction booklet.
Student Provides: 10” embroidery hoop and embroidery scissors.

These colors just sing together! Bead weaving and bead embroidery are brought together to create this beautiful Sea Anemone, complete with lamp work glass fish! The piece features a Rachel Hungary focal cab, natural amethyst beads, baroque and freshwater pearls, and spiral ribbon fringe. Students will learn bead embroidery techniques, bead weaving, and necklace finishing.

Technique: Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate beading
Kit Cost: $135
Design Area: Diameter 2.75”
Kit Contents: Cork template, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, focals, all components, Ultrasuede® backing, and findings.
Student Provides: Preferred beading needle (I use size 11 Tulip), preferred beading thread (I use 8 lb. Crystal Fireline), E6000 glue, fast dry glue (I use Loctite), scissors, light and magnification if needed.

Small lantern-like flowers dangle delicately in this contemporary stumpwork design. Large green leaves provide a vibrant background for the festive pink flowers. You’ll use intermediate techniques including padding and wired slips to create this tropical themed design. Your kit includes silk shantung and cotton fabric, stranded cotton and silk threads, felt for padding, 33 gauge wire, and needles. Left handed instructions available.

Technique: Stumpwork
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 5” x 4”
Kit Contents: Silk shantung and cotton fabric, stranded cotton and silk threads, felt for padding, 33 gauge wire, and needles
Student Provides: 12” x 12” Evertite frame or stretcher bars (with tacks or staples); one 4” embroidery hoop, wire cutters, 6” ruler with both English and metric markings, artist or masking tape, mechanical pencil, small sharp scissors, scissors for cutting paper, cream colored sewing thread, fine needle threader, and usual stitching supplies. Magnification and good lighting are highly recommended. Optional: a doodle cloth to practice stitches.

Judging Needlework is designed not just for people who wish to become certified judges, but also for those who want to perfect their stitching. Students gain insight into the judging process and best practices in various needlework techniques. Students work with the elements and principles of design, including color, and apply design principles to needlework. Students will trial judge actual needlework, write critiques, and apply what they have learned to their own needlework.

Technique: Judging needlework
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $75
Kit Contents: The kit includes the extensive judging manual, a color wheel, and a value finder.
Student Provides: Student must bring needleworks for the class to examine. Attendees must also bring white gloves if they wish to handle the needlework. While not required, it would be helpful for students to have a portable magnifier, ruler, tape measure, clipboard, small flashlight, and cell phone.

With the return of 17c. English seafaring voyagers, imagery of non-native flora and fauna from exploration of distant lands inspired creative designers of English decorative arts resulting in the ‘flowering’ of Late Period Blackwork. As an adaption of embroidery imagery of the period, Bestiary Box explores the change from counted geometric shapes of traditional counted blackwork to flowing organic forms of flowers, fruits, and beasts of non-counted late period blackwork.

Silk and metal threads are used on a linen ground to complete the embroidery. Materials and instructions for constructing the 6-sided orts box are included in the kit.

Technique: Surface embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate/Advanced
Kit Cost: $145.00
Design Area: 3” x 13”, box 3.5”H x 4”W
Kit Contents: Linen ground, silk threads, metal threads, cotton threads, silk lining fabric, mat board, Pellon® Shape-Flex®, quilt batting, bonding tape
Student Provides: 1 bottle of Krazy Glue®, smooth jaw pliers.

It’s morning and the fog is nestled in the mountains. Create this peaceful scene so you can enjoy the view throughout the year. Learn to apply paint to canvas. Manipulate threads so the paint, the original canvas color, and the threads all contribute to the overall finished product. Use overdyed threads for a large portion of the stitching. Add the finishing touch of fog to the design by unraveling Flair and attaching it to the canvas.

Technique: Canvas embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $100
Design Area: 5” x 7.5”
Kit Contents: 9” by 12” congress cloth, needles, #24 tapestry and #24 chenille needles, DMC® , The Gentle Art Simply Wool, The Gentle Art Simply Shaker, Rainbow Gallery Flair, The Caron Collection –Impressions®, Waterlilies®, Wildflowers®; ThreadworX; Weeks Dye Works™; Fog in the Mountains Finished Design Reference Sheet, paint and brushes in the classroom
Student Provides: 9” x 12” stretcher bars (with tacks or staples), laying tool. Basic needlework supplies. Light and magnification if needed.

Embark on a captivating two-day journey in our Northern Mockingbird Goldwork Brooch class, where you delve into the intricacies of crafting the bird’s body from scratch, guided by the creation of your own templates. Throughout this immersive experience, you will dive into the fascinating world of goldwork as you learn to meticulously construct the body of the Northern Mockingbird.

Technique: Goldwork, stumpwork
Proficiency: Basic-intermediate
Kit Cost: $120
Design Area: 5cm x 10cm, 2” x 4”
Kit Contents: 100% cotton muslin with pattern printed with heat erasable ink, tracing paper, felt, stuffing, stuffing tool, glue, brush, sewing thread, purl, threads, sequins, needle book with needles, brooch pin.
Student Provides: 8” hands-free embroidery hoop, goldwork embroidery scissors or embroidery scissors that you will use only to cut metals, a velvet board or soft surface to cut the metals, mellor (optional – you can also use one of the chenille needles included in the kit), pencil.

The diapered blackwork technique was popular in the late 16th and early 17th centuries in England, used for decorating head scarves, caps, and other clothing. “Diapered” refers to overall patterns within a shape. It was generally worked in black silk threads in stylized figures. The class will discuss how different filling patterns have different visual “grey scale” effects and choosing fill patterns with that in mind. The stitches used are double running, pattern darning, plaited braid, woven wheel, chain, and stem. There are two patterns from which to choose.

Technique: Diapered blackwork
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $50
Design Area: 10”x12” or 12.5”x12”
Kit Contents: White linen (18” x 18”), 1 16-yd spool of gold-colored wire passing thread, 1 ball of black tatting cord, lengths of other black cotton thread, 2 tapestry needles (sizes #22 and #18), 1 chenille needle (size #26), floss threader, practice materials (7-count plastic canvas), 1 card cotton lacing cord, instruction booklet, beeswax
Student Provides: Scissors for metal threads, scissors for silk thread, 18″ x 18″ stretcher bars, tacks or staples to attach fabric to stretcher bars, additional light or magnification, if desired.

Students will learn how to finish a square ornament and a round ornament. Additional skills taught will be making one, two, and three color cording for their ornaments. The techniques will be applicable for needlepoint and cross stitch.

Technique: Finishing
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $50
Design Area: Varies
Kit Contents: Mat board for two ornaments, batting for two ornaments, Skirtex for two ornaments, glass head pins, plastic quilt clips, sharp needle, cord holder
Student Provides: 4″ or less round stitched ornament, 4″ or less square or rectangular stitched ornament, 6″ x 6″ backing fabric for each ornament (cotton, moire or silk), matching sewing thread, cord maker, coordinating floss for cording – 6-8 skeins, thimble, fabric scissors.

As we take a leisurely afternoon stroll, we come across a peacock resting in a tree. The warm sunshine with the greens of the surrounding foliage and the pinks of the flowers create a beautiful backdrop for this elegant bird in brilliant shades of blue and green. Using surface embroidery stitches with silk ribbon embroidery techniques and a variety of specialty threads, beads, and sequins, we will create a lovely setting for this brilliant peacock. The student will learn to create dimension and texture in embroidery by using threads in a variety of weights and thicknesses, as well as 4mm and 7mm overdyed silk ribbons. A discussion of perspective in design – foreground and background – will be part of the class. This class is also a study in circle stitches as part of design in embroidery.

Technique: Silk ribbon embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 7” x 9”
Kit Contents: Congress cloth, silk ribbon, threads, beads, sequins
Student Provides: Stretcher bars (with tacks or staples), usual stitching supplies, light and magnification if needed.

Dive into an enchanting world of the Mermaid’s Dream. Imagine her longing for life beyond the sea—basking in sunlight, yet ready to return to the depths. With overdyed threads and solid colors, students achieve a subtle palette on an airbrushed canvas. Capture her wind-tossed hair with seaweed accents, and interpret the sun’s reflection on the water. Add texture with felting fiberfill for “white caps” and “clouds.” Craft your own mermaid’s dream with artistic freedom and finesse.

Technique: Counted canvas
Proficiency: Advanced intermediate
Kit Cost: $200
Design Area: 10” x 12”
Kit Contents: Caron Collections Watercolours® and Waterlilies®;, Painter’s Threads Shimmer Floss, Rainbow Gallery Splendor, Treenway Silks Harmony, round and seashell sequins, Fiberfill, felting needle, #22 tapestry needles, beading thread, airbrushed and line drawn canvas with taped edges
Student Provides: 15” x 18” stretcher bars (with tacks or staples), usual stitching supplies (lighting, magnification, scissors, laying tool, battery pack, frame stand or weight).

Ladybugs on Parade Pouch is done in the Japanese bead embroidery method. Bead embroidery in the Japanese method incorporates silk embroidery techniques translated with beads. The Ladybugs on Parade come with either a white background or an aqua background of ladybug fabric foundation. The ladybugs march across the fabric in a bargello style using a wide palette of colors. The aqua background and the white background have their own individual palette of beads featuring nine different ladybugs. One side of the pouch shows only half of the ladybug colors with the opposite side displaying the remaining colors. The beads used are a wide variety of tri-cut beads and glass seed beads. The foundation fabric is a ladybug design named “Painted Ladies” from the “Tiny Beasts” fabric line designed by Tula Pink for FreeSpirit Fabrics (100% cotton fabric). The pouch can be finished easily by the individual stitcher with zipper and lining fabric included in the kit. The piece is stitched using stretcher bars.

Technique: Japanese bead embroidery
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $120
Design Area: 10” x 6” x 3”
Kit Contents: Beads, ladybug fabric in aqua or white, zipper, lining, Gütermann sewing threads, a special Japanese beading koma made by John Sinton Woodworking ($25 value), design paper and pattern, Japanese needles with ultrafine needle threader, color image reference
Student Provides: Quick release clamps (pair) or frame stand, stretcher bars (9” x 11”) and tacks, silk pins, Tulip® beading awl or tekobari (optional), paper scissors and embroidery scissors.

Metal passing threads are used in many different ways in Tudor and Stuart embroidery: as backgrounds, as scrolls, enhancing colored silkwork and whitework, enhancing geometric and speckling blackwork, as the sole threads on a piece, making intricate knots, and in linear designs. Illustrated talks will look at all of these in detail. Students will sample many of these techniques culminating in a design based on an all metal coif in the Burrell collection. This will be total immersion in metal passing thread stitches with sample choices!

Technique: Metal passing thread techniques
Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced
Kit Cost: $105
Design Area: Maximum 8” x 8”
Kit Contents: Golden Threads gold #5 and silver #5 smooth metal passing threads, linen fabric, tapestry needles #22, printed notes and instructions with colored illustrations, historical illustrations, folder with plastic inserts, light colored sewing thread, PVA glue
Student Provides: 4 sets of 9” stretcher bars making two complete 9” frames. (Stretchers bars are sold in pairs so 4 pairs are needed.) I use three pronged silk pins with stretcher bars. Scissors for cutting metal threads (so not your best pair!). 12” ruler, tapestry needles sizes 20-22 if you have any, sharp pencil for transferring designs, small lidded pot for diluting the glue, usual sewing equipment, pins, needles, etc., light/magnifier if you usually use them as this is detailed work.

In this workshop, participants will study a landscape of their choice and develop a series of stitched color studies inspired by their chosen landscapes. Within the workshop, we will analyze the landscape’s color relationships and break them down to understand various ways to build color perceptions with stitching that reflect the landscape colors.

Technique: Color blending
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 6” x 6”
Kit Contents: 30-40 count linen, silk organza, digitally printed cotton/linen blend, Weeks Dye Works™ floss, needles, tissue paper, instruction booklet
Student Provides: Usual stitching tools.

In this 4-day class students will work all aspects of the Phoenix Rising design, including both stumpwork and goldwork. This majestic phoenix rises from the flames in rich, vibrant shades of yellows, oranges, and reds with an extensive use of metallic threads and goldwork to complement this regal design. Students will be challenged by many different stumpwork techniques such as working with slips and several varieties of detached elements. One of the impressive highlights of the design is the detached wing, created with colored feathers to add more realism. Multiple layering of surface and padded elements will give extra dimension. The phoenix is accented with gold, copper, and a variety of speciality beads.

Technique: Stumpwork and goldwork
Proficiency: Advanced intermediate
Kit Cost: $185
Design Area: 5.75 x 11.25 inches
Kit Contents: Detailed color instruction booklet, Dupioni silk fabric, quilters muslin, organza fabric, metallic Dupioni, feathers, various cottons for detached elements, complete thread card: includes DMC cotton, overdyed cottons, several varieties of Au Ver à Soie® silks, overdyed silks, and an extensive amount of metallic fibers, metal threads: includes check purl, pearl purl, and Japan threads, specialty bead pack, including crystal rhinestones, needles, felt, wire, tracing paper
Student Provides: 10″ x 15″ stretcher bars (with tacks or staples), two 6” embroidery hoops, one 4″ embroidery hoop, tweezers, fine embroidery scissors, scissors to cut wire and metal threads, white chalk pencil, beeswax, felt pens (red, orange, yellow), extra light and/or magnification, useful, but not required: awl, mellor.

Objectives for the student include: learning pulled thread techniques for creating whitework patterns, learning the importance of tension, and thread condition. This course will also include surface techniques, trailing, and ways to finish the edges of a pulled thread area. Students will have a choice of stitching the project in color or as whitework.

Technique: Pulled and Drawn Whitework Techniques with Surface Embroidery
Kit Cost: $99
Proficiency: Intermediate
Design Area: 8” x 8”
Kit Contents: 32 count Belfast linen with pattern professionally screen printed, Anchor® cotton threads, DMC® floche, needles, 21 page color instructions
Student Provides: 10” hoop, scissors, light and magnification if needed

This retreat-like workshop focuses on slowing down and relishing in process rather than product. Supplies needed are minimal. Learning to celebrate imperfection is a prevailing theme. Small compositions will be created with an emphasis on how to use the hand stitch as a major design mark making element. So, grab a bag of fabric scraps and your favorite hand sewing tools, and jump on board. This is not a technique workshop where you learn how to hand stitch. The focus is on using the stitch line as mark making on cloth and learning to color outside the lines. The stitch marks are the brush strokes that make the composition complete. Students will explore personal mark making preferences, with the power of parallel play in groups.

Technique: Hand stitching
Proficiency: All levels
Design Area: varies
Student Provides: 1 yd. cotton canvas duck cloth natural or white, 1/2 yd. of black duck cloth (optional but good to have around), two gallon bags of small scraps—one for you and one for the share pile, 1 yd. of linen/cotton type fabric/or any fabric you want to bring, a variety of small amounts of sheer fabric (3 or 4 small pieces/scraps), black Sharpie®, glue stick, painter’s tape, hole punch (optional), scissors, small amounts of paper that can be stitched through without falling apart (like a page from a calendar or National Geographic), pearl cotton- important to have sizes 5, 8, and 12, needle threader, needle grabber (optional), straight pins, thimble, needles to fit your thread, any other tools you enjoy using for hand stitching.

Scribbles is the perfect piece to dip your toe in the waters of mixed techniques. Scribbles is available in three colorways: classic white, Rose De Noel (greens), and peacock (blues and purples). Scribbles incorporates stitches used in Hardanger, Reticello, and Punto Antico including satin, four sided, wrapped backstitch, and needleweaving. It is a 2 ½” square worked on 28 count linen with two sizes of pearl cotton. The white is DMC and the blue and green versions are Cottage Garden Threads.

Technique: Hardanger, Reticello, and Punto Antico
Proficiency: Basic Intermediate
Kit Cost: $60
Design Area: 2 ½” square
Kit Contents: Pearl cotton threads, OR Cottage Garden Threads, 28 count linen, needles, charts, and instructions
Student Provides: Embroidery scissors (short, thin, sharp blades). 6” Q-Snap™ or hoop, or 8” x 8” stretcher bars (with tacks or staples) or scroll frame. Any lighting or magnification needed by student to work on 28 count linen. Usual stitching tools.

This beautiful bow motif is inspired by the embellishment on an English court gown dating from around 1900. The bow outline is worked in silk thread, before adding glass pearls, seed beads, and diamanté crystals using back stitches and couching. Although the bow looks elaborate, the stitching is relatively simple and so can encourage newer stitchers to try something a bit different.

Technique: Surface stitching and beadwork
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $65
Design Area: 3” x 5 ½”
Kit Contents: Silk duchess satin, calico backing fabric, needles, silk thread, polyester sewing thread, glass pearls, crystals, seed beads, rocaille beads
Student Provides: 8” hoop and embroidery scissors.

This Japanese garden inspired bracelet is created in bead embroidery. It features gorgeous sew-on crystals and a plethora of Czech components. Students will enjoy designing their own walk through the garden using bead embroidery techniques and stitches.

Technique: Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: Beginner to intermediate
Kit Cost: $85
Design Area: Adjustable
Kit Contents: Cork template, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, focals, all components, Ultrasuede® backing, and findings
Student Provides: Preferred beading needle (I use size 11 Tulip®), preferred beading thread (I use 8 lb. Crystal Fireline), E6000 glue, fast dry glue (I use Loctite), scissors, light and magnification if needed.

This short course is based on images of caterpillars found on Tudor and Stuart English embroidery, worked in Ceylon stitch as both a flat and a three-dimensional stitch.

Ceylon stitch is very versatile. It can be a linear stitch, a filling stitch or an open stitch with fillings. Often used in 17th Century raised work for three dimensional motifs, students will sample many of these Ceylon stitch versions, finally stitching a flat and a three-dimensional caterpillar.

Technique: Ceylon stitch flat and three dimensional
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $45
Design Area: Varies
Kit Contents: Linen look cotton for all samples, tapestry needles #22 & 24, Stef Francis mercerized cotton threads, Stef Francis braided silk threads, straws, beads, printed instructions with colored illustrations, thread for binding the booklet pages together
Student Provides: Usual sewing supplies, needles, pins, sharp pointed scissors, 8” embroidery hoop, bone folder/creaser if you have one or a small strong ruler with a smooth edge, scissors for cutting paper, tapestry needles #22, 24 if you already have any, light/magnifier if you usually use one.

Centuries ago, the Mughals invaded and settled in India. Thousands of years later, the Persian influence can still be found in everyday life. This pink flower with its gold border was inspired by a copper cup purchased in India. In this class, you will create your own Ayana (beautiful flower) with detached petals enclosed in a gold border. Your kit includes Soie d’Alger silk threads, gilt pearl purl, soft metallic thread, beads, silk shantung, and needles. Left handed instructions available.

Technique: Stumpwork
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $85
Design Area: 3 ¼” x 2 ¼”
Kit Contents: Instructions, silk shantung, cotton fabric, stranded silk threads, gilt pearl purl #1, metallic soft twist, crystal beads, Mill Hill gold beads, 33 gauge wrapped wire, tracing paper, and needles
Student Provides: 4” embroidery hoop, 9” x 9” stretcher bars (with tacks or staples) OR 7” embroidery hoop, wire cutters, 6” rule,; tweezers, acid free pink felt tip marking pen, masking tape, mechanical pencil, small sharp scissors, scissors for cutting paper, scissors for cutting pearl purl, needle threader, and usual stitching supplies. Magnification and good lighting are highly recommended.

In this 1-day workshop, we will discuss a variety of mounting techniques and analyze samples of each technique. It will include an instructional notebook illustrating each technique discussed.

Technique: Finishing
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $65
Kit Contents: Instructional notebook
Student Provides: Pen or pencil.

In this 1-day class students will work all aspects of the Laguna Scissor Case and Matching Scissor Fob. Stumpwork is a unique form of embroidery that allows you to create 3 dimensional and life-like designs that are not possible with other forms of needlework. Several useful stumpwork techniques will be taught during the class such as: padding with felt and fibers to achieve raised surfaces, a variety of surface embroidery stitches, and finishing technique for the scissor case and fob.

Technique: Stumpwork
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $50
Design Area: 3” x 4”
Kit Contents: Detailed instruction booklet, cotton background fabric with design on it, quilter’s muslin, thread card with all fibers, needles, embellishment pack with beads and seashells, and finishing supplies.
Student Provides: 6″ embroidery hoop, 4” embroidery hoop, tweezers, fine embroidery scissors, scissors to cut wire. (Q-Snaps™, scroll rods, and spring hoops are not recommended.)

On a clear prairie day, a seed-eating dickcissel sits near two of his favorite native prairie food sources, coneflower and sweetgrass. Texas, with the Blackland Prairie ecoregion extending through Dallas, is home to native prairie species. This class will concentrate on techniques using silk threads on a softly painted linen ground. Color in space regression will be discussed. Directions on stitching birds will be offered.

Technique: Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 2.5” x 2.5”
Kit Contents: Linen with transfer, needles, Au ver à Soie® threads, instructions with photo
Student Provides: Usual stitching tools.

Create this quilt square formed from bands of stitches using overdyed threads. Use 11 different canvas stitches to create the design. Learn about value and its role in creating quilt squares. The design provides many opportunities to practice stitch compensation. Display the finished needlework in various square or diamond orientations.

Technique: Counted canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $65
Design Area: 5” x 5”
Kit Contents: Choice A (green and violet) or B (periwinkle and red-violet), #18 canvas, needles, Impressions® and Weeks Dye Works™ overdyed threads, and complete instructions
Student Provides: 10” x 10” stretcher bars (with tacks or staples), usual stitching supplies, light and magnification if needed.

Join us for an immersive one-day workshop designed to lead you through the entire journey of mastering basic goldwork embroidery techniques, culminating in the creation of a flower wreath which is a design adapted from a XIX Century book for embroidery patterns that I thought was ideal to work in goldwork with colored purls. Whether you’re new to goldwork or seeking to refine your skills, this class caters to beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Technique: Goldwork Embroidery
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 12cm x 12cm, 4 ¾” x 4 ¾”
Kit Contents: Cotton fabric with the pattern transferred with heat erasable ink, sewing thread, gold twist thread, blue purl threads, gilt smooth purl, Heavy Metal by Madeira, needle book with needles, printed pattern
Student Provides: 8” hands-free embroidery hoop, goldwork embroidery scissors or embroidery scissors that you will use only to cut metals, a velvet board or soft surface to cut the metals, mellor (optional – you can also use one of the chenille needles included in the kit)

Learn how to handle flat silk threads, to maintain thread condition and good tension, and proper use of laying tool by creating this stunning design. Learn to stitch utilizing both hands. The patterns are professionally screen printed on the fabric.

Technique: Surface stitching, flat silk finishing
Proficiency: Basic-Intermediate
Kit Cost: $148
Design Area: 4” x 5”
Kit Contents: All fabric, silk threads, and instructions needed to complete the project.
Student Provides: Students will need their own hands-free hoop, 6 or 8 inch is recommended, as well as scissors and a laying tool.

Flecked Flowers in Hearts consists of two flowers stitched in a flecked blackwork technique using colored silk, each within a gold 3″ x 3″ heart. The flecked blackwork technique was popular in the late 16th and early 17th centuries in England, decorating head scarves, caps, and other clothing. The project is worked in jewel-toned silks and non-tarnish gold passing thread on a linen ground. These are all surface stitches. The design consists of two flowers, a blue and white flecked cornflower and a red and white flecked carnation, accented with gold. Each is placed within its own heart worked in Plaited Braid stitch.

Technique: Blackwork, flecked style
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $50
Design Area: 3” x 3”
Kit Contents: 10” x 10” white linen, 16-yd spool of gold-colored wire passing thread, lengths of white, green, red, and blue silk, needles, floss threader, Practice Materials-7-count plastic canvas,1 card cotton lacing cord, instruction booklet, beeswax
Student Provides: Scissors for metal threads, scissors for silk thread, 10″ x 10″ stretcher bars (with tacks or staples), additional light or magnification, if desired.

A 5 inch heart shaped counted canvas design on 18 count canvas using Watercolours and Kreinik metallic fibers and 14 different stitches. The heart shape is drawn on the canvas. Instructions, photo, threads and diagrams of each stitch are included. Canvas will be mounted on stretcher bars. Needle included. (Designed by Sandy Bailey)

Technique: Counted canvas
Kit Cost: $50
Kit Contents: Mounted canvas, instructions, threads, photo, diagrams of each stitch, needle
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, scissors for cutting metal fibers, light and magnification, if needed.

In the words of Monty Python, now for something completely different. Coloring Outside the Lines is the first class design in a mix of techniques that I have been playing with for a while now. Coloring has elements of Hardanger, Reticello, and Punto Antico, but is truly none of those. The techniques are my own, and not solely based on any of the above techniques, rather it is a mixture of all three. The center of the design is mostly Hardanger, with elements of Punto Antico surrounding it. The overlay is mostly Reticello, but worked in a Hardanger friendly manner. Coloring is worked on 28 count linen with two sizes of pearl cotton in three colors. It measures just over five inches square. Some of the stitches used are Kloster, satin, four sided, detached buttonhole, and a whole bunch of needle weaving. Get ready for a new adventure in stitching.

Technique: Hardanger, Reticello, Punto Antico
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 5”x5”
Kit Contents: 28 count Cashel Linen, Pearl Cotton #8 & #12, needles, charts and instructions
Student Provides: Embroidery scissors – short, thin, sharp blades,11 inch QSnap(tm) or hoop, 12 inch stretcher bars or scroll frame, any lighting or magnification needed by student to work on 28 count linen, usual stitching tools.

The Pansy or Heartsease has long been associated with love and romance, the heart shaped petals were once thought to cure a broken heart. This design is inspired by early 17th century embroidery styles. The flowers and little bug are worked in satin stitch and silk shading, the leaves are in Burden stitch worked over gilt smooth passing thread. The piece is finished with tiny gilt spangles.

Technique: Silk shading, surface stitching, gold work
Proficiency: Intermediate to Advanced
Kit Cost: $75
Design Area:
Kit Contents: silk satin fabric, calico backing fabric, needles, Deveres silk threads, gilt smooth passing thread, spangles, instructions booklet
Student Provides: 8 inch embroidery hoop, embroidery scissors, goldwork scissors and a laying tool.

This Roaring Sabre Tooth Tiger is created in bead embroidery. It can be created as a necklace or a wall hanging. Its long tooth is a dentalium shell. A large crystal (color choice available in class) sits underneath and a carved bone feather hangs below. Students will learn bead embroidery techniques including design, shaping and finishing.

Technique: Beading embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $130
Design Area: Adjustable
Kit Contents: Artwork, 6” x 6” cork, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, crystal, all components, ultra suede backing, cord, and findings.
Student Provides: Preferred beading needle (I use size 11 Tulip), preferred beading thread (I use 8lb. Crystal fireline), E6000 glue, fast dry glue (I use Loctite), scissors, light and magnification if needed.

In Portugal, beautiful tiles adorn both the inside and outside walls transforming what would otherwise be mundane to a work of art. This piece, with a singular lavender flower and four corner stars, is inspired by those traditional designs but stitched in contemporary colors. Your kit includes Soie d’Alger silk threads, crystal and Mill Hill beads, felt, silk shantung and cotton fabrics, felt and needles.

Technique: Stumpwork
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 4” x 4”
Kit Contents: Instructions, silk shantung, cotton fabric, stranded silk threads, crystal beads, Mill Hill gold beads, 33 gauge wrapped wire, tracing paper, and needles.
Student Provides: 4” embroidery hoop; 9” x 9” stretcher bars, OR 7” embroidery hoop; wire cutters; 6” ruler; tweezers; masking tape; mechanical pencil; small sharp scissors; scissors for cutting paper; needle threader; and usual stitching supplies. Magnification and good lighting are highly recommended.

This is a charming silk ribbon flower project that will teach unique silk ribbon embroidery stitches on 18-count canvas as well as other canvas & surfacework techniques. Dimension is created using textural stitches and threads. The Peony will be constructed using a layered ribbon process set on a sparkly stitched background surrounded by a woven border. Perspective is an important part of the construction of the Peony. The peony flower & center are formed using several different kinds of ribbon stitches and beads to create realistic dimension and depth. A short history of this welcome Spring flower as well as its association with Apollo will be included with the Instruction Booklet.

Technique: Silk ribbon
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $85
Design Area: 4” x 4”
Kit Contents: 10” x 10” 18 ct canvas, River Silks and Treenway Silk overdyed 4mm & 7mm silk ribbons, Caron Wildflowers, Rainbow Gallery Entice, Petite Silk Lame Braid, Silk Road Straw Silk, and DMC rayon thread, Crystal beads.
Student Provides: 10×10 stretcher bars, normal stitching supplies.

In our class project, a butterfly flies in to drink the nectar as fields of bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, bloom in the early summer. Bluebonnet, the common name of many species of Lupine, is thought to come from the shape of the individual flowers that resemble the bonnet worn by pioneer women. Texas is home to multiple species of Lupinus, each adapted to the different climates and growing conditions in the state.

Technique: Crewel embroidery
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $105
Design Area: 5” x 7”
Kit Contents: Appletons crewel wools, silk threads, linen with transfer, needles, instruction booklet with photos.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies plus light and magnification if needed.

Spangled features a classic star shape, divided into sections and stitched with several small patterns. The addition of sparkly organza above or below the stitching as the student chooses elevates this design into wearable art, finished into a Lee’s Needlearts self finishing leather pouch. Embellishments with gold star hot-fix crystals further spangles this design!

Technique: Counted canvas
Proficiency: Basic Intermediate
Kit Cost: $150
Design Area: 5” x 4 ¾”
Kit Contents: 11” x 11” white 18 ct. mono canvas with taped edges; DMC #8 pearl cotton and cotton flosses; Kreinik 1/8” ribbon and #4 braid; hot fix star crystals in 3 sizes; sparkly organza fabric in red, white and blue; chenille and tapestry needles size 22. Leather pouch is not included.
Student Provides: 2 pairs 11” stretcher bars with tacks or staples; usual stitching supplies (lighting, scissors, laying tool, frame stand or weight, magnifier, battery pack)

The Wild Child Wallet is done in Japanese bead embroidery method and is an entry-level piece. Bead Embroidery in the Japanese method incorporates silk embroidery techniques translated with beads. The bright coordinating Wild Child fabrics, compliments the colorful Flower Fiesta foundation fabric. A variety of Tri-cuts and glass seed beads make up the palette of these playful colors. The foundation fabric is offered in a Blue or Pink colorway. The brightly colored purse zipper accents the variety of fabrics found in the Wild Child collection designed by internationally known quilter Jane Sassaman. This piece can be stitched on stretcher bars. The metal frame and wallet construction are created by Sew Many Creations owned by Jessica Van Denburgh and are included in the kit.

Technique: Japanese Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $170
Design Area: 8.25” x 7.5”
Kit Contents: Beads, Wild Child Flower Fiesta Foundation Fabric, Coordinating fabrics, Sew Many Creations Pattern and Wallet Frame, Pink or Green Handbag Zipper, Gutermann Sewing Threads,: special Japanese Beading Koma made by John Sinton Woodworking ($25 value), Interfacing, Japanese Needles (M2 & M3) with Ultra Fine Needle Threader, Color Image Reference
Student Provides: Quick Release Clamps (pair) or Frame Stand, Mini Stretcher Bars (11” x 12”) and Tacks, Silk Pins, Tulip Beading Awl or tekobari (optional), Paper Scissors and Embroidery Scissors

Create a bands and borders reference notebook. Stitch samples of Bargello bands and borders in addition to those made from your favorite stitches and composite stitches. Learn about the different ways borders meet at corners to surround a needlework design. Learn different strategies for making borders the desired length. The notebook will include charted stitches, bands, and borders and color copies of stitched examples for each topic.

Technique: Canvas embroidery including Florentine
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: Varies
Kit Contents: color choice A (Antiques – rose, green, blue) or B (Brights – red-orange, yellow, seafoam), #18 canvas, needles, all threads (stranded embroidery cotton, Impressions, Neon Rays +, Weeks Dye Works) to stitch a variety of bands and borders, complete instructions, numerous color images of stitched examples
Student Provides: 1” binder notebook, 12” by 12” stretcher bars, basic stitching supplies, pencil

Embark on an exciting journey in my Koi Fish Brooch workshop where you’ll delve into stump work techniques while creating a stunning orange Koi Fish brooch. By the end of this workshop, students will not only possess the expertise to craft a captivating Koi Fish brooch but will also be inspired to continue exploring and innovating within the realm of goldwork and stumpwork.

Technique: Goldwork and stumpwork
Proficiency: Basic-Intermediate
Kit Cost: $110
Design Area: 9cm x 4cm, 1 ½ x 3 ¼”
Kit Contents: The kit includes all that is necessary to complete the orange Koi Fish: 100% Cotton muslin with pattern drawn with heat erasable ink, Felt, Printed Pattern, Glue, Gilt Pearl Purl, Super Pearl Purl, Check Thread, Orange smooth passing, Red smooth passing, Gilt Smooth passing N6, Bright check purl , 2 black beads (eyes), Twist, Faux Leather for backing, Stuffing, Brooch pin, Stuffing tool, Brush, Sewing thread, Heavy Metal No. 30 in gold by Madeira, Needle book with: 2 x embroidery needles N10, 2 milliners, Chenille N20 with button hole thread for plunging.
Student Provides: 8” hands free embroidery hoop, goldwork embroidery scissors or embroidery scissors that you will use only to cut metals, a velvet board or soft surface to cut the metals, mellor (optional – you can also use one of the chenille needles included in the kit), pencil

The Triple Lily Ornament is aimed at an intermediate-experience-level stitcher, who probably has not worked with this metal passing thread or these stitches before, knows how to read a diagram, and is willing to try some unusual stitches. It could be finished as an ornament, the top of a small box, or framed. This design plays with the Ceylon stitch and various ways to over stitch it. The outer edge is a Double-edged Chain stitch, with a Raised Woven Wheel in the center, padded with the away waste knots of the rest of the embroidery.

Technique: Elizabethan Raisedwork / Silk & Metal Thread
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $40
Design Area: 4” x 4.5”
Kit Contents: dark linen, 8” x 8”, muslin, 8” x 8” for lining, gold-colored and silver-colored wire passing thread, green silk thread, needles, floss threader, Practice Materials- 7-count plastic canvas and cotton lacing cord, instructions, beeswax.
Student Provides: Scissors for metal threads, scissors for silk thread, 8″ x 8″ stretcher bars for ground fabric or 6” round hoop, tacks or staples to attach fabric to stretcher bars, additional light or magnification, if desired

Students will learn how to finish a Stand Up Box for a square or rectangular stitched piece of stitching. Additional skills will be learning how to make one, two and three color cording. There will be a discussion about the best materials, where to find fabrics, ribbons and beads and how to finish an unusual shape. This class is applicable for needlepoint or cross stitch.

Technique: Finishing
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $60
Design Area: varies
Kit Contents: Custom cut Styrofoam, (students will need to me know the size required 2 weeks before class), mat board, batting, nickel plated pins, sharp needle, Decor bond, cord holder
Student Provides: 6″ x 6″ or less stitched piece in a square or rectangular shape (blocked if needed), 1/3″ yard of coordinating fabric, matching sewing thread, 6-8 skeins of coordinating floss, cord maker, coordinating ribbons for bow and decorating, 4 – 1/2″ beads for feet, thimble, fabric scissors