2026 Seminar Classes

Can we have too many needlework accessories? “Strawberries and Cream” Needle Book was designed to be an introduction to Pulled Thread embroidery and to be a useful item. Twelve Pulled Thread stitches are teamed with surface stitches creating a geometrical design. Queens, half-queens, and straight stitches form a bounty of strawberry motifs and a Rhodes stitch is used as the “spine” of the needle book. You will find a bit of a challenge is packed into this diminutive-sized fund project. Eileen’s book A Note Book of Pulled Thread Stitches Revised and expanded (89 – page booklet) is also included with this class.

Technique: Pulled Thread
Proficiency: Intermediate – Student must know cross stitch, be capable of following stitch diagrams and have experience working on linen fabric.
Kit Cost: $75
Design Area: Approximately 10-inches wide by 5-inches high
Kit Contents: Linen fabric, DMC floss (4), #80 Special Dentelles thread, # 24 and #26 tapestry needles, charting, stitch diagrams with 15-page instruction manual, color photo, washing instructions, a 2-page bibliography of Pulled Thread embroidery and Eileen’s book A Note Book of Pulled Thread Stitches Revised and expanded.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. A 4 or 5 inch hoop. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching may be useful. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Creating your own painted canvas is easier than you think. With just masking tape and permanent markers, you can be the artist. With markers, a line-drawn canvas, threads, and coloring instructions, color the canvas in the morning, and start stitching in the afternoon. Blend thread colors with the canvas using overdyed threads, pearl cottons, and a bit of sparkle. The finished design can be used for making a tool pouch or as an insert for a tote bag.

Technique: Counted Canvas / Painting with Markers
Proficiency: All Levels
Kit Cost: $85
Design Area: 7” x 5”
Color Choices: Student will be able to choose either the warm or cool palette
Kit Contents: Line drawn canvas, instructions, threads, needles, photos, alcohol markers
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking 10” and 12” stretcher bars, laying tool. Lap frame or frame weight for hands free stitching. At least ½ roll of 1” masking tape, long sleeved shirt suitable for painting or an apron. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Stitch some Christmas cheer with this fun Christmas Tree! This class mixes metal embroidery with beading. Techniques include metal loops, beading, applying leather kid, pearl purl and chipping. What a unique display for the holiday season.

Technique: Goldwork and Beading
Proficiency: All levels
Kit Cost: $85
Design Area: 3” by 5”
Kit Contents: Metal threads, metallic leather kid, mixture of tiny glass beads, mixture of medium glass beads and crystals, sewing thread, needles, beeswax and metallic linen ground fabric. A printed instruction booklet is included with the kit.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching. 6” hoop or equivalent stretcher bars needed.
Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Quaker Samplers meet whitework in this fusion design. The Whitework spot sampler measures 6 by 8 inches and is mostly Ukrainian Whitework. Mostly. I take some liberties. It is a two day intermediate class teaching a combination of surface stitches (satin, double cable, Smyrna Cross, and such) with pulled work (eyelets, faggot, pulled double cable, and the like). The sampler is worked on 28 count linen with two sizes of pearl cotton.

Technique: Ukrainian Whitework
Proficiency: Intermediate
Prerequisite knowledge: Basic Skills in Whitework, familiarity with reading charts and graphs
Kit Cost: $55
Design Area: 6” by 8”
Kit Contents: Pearl Cotton #8 and #12 B5200 Snow White and white Cashel Linen, needles, chart and instructions packet.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. 10” or 11 hoop or 11 QSnap ™ or similar sized stretcher bars or scroll frame. May be worked in hand. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

This Bead Embroidered Bag has a Hand Painted Sea Horse and Glass Cabochon. It is created on cork fabric and has Bamboo inspired wood handles. It is lined and has an inside slip pocket. Kit includes Japanese and Czech Seed Beads, Crystals and all components. Students will learn my bag construction techniques and bead embroidery stitches. Students will also have a choice of cork colors/prints in class.

Technique: Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: Beginner/Intermediate
Prerequisite knowledge: Basic Bead Embroidery knowledge is helpful but not necessary.
Kit Cost: $145
Design Area: 8” x 6”
Kit Contents: Cork, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, focals, all components, linings, and findings
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Beading surface, 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, Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Spanish born, Catherine of Aragon popularized English Blackwork embroidery in the 16th century. This type of needlework lavishly decorated clothing and household textiles of the era. Blackwork can be reversible (alike on both sides of the ground fabric) when using a double running stitch. Blackwork can also be embroidered using a back stitch and, although neat on the reverse side, total reversibility is not attained. The student will choose an embroidery technique and both methods well be taught.

The Black and White Sampler features 24 band designs popular during the 16th and 17th centuries. Motifs include the pomegranate fruit, acorns, snails, flower heads, holly, leaves and geometric forms. Dividing bands are worked with marking crosses, double back stitch with bars, long arm crosses, knit stitch, double back stitch, four-sided stitch and an Italian hem stitch. Additional stitches include queens, partial queens, flat (satin), small rice and small Algerian eyes. The model is worked on 30-count antique white linen.

Technique: Blackwork
Proficiency: An Intermediate to advanced level class. Student must know old sampler stitches, be capable of following stitch diagrams and have experience working on linen fabric
Kit Cost: $85
Design Area: 2.3 inches wide by 11.8 inches high
Kit Contents: Linen fabric, DMC threads, #24 tapestry needle, charting, stitch diagrams included in a 63-page instructional manual, photo, washing instructions, a multi-paged history, history timeline, and bibliography of Blackwork Embroidery. Eileen’s 56-page book Black Revisited, A book of charted designs for Blackwork Embroidery which includes the project “C of A’s Pyn-Pillow (Catherine of Aragon) is included with this class.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. A 4 or 5 inch hoop, scissors. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching may be helpful. . Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Each band on this lovely sampler represents a highlight from the life of Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. The sampler begins with the Martha Washington Geranium and concludes with Martha and George in their wedding finery. In addition to learning numerous stitches, students will learn Martha’s captivating life story including her upbringing, first marriage, the births and deaths of her children, her life with George especially during the Revolutionary War, her life as the first “First Lady” and her life after the death of her beloved husband, George.

The sampler is worked on 30 count Angel Hair over-dyed linen using over-dyed threads, both from Weeks Dye Works. Stitches in this sampler include two versions of Foliage Stitch, Cross with Bar, Diagonal Cross, Half Rhodes with Cross, Modified Tudor Rose, Rapid Stitch, Florentine, Captive Rice, Trellis Cross, Continental, Triple Cross, Blackwork, Queen, Double Star, Smyrna over 2, Rice over 2, Canvas Lace and a new stitch called Martha’s Dance Fan.

Technique: Counted Thread
Proficiency: Intermediate
Prerequisite knowledge: Knowledge of stitching on linen and understanding of counted thread.
Kit Cost: $105
Design Area: Approximately 4” x 12” (fabric will be cut 10” x 18”)
Kit Contents: linen, full skeins of over-dyed floss, needles, and detailed instructions.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking, laying tool, and scissors. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Maple leaves are done 3 ways in this design, Autumn 3 Ways. The first leaf is padded appliquéd fabric with embroidery on top for the stems & veins. You will have a choice of many different autumn-colored fabrics to individualize your piece. The middle leaf is executed with a beautiful laid filling pattern in autumn colors with embroidered stems & veins. The third leaf is needle felted right on to the canvas with beautiful autumn colored rayon & wool roving, a fun addition to your stitching. Then the stems & veins are again embroidered on top. To finish the piece there are multiple borders including an intriguing multi-trip herringbone border. All colors of the leaves are repeated in the border. This intermediate level class on eggshell Congress cloth finishes to a 10” x 10” design. The stitches are completed with many fun threads including, Painters Threads Overdyed Floss, Planet Earth Silk Veggies, DMC & Anchor floss, Rainbow Gallery Sparkle! Braid and Splendor silk, & Soy Luster Shadows.

Technique: Counted Canvas, Including Padded Applique, Needle Felting and Laid Fillings
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $115
Design Area: approximately 10” x 10”
Kit Contents: Line Drawn, taped Congress Cloth. All threads, fabric, roving, needles, instructions, etc. to complete design.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including a laying tool. More details will be in the Student Letter.

Coming Soon.

Abstract and quirky, Steampunk Strips features creative use of metallic threads and stitches. The design is enhanced with embellishments, and students will receive enough materials to make their own design choices throughout the piece.

Technique: Counted Canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $135
Design Area: 4” x 12”
Kit Contents: Instructions with color photo, line drawn 18 ct. canvas and all threads to complete the design.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Stretcher bars – 8” and 16”, tacks or staples, laying tool, lap frame or frame weight for hands free stitching. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Magical Color is a dizzying array of sophisticated and exciting colors in a fun and interesting sampler. The student will have a choice of a warm or cool underpainting, harmonizing the sampler(s) and lending to the overall effect of the stitching. This class is a result of my many studies in color interaction and students response to these studies – asking for them as their own class, so this is the result. The magic happens as you watch the colors transform before your very eyes as you stitch. A powerful and effective way of learning about color theory, warm and cool, saturation and desaturation, color harmonies – and just have fun doing so. Come and enjoy the Magical Color!

Technique: Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $125 for one canvas (Warm(L) or Cool(R) color) or $200 for both canvases
Design Area: 6 ½” by 9 ½”
Kit Contents: Design hand painted on 18 ct. canvas, various threads including overdyed perle cottons, silk/wool blends, perle cotton, needles
Color Choice: Student may choose a single canvas in either warm colors or cool colors or may opt to have both canvases at an extra cost.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching. Either one or two pairs 10” and 12” stretcher bars. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Roma: Toggled to the Past was inspired by the geometric shapes found in many of the mosaic floors found at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Using a mixture of techniques, the rounds, squares, rectangles and 6-sided polygon shapes link together to form the central area of the necklace. A three dimensional toggle “pulls everything together” as the pendant. Flat peyote straps take the necklace to the finish line ending in a sliding bar clasp.

Technique: Beading
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Prerequisites: Students must be comfortable with both peyote stitch and cubic right angle weave.
Kit Cost: $130
Design Area: 20” long plus the toggle but can be made longer
Kit Contents: All materials to complete the design, including fully illustrated, color Instructions, various sizes and shapes of CZs, seed beads, delica beads, pearls, fire polish beads, guitar string, One G beading thread, needles.
Color Choice: Students will be given choices of kit color ways when the student letter is sent.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Beading surface, additional needles if wanted including a curved beading needle, small, sharp scissors, thread zapper, Tulip beading awl or similar, microcrystalline beading wax (optional, but recommended). Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Is Olivia a fairy princess or a child playing dress-up? You decide as you create a stumpwork figure clad in needle-lace. Olivia stands on a counted thread ground surrounded by a quickly stitched silk ribbon garden. A golden metallic wand, beads adorning her wand, her dress, hair, and the tree branches add sparkle. Needle-lace will be stitched on a custom-made needle-lace pad. Students have a choice of skin, hair color and hair style.

Technique: Stumpwork, Silk Ribbon, counted ground
Proficiency: Intermediate
Prerequisite knowledge: Ability to count threads
Kit Cost: $85
Design Area: 6 inches high x 4 inches wide
Prework: Cutting out the felt padding at home. Basting the design on the ground fabric. Students will be mailed necessary felt, fabric, comprehensive instructions, and appropriate patterns.
Kit Contents: Lugano ground fabric, silk ribbon, overdyed stranded cotton, stranded cotton, #80 cordonnet, beading thread, beads, felt for padding, 6 needles, detailed instructions, multiple photographs
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Frame weight for two-handed stitching helpful, 12” and 14” stretcher bars, tacks, sharp embroidery scissors to cut ribbon. Magnification and lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Use overdyed threads and a variety of stitches to create this scene of a sunny summer day in the Virginia mountains. Learn about aerial perspective and how threads and stitches are used to create the illusion of space. Stitches include Criss Cross Hungarian, Nobuko, French knots, Interlocking Gobelin, Tent Stitch, and some random stitches.

Technique: Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $104
Design Area: 4 5/8” by 6 1/2”
Kit Contents: Weeks Dye Works, DMC Stranded Cotton, Boucle, Watercolors, Wildflowers, Simply Wool by The Gentle Art, Design drawn on 18 count canvas with some areas painted, Tapestry and Chenille needles
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching. 10” and 12” stretcher bars. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

This course will introduce students to contemporary goldwork embroidery through a fun longleaf sensitive briar design. Embroidery techniques include chain stitch, bullion knots, thread mixing, pearl purl and contemporary dimensional cutwork.

Technique: Goldwork and Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: All levels. Hand sewing or embroidery experience is recommended.
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 3” by 6“
Kit Contents: 36 Count linen, Weeks Dye Works embroidery flosses, metal wires, embroidery needles, instructional booklet and tissue paper.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching. 8-10” hoop or equivalent stretcher bars needed. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Miss Ruby is a stylish dark-haired beauty. Her portrait is stitched on 18ct eggshell canvas, while the hat is on merlot Congress Cloth. Real feathers, netting, and “rubies” add a 3D effect. The hat features velvety threads in diagonal stitches adorned with pearls and beads. Her complexion is crafted with tent stitches, and her Raven black hair uses split & stem stitches for a sleek appearance. Instructions cover how to apply 3D objects and applique the hat.

Technique: Counted Canvas with applique and embellishments
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $195
Design Area: 6” by 9”
Kit Contents: Main Design – 18ct– Eggshell Vintage, Hat Applique: Red congress Cloth. Threads, needles, Instructions, and 3-D objects to include jewels, netting and feathers, glue, stuffing.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Stretcher bars – one pair each 12”, 14” and two pairs 9”, tacks or staples. A laying tool is mandatory. Flattening threads will be necessary. “Rechargeable” flat irons are required for use at seminar. Usual Stitching supplies to include craft scissors not to be used for the embroidery. Lap frame or frame weight for hands free stitching. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Enjoy a whimsical huswif for your sewing tools, featuring this charming Octopus emerging from his undersea grotto into a kelp garden. Students will create the octopus with the burden stitch, using silk threads on a gold foundation. Garden elements include kelp vines composed of reverse chain and ribbon stitches, a cave of Italian tubular mesh, and a passing otter. Inside, a lovely set of pockets to store scissors, needles, and other basic tools.

Technique: Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $155
Design Area: 13” x 7”
Kit Contents: Silk dupioni with design transferred, plus all the threads for the creatures, Octopus Eye and abalone cabochons, tubular mesh and silk ribbons, all lining and pocket materials, and buttons for finishing.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Students need either Ever-Tite stretcher bars OR needlepoint frame OR stretcher bars that can be laced for a 22” x 14” piece of fabric, scissors. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Once upon a time in midwinter, when the snowflakes were falling like feathers from heaven, a queen sat sewing at her window, which had a frame of black ebony wood. As she sewed she looked up at the snow and pricked her finger with her needle. Three drops of blood fell into the snow. The red on the white looked so beautiful that she thought to herself, “If only I had a child as white as snow, as red as blood, and as black as the wood in this frame.”

Snow White’s Jewelry Box is a small beaded box that is heavy on “bling”. Meant to hold your special items, it is rich in beading techniques and was designed as an educational piece. The box is worked in sections that include various skills.

Technique: Beading including tubular/circular peyote, cubic right angle weave, modified right angle weave, and lattice embellishment.
Proficiency: Advanced
Prerequisites: Student must be proficient at tubular/circular peyote beading and be able to “step up” without assistance. Student should have a working knowledge of Cubic Right Angle Weave (CRAW).
Kit Cost: $175
Design Area: 3” Diameter x 4” High
Kit Contents: All beads required to complete the box including delicas, seed beads, faceted crystals, fire-polished beads, Preciosa bicones, rivoli, mirror, and complete instructions.
Pre-Work: The student will stitch a foundation ring for the top of the box as pre-work. The foundation ring is worked in tubular peyote and should take approximately 5 – 6 hours to complete.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Beading surface, 125 yd roll of 6 lb test smoke fireline, size 10 and 12 beading needles, and scissors. A thread zapper and tulip beading awl are optional. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

The Medallion was designed for stitchers who are curious about gold work, but may be intimidated by it. The materials are larger than usual, making them easier to manage. The whole piece is about 3 1/2” square, making it easy to finish. Each section stands alone, and is not dependent on any other, so stitchers can move at whatever pace they desire.

Technique: Goldwork
Proficiency: Basic
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 3 ½” square
Kit Contents: 28 count linen, soie d’alger thread, imitation gold #371, gilt pearl purl #3, check purl #4, gilt check thread, 4 freshwater pearls, kid leather, soie perlee, gilt 1 ½ twist, yellow couching thread, beeswax, velvet-lined box for chipping, needles
Prework: Approximately 2 – 3 hours Students will stitch the square backstitch outlines before class, so we can focus on the gold materials during class time.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Hoop large enough to hold a 3” square design. Scissors for cutting metal threads, 12” ruler. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

The Three Wishes are the center of another Hardanger design entitled “Fantasy”, and they may be worked in one of three different color ways. They are just a little snippet worked entirely in class to give the student a taste of Hardanger. The wishes are made of satin stitches, eyelets, and a wrapped and woven center. Each Wish is a compact 2 inches point to point, and it is worked on 28 count linen with two sizes of pearl cotton. The students will choose one color at the time of registration. Colors available are: White, Lillipilli which is a variegated ranging from Maroon to Green, and Birdbath, a lovely variegated in shades of lavender and blue.

Technique: Hardanger
Proficiency: Basic-Intermediate
Prerequisite knowledge: Basic Skills in Whitework, familiarity with reading charts and graphs
Kit Cost: $50
Design Area: approximately 2” square
Kit Contents: DMC Pearl Cotton #8 and #12 in B5200 (snow white) OR CGT Pearl #8 and #12 in Nest OR CGT Pearl #8 and #12 in Bird Bath, 28 count Cashel white linen, needles, charts and instructions packet
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. 5” or 6” hoop or 6” QSnap ™ or similar sized stretcher bars or scroll frame. May be worked in hand. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

A Coastal inspired Necklace created in bead embroidery. Featuring a Swarovski Crystal Sew-on, Opal Shine Cup Chain, AAA Pearls, Glass Crystals, Moonstone, Japanese Seed Beads, and Czech components. Students will enjoy creating their own abstract necklace design using bead embroidery techniques and stitches.

Technique: Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: Beginner/Intermediate
Prerequisite knowledge: Basic Bead Embroidery knowledge is helpful but not necessary.
Kit Cost: $120
Design Area: Adjustable Kit Contents: Base materials, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, focals, all components, Sensuede backing, and findings.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Beading surface. 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. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) are recommended if you think you might need them!

This Sparkling Ruby and Emerald Wreath is composed of twelve emerald colored peyote triangles that are decorated with ruby colored rhinestones, 2mm faceted Czech crystals, and small gold beads. The triangles are connected together to make two circles using the right angle weave technique. The circles are then zipped together to make the final wreath. This is a two-sided design and the back is as beautiful as the front. The student is unlikely to finish the wreath in-class, but will learn all of the construction techniques required to finish the wreath.

Technique: Beading including circular peyote
Proficiency: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Student must already know the peyote stitch.
Kit Cost: $35
Design Area: 2 ¼” Diameter x ½” Thick
Kit Contents: All beads to complete the project including delicas, seed beads, Czech crystals, and instructions.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Beading surface, 50 yd roll of 6 lb test crystal fireline, size 10 beading needles, thread zapper (optional), and scissors. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Coming soon.

Create a vibrant color wheel of stars spinning around a circle. Each star will have its own unique combination of stitches, and the background will be worked over the canvas colored during class. This class encourages creativity and experimentation with color and stitch techniques.

Technique: Counted Canvas
Proficiency: Basic Intermediate
Kit Cost: $130
Design Area: 10´square
Kit Contents: Instructions with color photo, line drawn 18 ct. canvas and all threads to complete the design.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Stretcher bars – two pairs 14”, tacks or staples, laying tool, Lap frame or frame weight for hands free stitching. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Spinners are a swirling design of twisty, fun stitches. A geometric with pizzaz that is fun and quick to stitch. Learn more stitches while enjoying new and different threads and a choice of colorways.

Technique: Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $65
Design Area: 4” by 4”
Kit Contents: Ivory or white 18 ct. canvas, Kreinik Braids, Sparkle Rays, etc., needles, and printed instructions
Color Choices: Berry, Butterscotch or Popsicle
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including laying tool and pen/pencil for notetaking. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching. Two pair 8” stretcher bars. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Torque bangles are believed to have been worn around the 8th century BC. The word “torque” basically means twisted or turned. These bangles were found in bronze, silver, and gold. This style of jewelry has stood the test of time as it is still one of the most popular designs today. Coming To the End Cuff & Earrings is no exception. The base is a brass cuff blank sized to the wearer. The blank is covered in peyote stitch and edged with crystal pearls. An extension is built off of the cuff blank to hold two large oval CZs. These CZs are bezeled and attached to an extension in an ingenious way. Simple embellishments add just the right touch using Austrian crystals for sparkle. As if the bangle wasn’t enough, I had to add earrings, of course!

Technique: Beading
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Prerequisites: Students must be comfortable with peyote stitch.
Kit Cost: $120
Design Area: The cuff will be custom sized to each student, with instructions included, when the student letter is sent.
Kit Contents: All materials to complete the design, including fully illustrated, color Instructions, various sizes of CZs, seed beads, delica beads, pearls, crystals, 1 pair CZ set ear wires, brass cuff blanks, One G beading thread, needles.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Beading surface, additional needles if wanted including a curved beading needle, small, sharp scissors, thread zapper, 1 roll of ¼” wide Red Tacky Tape, microcrystalline beading wax (optional, but recommended). Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Archimedes uses a variety of surface, pulled and counted thread embroidery stitches to create a charming whitework owl on 25-count linen. The pulled and counted thread areas are outlined with chain and stem stitches to accentuate the different features of the bird. The design is pre-drawn on the fabric so class time is spent embroidering. Lecture will cover the use of value, texture, and stitch selection to provide interest and balance in whitework embroidery.

Technique: Pulled and Counted Thread
Proficiency: Basic-Intermediate
Prerequisite knowledge: Ability to count threads
Kit Cost: $40
Design Area: 6 inches high x 3 ½ inches wide
Kit Contents: 25 count linen, #8 and #12 pearl cotton, tapestry needles, chenille needle, detailed instructions.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Pair of 12-inch and pair 14-inch stretcher bars, tacks, scissors or thread clipper, magnification and lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Have you wanted to learn the techniques to mount your own embroidery projects? Come join me in this lecture/demonstration class filled with show and tell for different mounting options. There will be no stitching during class, no unfinished project to take home. But you will leave with a notebook filled with ideas for mounting your own needlework.

Technique: Demonstration and Show and Tell
Proficiency: All Levels
Kit Cost: $20
Design Area: Notebook
Kit Contents: Instruction Booklet
Student Provides: Pen/pencil for notetaking.

The ultimate lace gallery! Eighty-one stitches and patterns showcase your skill and provide a lasting, heirloom-quality needlework reference. If you ever need a delicate filigree, you are sure to find it here. And once you take this class, you will truly be adept at creating openwork patterns – expertly and fearlessly!

The centerpiece of this 4 ½” by 13 inch design is an ancient crown pattern embellished with luminous pearl beads. Around the crown are blocks with eight categories of pulled work stitches, except for one block that is set aside for a graceful initial – yours! Variations of the pulled thread stitches include backstitch, double backstitch, buttonhole, cross, eyelet, four-sided, satin and straight. As you master the techniques, Eileen will share with you both the history of pulled work and an extenside bibliography that she has developed through years of studying this elegant technique. There are 82 pulled thread stitches on this piece.

Technique: Pulled Thread
Proficiency: An intermediate/advanced level class. Student must know cross stitch, be capable of following stitch diagrams and have experience working on linen fabric.
Cost: $100
Design Area: 4 ½” by 13 “
Kit Contents: Linen fabric, DMC floss, #80 Special Dentelles thread, # 24 and #26 tapestry needles, pearl beads, charting, stitch diagrams with 56-page instruction manual, color photo, washing instructions, a 2-page bibliography of Pulled Thread embroidery and Eileen’s book A Note Book of Pulled Thread Stitches Revised and expanded.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. A 4 or 5 inch hoop, scissors. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching may be helpful. . Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Peng Ling is a charming Patchwork Panda to commemorate the Chinese Panda that visited the United States. The black and white color palette makes Peng Ling exquisite with just a touch of green in the bamboo snack Peng Ling is eating. Many black threads will be used to create dimension and texture in the black and white areas. Rainbow Gallery metallics, Caron threads, Treenway Silks & Planet Earth Threads, along with beads & fabulous 3-D claws will be used to create her captivating design. The stitches will include old favorites, as well as a few surprises. The background will be a Sparkly Green Open Bamboo Pattern on a white background to enhance the Asian design.

Technique: Counted Canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $205
Design Area: 9” by 11”
Kit Contents: Line drawn, taped 18 ct. canvas. All threads, beads, embellishments, needles, and instructions to complete design.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies including a laying tool. More details will be in the Student Letter.

Capture the beauty of treasured places from your travels or from closer to home. Your image might be realistic, Impressionistic, a sampler, abstract, or can combine elements of these. Any embroidery techniques are welcome.

What will you learn?

1. Learn to develop a design step by step from your inspiration through to its final completion. An optional preliminary design consultation helps you pre-plan your design.
2. Design lessons will show advantages and disadvantages of various ideas. The final choice belongs to you, preserving originality. The goal is to portray your intent.
3. Work with a variety of inspiring materials.
   1. Paint Lutradur 100 or your own fabric for the background; you can bring a countable ground fabric, wool felt, or quilting weight cotton if you wish;
   2. Learn to mix colors and make effective color choices;
   3. Trace or baste a design, preserving its archival quality;
   4. Learn to cut, tear, and appliqué Lutradur 25, fruit mesh, gauze, and sheers to build layers, produce shadows, highlights, and gradations;
   5. Hand stitch to define forms and produce details, shadows, and highlights;
   6. Add subtle texture with several gel media;
   7. Plan customized, inexpensive finishing techniques.

Laura’s support and gentle process-style motivation techniques lift your wings even after you go home. Pilot stitchers say, “Worth the price of the class!”

Technique: Color and Design, Mixed Media with Embroidery
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate and above
Kit Cost: $98
Design Area: The design shown is 11” high x 14” wide, but students may choose a smaller size. 4” x 6” Lutradur and paper postcards are provided for samples.
Kit Contents: Sturdy, translucent Lutradur 100 is the background fabric OR students may bring their preferred background fabric. Hand dyed, hand painted, and white fabrics and mixed media are provided. Mixed media materials include Lutradur 25, Tyvek, and gel medium. A paint set, palette, brushes, and nitrile gloves, appropriate needles and a variety of threads (silk, cotton, wool, and rayon of various thicknesses) are provided along with a 30-page text.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking and a narrow Sharpie marker for writing on plastic. Scissors to cut fabric, paper, and metallic threads; about 100 sewing pins, clear tape, 6” ruler, beads and attachments if desired.

Fall is on its way, but the fall colors are not yet at their peak at Laurel Mill. Create this North Carolina scene using numerous Weeks Dye Works overdyed threads, stranded embroidery cotton and Accentuate. Learn to paint a section of the canvas. Use thread blending to create realism in the mill’s weathered boards and to add a little variety to the sky. Canvas stitches include Nobuko, Diagonal Cashmere, Alternating Elongated Cross Stitch, Serendipity, Criss Cross Hungarian, French Knots and more. Use a few sharp needle techniques to stitch the tree trunks and the evergreen sprays on the cedar tree.

Technique: Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $100
Design Area: 4 5/8” by 7 5/8”
Kit Contents: Weeks Dye Works, DMC Stranded Cotton, Accentuate, Design drawn on Congress Cloth with some areas painted, Tapestry and Chenille needles
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching. 10” and 12” stretcher bars. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Curiosity is a fusion design, more Punto Antico and less Hardanger, although it is still worked more from a Hardanger viewpoint with Hardanger techniques. It features four squares each with a different filling. The fillings are worked with woven bars and detached buttonhole. The surrounding stitches are satin, four sided, and wrapped backstitching. Curiosity is seven inches tall and three inches wide, and is worked on 28 count linen with two sizes of pearl cotton. Curiosity is a two-day intermediate/advanced design.

Technique: Punto Antico and Hardanger
Proficiency: Intermediate-Advanced
Prerequisite knowledge: Basic Skills in Whitework, familiarity with reading charts and graphs
Kit Cost: $55
Design Area: approximately 7” by 3”
Pre-work: Approximately 5 – 15 hours
Kit Contents: Pearl Cotton #8 and #12 B5200 Snow White and white Cashel Linen, needles, chart and instructions packet.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. 8” or 9” hoop or 8” QSnap ™ or similar sized stretcher bars or scroll frame. May be worked in hand. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

This Florida inspired bracelet is created in bead embroidery. It features an EH Ashley German cabochon, Japanese and Czech Seed Beads, Pearls and Czech components. Students will enjoy creating their Gator sized to their wrist using bead embroidery techniques and stitches.

Technique: Bead Embroidery
Proficiency: Beginner/Intermediate
Prerequisite knowledge: Basic Bead Embroidery knowledge is helpful but not necessary.
Kit Cost: $90
Design Area: Adjustable
Kit Contents: Cork template, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, focals, all components, ultra suede backing, and findings.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Beading surface, 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, Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Coming soon.

Four Geometric shapes linked together inside an octagon. Off-center window openings, glints of metallic threads, and complex composite stitching bring these simple shapes alive. They almost look like gemstones glittering inside an octagon bracelet. Simple components like the Mosaic and Scotch stitches are elevated and recombined with Gobelin and Trellis style stitches to form deep, complex textures in new ways. Explore over-dyed threads and silk/metallic blends as well as old fashioned cotton perle and stranded silk.

Technique: Counted Canvas
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Kit Cost: $145
Design Area: Approximately 10” by 10”
Kit Contents: Line drawn canvas, instructions, threads, needles, photos
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. 2 pair 14” stretcher bars, laying tool, lap frame or frame weight for hands free stitching. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Inspired by the joyful image of confetti falling from the sky, this design uses layered stitch patterns and bright colors accented with beads to evoke light, hope, and happiness. Threads from Caron Watercolours, Vineyard Silks, and Rainbow Gallery are combined to create the lively “Confetti” effect in this enjoyable project.

Technique: Counted Canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $142
Design Area: 6” by 10”
Kit Contents: Instructions with color photo, line drawn 18 ct. canvas and all threads to complete the design.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Stretcher bars – 10” and 14”, tacks or staples, laying tool, Lap frame or frame weight for hands free stitching. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Koi Pond is a contemporary design that brings in the colors of summer and water to a traditional wool appliqué technique. Learn blind stitching for applique as well as several decorative stitches, many not normally associated with wool appliqué. Use overdye threads along with more traditional threads for the applique` and enjoy this tranquil piece on your table.

Technique: Surface Embroidery/Wool Applique
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 11” x 15”
Kit Contents: Fine Wool felt and fabrics, various Caron Wildflowers, DMC perle cottons, Weeks Dye Works Wool, needles
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed. Scissors to cut paper and fabric.

Art Deco Pendant embodies all of the style and elegance of the Art Deco era. A large oval CZ is bezeled with peyote stitch which gets extended along the sides with peyote stitch and netting. CZs are set in pronged setting and stitched to the base. A pearl cabochon is bezeled similarly to the CZ bezel and attached to the base of the oval CZ. A cubic right-angle weave frame is created that wraps around the two bezels giving the pendant the architectural look of the period. The pendant ends with a bezeled pear CZ, giving some movement. Adding to the glamour of the pendant, pearl straps are made using right-angle weave, ending with two beautiful CZ buttons and a connector.. A word about the kit contents for this design. The CZs that are included in this kit are not glass, they are corundum which is a hard, crystalline mineral made from aluminum oxide. They are the second hardest mineral after diamonds. All supplies are top quality delivering the ultimate results and beauty.

Technique: Beading
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Prerequisites: Students must be comfortable with basic cubic right-angle weave and peyote stitch
Kit Cost: $236
Design Area: necklace length 17” but can be adjusted
Kit Contents: All materials to complete the design, including fully illustrated, color Instructions, various sizes and shapes of CZs, seed beads, delica beads, crystal pearls, settings for some CZs, One G beading thread, needles.
Color Choice: Students will be given choices of kit color ways and CZ options when the student letter is sent.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Beading surface, additional needles if wanted, craft scissors to cut tape, small, sharp scissors, thread zapper, 1 pair chain nose pliers for adjusting the settings, microcrystalline beading wax (optional, but recommended). Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

Crewel Vine teaches a variety of surface embroidery stitches with the goal of perfecting their execution. Students will learn to create smooth satin stitch with crisp outlines, blend threads in long and short stitch, and change threads invisibly in a line of stitching. They will also learn how choice of stitch can make a motif easy or difficult to stitch. The instructions include information for the student to finish the wall hanging with only hand-stitching.

Technique: Crewel
Proficiency: Advanced Beginner – Intermediate
Prerequisite knowledge: Some surface embroidery experience helpful. Does not have to be crewel experience.
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 15 inches long x 3 inches wide
Kit Contents: Linen twill ground fabric with design drawn on, linen twill to back bell-pull, interfacing for finishing the bell pull, nine skeins Appleton crewel, two chenille needles, spacing guides for lattice (trellis) stitch
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. Pair of 22-inch and pair of 6-inch stretcher bars and tacks preferred (or 4-inch hoop), ruler, magnification and lighting (no extension cords) if needed.

This workshop is inspired by wild cosmos that Katherine photographed along the roadsides near Greenwood Lake and Warwick, NY. The design blends thread mixing with basic stitches with contemporary goldwork embroidery. Embroidery techniques include stem stitch, thread mixing, French knots, pearl purl cutwork and chipping.

Technique: Goldwork and Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: All levels. Hand sewing or embroidery experience is recommended.
Kit Cost: $130
Design Area: 3” by 6 “
Kit Contents: 36 – 40 Count linen, Weeks Dye Works embroidery flosses, metal wires, embroidery needles, instructional booklet and tissue paper.
Student Provides: Usual stitching supplies, including pen/pencil for notetaking. A lap stand or frame weight for hands free stitching. 8-10” hoop or equivalent stretcher bars needed. Magnification and Lighting (no extension cords) if needed.