2027 Seminar Classes

Contessa is a basic level Ukrainian Whitework design. She is a densely worked six-inch square that looks difficult but is easy. Contessa is offered in two color ways: classic white and Dark Yew. Dark Yew is a lovely, variegated turquoise that will greatly help those who struggle to stitch white on white. Stitches include satin, cable, eyelets, faggot, and Smyrna Cross. Contessa is worked on 28 count linen with two sizes of pearl cotton.

Technique: Ukrainian Whitework
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: White $55; Dark Yew $70
Design Area: 6 inch square
Kit Contents: Linen, threads, needles, and instructions
Student Provides: Embroidery scissors with short, thin, sharp blades; 11-inch Q-Snap, or 13-inch stretcher bars (or scroll frame); normal stitching supplies; cordless lighting or magnification (for 28-count linen), if needed.

This Bead Embroidered Pocket Necklace holds credit cards, room key, I.D. etc. I created it on luxurious faux leather and backed with Sensuede material. The chain is my Diamond Stitch with Fresh Water Pearls. Kit includes a choice of focal point (Wolf or Flower), Japanese and Czech Seed Beads, Crystals and all components. Students will learn pocket construction and berry bead edging. Students will discover my new bead weaving stitch.

Technique: Bead Embroidery, Bead Weaving, Pocket Construction
Proficiency: Beginner/Intermediate
Kit Cost: $145
Design Area: 3 x 4 inches
Kit Contents: Sensuede, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, choice of focal point (Wolf or Flower), all components, 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.

This whimsical, embroidered design captures the beauty of spring showers and blooming gardens. A delicate yellow umbrella is decorated with colorful hand-stitched flowers, leaves, beads, and sparkling sequins. Flowing ribbons and a graceful floral vine create movement beneath the umbrella, while tiny flowers add a playful touch. This piece celebrates spring, renewal, and the joy of handmade art and creative expression.

Technique: Brazilian Embroidery
Proficiency: Basic-Intermediate
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 6 x 8 inches
Kit Contents: Instructions, color photo, needles, threads, grabber, design pre-printed on the fabric, needle threader, threads, backing fabric, beads.
Student Provides: 10-inch hoop or stretcher bars; normal stitching supplies

This design is a classic desert scene featuring a blooming prickly pear cactus in the foreground. Stitches and techniques include diagonal mosaic, slanted Gobelin, basketweave, horizontal Parisian, horizontal giant brick stitch, beading.

Technique: Counted Needlepoint
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $95
Design Area: 6 x 6 inches
Kit Contents: 12” square cut of 24 count eggshell Congress Cloth, threads (Cottage Garden Threads, DMC Eco Vita wools, Thread Gatherer silk, Dinky Dyes silk), Mill Hill glass beads, needles, and instructions.
Student Provides: Two pairs of 12-inch stretcher bars & tacks, Embroidery scissors, laying tool, light or magnification, frame weight or stand

The design is stitched on Ro, Japanese silk canvas. Tightly twisted Japanese silk Rozashi threads, gold metallic, and a pink silk brocade thread are used in this piece. Students will learn to handle and manipulate these special threads and learn basic techniques using the threads and materials provided in this class. The stitches and techniques include ichi dan, ni dan and san dan step and straight stitches to create the different patterns.

Technique: Japanese Rozashi Embroidery
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 6.5 x 3 inches
Kit Contents: Japanese silk Ro, threads, and wrist purse
Student Provides: Normal stitching supplies

This design creates a sampler of the varying colors of the landscape & sky on a hot summer’s day. The many different stitches explore the best stitches for horizontal bands as well as vertical & diagonal bands to create different parts of the mesa scenery. The rich colors of the threads, including Silk Lame’ Braid, Burmilana, Threadworx, and Caron Collection, add to the luxury of Desert Sun.

Technique: Needlepoint
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $175
Design Area: 9.5 x 7.5 inches
Kit Contents: 18 count Canvas, threads, and instructions
Student Provides: Stretcher bars, tacks, and normal stitching supplies

Use overdyed threads, Bouclé, and a touch of stranded embroidery cotton to create this fall scene with its blooming Encore Azaleas. Learn to paint the water portion of the canvas before using an open stitch in this area. Learn to couch Bouclé to canvas to stitch two of the large trees. Stitches include Elongated Reverse Tent Stitch, French knots, the Water Stitch, a variation on the Nobuko Stitch, and some surface embroidery stitches including the Split Stitch and Lazy Daisies.

Technique: Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $117
Design Area: 4 x 6.6 inches
Kit Contents: Congress cloth, paints, threads and instructions
Student Provides: 8 x 12-inch stretcher bars, tacks, normal stitching supplies

Temari ball making is an ancient technique that started in China. It was a kickball game played with a deerskin ball. Around 538, it was introduced to Japan. The Japanese started making the balls with silk threads by palace maidservants in competitions to please their princesses. When less expensive materials, like cotton, were introduced in Japan around 1600, Temari making became a pastime of the common people. You will make your own ball and then decorate it.

Technique: Temari Ball
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $60
Design Area: 4” diameter ball
Kit Contents: Two cones of Serger thread, skein of yarn, rice hull core, pattern to make a tiny box, two plastic bottle caps, small bag of beads, and a Temari needle.
Student Provides: Tape measure that has centimeters on it, an empty tissue 5.5 x 4.25-inch box, small pair of scissors, pen to take notes. Light or magnification if needed.

This Naif-style panel tells the story of Nogales’ residents inviting participants to explore a playful and vibrant way of embroidery. Measuring 19” × 9”, each panel is pre-printed in two fabric choices and embroidered with a 20-color palette of Mexican embroidery floss, with the option of painting the panels before embroidering.

Technique: Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $73
Design Area: 19 x 9 inches
Kit Contents: Pre-printed canvas, 19 skeins of colored Hilo Vela El Globo plus one skein of black, and instructions
Student Provides: 8-inch scroll frame or hoop, normal stitching supplies

Master the art of surface embroidery on linen as you stitch a delicate bouquet of spring flowers using a variety of decorative stitches, such as bullion knots, colonial knots, and stem stitch. Learn to create a distinctive biscornu by joining the two embroidered panels with a counted edging. Finish your piece with a beautifully crafted, bespoke Dorset button, bringing together surface embroidery, counted work, construction, and traditional button-making techniques in one charming project.

Technique: Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area:
Kit Contents:
Student Provides: Scissors and a tape measure

In this fun class you transform a classic travel jewelry box into a beautiful, sturdy home for all your stitching tools. Use wool applique and surface embroidery to adorn the outside with striking floral designs. Create stylized, custom covers for your favorite stitching tools to put inside the box.  The kit includes the jewelry box and everything needed to complete the project.

Technique: Wool applique and surface embroidery
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $75
Design Area: Various
Kit Contents: Travel jewelry box, wool and rayon blend felt in eight colors, matching DMC threads for embroidery, needles, embroidery scissors, tape measure, golf tee, pins (heart shaped), thimble, clear tape, tracing paper, Frixon marking pen, E6000 adhesive, batting(stuffing), pattern, and instructions.
Student Provides: Normal sewing supplies; paper scissors, battery-powered lamp and magnification (as needed)

This project was designed in accordance with the principles of design used in men’s nightcaps worn in late 16th and early 17th century England. Just as Dr. Frankenstein’s name has come to symbolize the monster made of parts of several different people, the name “Frankenflora” is a word I invented to symbolize the bouquet consisting of the flowers of several different plants springing from a single stem.

Technique: Elizabethan raised work, Surface embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $70
Design Area: 4 x 5 inches
Kit Contents: 32 count linen, muslin, silk and wire passing threads, needles, Frixion pen and instructions
Student Provides: 10 x 10-inch stretcher bars, tacks, tweezers, pattern transfer materials, normal stitching supplies plus scissors for cutting metal threads. Students will transfer the design before coming to class (approximately 1 hour).

Bring to life the light and energy of Sabino Canyon—or any landscape of your choice! Learn essential design principles, including the Golden Proportion, to thoughtfully place elements within your composition. You will learn to paint a simple background on sturdy, 100-gram-per-yard Lutradur (a firm non-woven fabric from the Pellon Company). Create subtle color adjustments through color blending and translucency. Stitches and mixed media evoke the plant life of the Sonoran Desert (or your own landscape). Heat is used to seal the river’s edge to prevent fraying. By the end of the class, you’ll have a deeper understanding of color theory, mixed media techniques, and compositional design.

Technique: Color and Design; Mixed Media
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate and Beyond
Kit Cost: $98
Design Area: 11 x 14 inches
Kit Contents: 100 g Lutradur; 4” x 6” Lutradur and paper postcards are provided for samples OR students may bring their preferred background fabric. Mixed media materials include Lutradur 100 and 25, Tyvek, gel medium, produce mesh, dryer sheets, sheer fabrics, and lace. Paint, brushes, palette, nitrile gloves; appropriate needles, a variety of threads (silk, cotton, wool, and rayon of various thicknesses), 30-page text
Student Provides: Normal stitching supplies, pen or pencil for notes, narrow Sharpie, scissors to cut fabric, paper, and metallic threads; about 150 sewing pins, clear tape, 6” ruler, beads and attachments if desired.
Optional respirator (about $30) for students who plan to do extensive work with heat.

Shear Terror is all about how to cut fabric threads without losing your mind. Scrap fabric and thread will be used in the class to take away the fear of ruining a piece of stitched embroidery. The student will be sent a page of instructions with size and threads to work up several small satin stitched squares to use from their stash. Several different techniques for cutting fabric threads will be taught along with how to fix oopsies, which are also known as threads we didn’t intend to cut.

Technique: Hardanger/ Thread Cutting
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $30
Design Area: Various
Kit Contents: Mailed Prework instructions and in class instructions
Student Provides: Pre-worked stitched squares per instructions

This Bead Embroidered Necklace has a Czech glass cabochon, glowing glass sew-on crystal and Swarovski crystal pendant. It is created on Sensuede fabric and backed with stiff stuff and Sensuede. The chain is my Diamond Stitch with Fresh Water Pearls. Kit includes Japanese and Czech seed beads, Crystals and all components. Students will learn my bead embroidery techniques, bead embroidery stitches and bead weaving stitches.

Technique: Bead Embroidery, Bead Weaving
Proficiency: Basic – Intermediate
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 2.5 inches
Kit Contents: Sensuede, Stiff Stuff, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, focal beads, all components, 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.

This charming handmade pincushion combines delicate embroidery with beautiful floral details. The soft white fabric is decorated with pink and cream flowers, leafy green stitches, and elegant looping designs. A decorative pink-and-white border frames the oval pincushion, adding a refined finishing touch. This project demonstrates creativity, careful stitching, and attention to detail while creating a practical and decorative piece for any sewing space.

Technique: Brazilian Embroidery
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Kit Cost: $99
Design Area:
Kit Contents: All fabric, threads and instructions
Student Provides: Stretcher bars or hoop, normal stitching supplies

This piece is stitched on Japanese silk ro scrim, using a Japanese silk twist embroidery thread, silver metallic thread and traditional Rozashi stitching techniques. The ro will already be attached to the frame so that after a few opening remarks stitching can begin right away. Students will learn the unique methodical handling of these silk threads as they work this ancient technique to create this traditional Japanese abstract design.

Technique: Japanese Rozashi embroidery
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $90
Design Area: 5 x 5 inches
Kit Contents: Ro fabric and threads
Student Provides: Normal stitching supplies

This whimsical Santa’s hat will make your holidays merry when you finish the enjoyable exploration of horizontal, vertical, & diagonal stitches to fill all the areas of the band, hat, & pompom. The cursive “merry” adds a touch of magic above the hat band. The background finishes the design with an adorable snowflake darning pattern to set the mood for the holiday. The array of red, white, and metallic threads including Silk Lame’ Braid, Fyre Werks, Kreinik, Neon Rays+, several different silks, and some wonderful wools & fuzzy threads creates the patchwork of stitches that fill Santa’s hat.

Technique: Needlepoint
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $135
Design Area: 12 x 8 inches
Kit Contents: 18 count canvas, threads, and instructions
Student Provides: Stretcher bars and normal stitching supplies

For those who want to stitch a small landscape design, Landscape Minis is the perfect choice. These small designs include landscape features such as sky, distant trees, water, grasses, and a bush. Stitch these landscapes using various overdyed threads and a touch of stranded embroidery cotton and Accentuate. Stitches include Triple Nobuko, the Water Stitch, Random Satin, and Interlocking Gobelin. Use a few sharp needle techniques to stitch the tall foreground grasses and the Lazy Daisy bush.

Technique: Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $78
Design Area: 2″ x 3″
Kit Contents: Canvas, threads, and instructions
Student Provides: Stretcher bars and normal stitching supplies

Reversible Rudolph is a reversible counted-thread reindeer filled with different blackwork diapering patterns on each side, all within a golden oval. This one-day advanced-beginner class uses blackwork Pattern Darning for head and neck, Closed Herringbone and Double Back Stitch for antlers, and Reversible Plaited Braid for the oval.

Technique: Blackwork
Proficiency: Basic-Intermediate
Kit Cost: $35
Design Area: 6.5 x 4 inches
Kit Contents: 28-count linen, wire passing thread, red, black, and four shades of brown silk, needles, and instructions.
Student Provides: 8 x 10-inch stretcher bars, tweezers, scissors for cutting metal threads, and normal stitching supplies.
Prework: transfer a dashed design outline using counted Running stitch (3 hours).

Build up a vocabulary of effective ways to transfer a design to fabric for all kinds of embroidery techniques: beading, canvas embroidery, counted thread work, crewel, silk & metal threads, and surface embroidery, including wool work. Which way is best for a particular material or technique? What markers and other products will be archivally compatible with the chosen fabrics and fibers? What are some new products that are useful for design transfer? Are there any products to avoid? How can you avoid having marks peek out from behind the stitches? How much extra fabric will you need to surround the design to allow space for framing or finishing? Students will have an opportunity to try all the ways of transferring a design.

Technique: Notebook for Design Transfer
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $45
Design Area: various sizes
Kit Contents: Fabric, threads, and instructions
Student Provides: Normal stitching supplies

This seam ripper and awl tool and the matching needle case are covered in a simple Southwestern Geometric Pattern that is stitched in flat peyote stitch and then zipped around the tool. Students will learn how to read a beading graph and word chart and how to do basic even count peyote stitch.

Technique: Beading
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $80
Design Area: two beaded areas approximately 1” x 2” each
Kit Contents: Size 11/0 Miyuki Delica beads, needles, thread, full-color printed instructions, and seam ripper/awl and needle case.
Student Provides: Beading mat, scissors, light and magnification, if needed, and a thread burner (if they own one – extras will be available to borrow in class).

Lacing techniques will be taught on the students’ stitched projects of choice. Final product will be a no glue flat fold item for display. We will also discuss various methods of finishing completed stitched work such as totes, pincushions, clothing, etc. How to use lacing so stitching can be framed and various ways to source frames, i.e. thrift shops, clearance aisles, etc.

Technique: Finishing
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $40
Design Area: Various
Kit Contents: 8 x 10-inch archival foam board, 8 x 10-inch mat board, 8 x 10-inch piece of batting, curved needles, straight needles, thread, wonder clips, a 12-inch ruler, and straight pins.
Student Provides: One completed stitched project that measures 8 x 10 inch for the design area with 2 inches of excess on each side, so the piece should be no bigger than 12 x 14 inches*; 1 fat quarter of a solid-colored fabric or two fat quarters of a print fabric for creating the flat fold; scissors or rotary cutter for cutting fabric. *A free pdf of a cross-stitch project is available for students who want to take the class but do not have a project. The design should take 10-15 hours to stitch.

Twist is a fusion design combining elements of Hardanger, Reticello, and Punto Antico. Twist is named for the central needle woven design which twists around itself. This 5.5-inch square is worked on 28 count linen with pearl cotton in white and blue. Some of the stitches included in Twist are satin, double cable, Greek Cross, eyelets, and needle weaving.

Technique: Hardanger, Punto Antico, Reticello
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $65
Design Area: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
Kit Contents: 28 count linen with pearl cotton in white and blue, needles, and instructions
Student Provides: Embroidery scissors with short, thin, sharp blades; 11-inch Q-Snap, or 13-inch stretcher bars (or scroll frame); normal stitching supplies; cordless lighting or magnification (for 28-count linen), if needed.

Make one necklace and exchange the cabochons using bead embroidery created on sensuede with a cork backing. The chain is my Diamond Stitch with Fresh Water Pearls. Kit includes Japanese and Czech seed beads, crystals and all components. The kit comes with a 50 mm handmade clay Kokopelli cabochon, mini cabochon, and 50 mm Desert Flower cabochon. Students will discover my interchangeable cabochon techniques and learn my diamond bead weaving stitch. This design can also be converted into a wall hanging.

Technique: Bead Embroidery, Bead Weaving, Interchangeable Cab Construction
Proficiency: Beginner/Intermediate
Kit Cost: $155
Design Area: 2.5 x 5 inches
Kit Contents: Cork fabric, sensuede, 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads, focal cabochons, all components, all findings, and instructions
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.

We have caught this hummingbird just as it starts to draw the nectar of the fuchsia flower.  You will learn the Brazilian Embroidery stitches of stem, leaf, bullion, knotted lazy daisy and pistil along with a bit of stump work.

Technique: Brazilian Embroidery
Proficiency: Advanced Intermediate
Kit Cost: $125
Design Area: 6 x 7 inches
Kit Contents: Design pre-printed on fabric, instructions, color photo, wire and fabric for stump work wing, and beads.
Student Provides: 12 x 12-inch Stretcher bars with tacks or hoop

The “Desert Inspiration Frame Weight” is a custom designed frame weight commemorating the 2027 EGA National Seminar, “Needles That Inspire”. The design is stitched on 18 count mono canvas using a palette that reflects the colors in the Seminar Logo. Counted needlepoint techniques and stitches with a turquoise heart center work together to create the custom design.

Technique: Counted canvas
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $99
Design Area: 6” x 4”
Kit Contents: 18-count canvas, threads, turquoise heart charm
Student Provides: Stretcher bars & tacks, Embroidery scissors, laying tool, light and/or magnification, frame weight or stand, normal stitching supplies

This piece is stitched on congress cloth, using a variety of silk and metal thread embroidery techniques. Students will learn to handle silk threads and ribbons, attach padding felt and gold threads as they work the design elements of this fiery beauty.

Technique: Silk and Metal Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $97
Design Area: 8 x 10 inches
Kit Contents: Congress cloth, needles, felt, silk couching thread, Japan #5 threads, gilt check thread, gilt check purl, silk serpentine gimp, purl threads, gold embellishment trim braid, silk floss threads, gold kid, silk wrapped purl, beads and silk ribbon.
Student Provides: 12 x 15-inch stretcher bars and tacks; Craft scissors (to cut fabric or paper); fine pointed scissors for cutting threads; scissors for cutting metal threads (serrated ones work best); thimble; a laying tool; tweezers; a chipping board or box, or a piece of velvet, (at least 4” x 6” in size); a flexible tape measure; a fine wire needle threader, for use with a small eyed needle; table frame, floor frame, frame clamp, or frame weight – MUST!! (Some of these techniques require two hands so the frame must be stabilized by a means other than your hands!!); Beeswax – DO NOT SUBSTITUTE; a piece of flexible rubber or a pair of pliers for pulling needles through tight spots; Lighting and Magnification as you require, and your normal stitching supplies.

During a total lunar eclipse, the moon can turn a deep red, sometimes called a “moon” or a “copper moon”. This design creates a band sampler of the varying colors of the landscape in the mountains during a lunar eclipse. Starting with the fabric mountain appliqué and finishing with the woven cross stitch border, you will learn many stitches to form bands of color in the night sky.

Technique: Needlepoint
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $145
Design Area: 11 x 16 inches
Kit Contents: Sandstone 18 count mono canvas, felt, all threads, and instructions
Student Provides: Stretcher bars, tacks, and normal stitching supplies

Use overdyed threads and a variety of stitches to create this scene of a dynamic sunset in Tucson, Arizona. Stitches include Cobblestone, Small Swirl, Nobuko, Double Nobuko, Triple Nobuko Variation, Upright Cross Stitch, French Knots, and some random stitches. Use thread blending to create some of the colors in the sky. Use a few sharp needle techniques to stitch some brush and the large Saguaro cactus.

Technique: Canvas Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $80
Design Area: 4 ½ by 6 ¾ inches
Kit Contents: Congress cloth, threads, needles, and instructions
Student Provides: 10 x 12-inch stretcher bars, tacks, and normal stitching supplies

This Naif-style embroidery scroll will be attached to antique wood spool or quill and unrolled as the story is told. Story scenes of a young boy including Native American designs will be printed on stick & stitch sheets and embroidered on a duck canvas band using 14-color palette of Mexican embroidery floss.

Technique: Surface Embroidery
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $68
Design Area: 3 inches by 2.5 yards
Kit Contents: Cotton duck canvas, scenes printed on transfer paper, spool or quill, 14 colors of Hilo Vela El Globo thread, and instructions
Student Provides: 4-inch hoop, paper scissors, thread conditioner (suggest Thread Magic), laying tool, and normal stitching supplies.

Create an elegant floral design on linen using a beautiful combination of surface and silk ribbon embroidery. Learn how to use traditional stitches alongside dimensional ribbon flowers, delicate leaves, and fine details to give the design texture and depth. After the embroidery is complete, you will learn how to construct and finish the piece with softly flanged edges. Choose to make a petite decorative cushion that can also be used as a ring bearer’s pillow, creating a keepsake to treasure.

Technique: Silk Ribbon Embroidery
Proficiency: Intermediate
Kit Cost: $100
Design Area: Approximately 8” square
Kit Contents: Fabric, threads, and instructions
Student Provides: normal stitching supplies

Explore dyeing your own wool in this fun, whimsical class. You will use a non-toxic, clean, heat-and-set method to play with color, transforming white wool felt into a vibrant, custom-dyed palette. Using dyed wool, we will dive into wool applique and artistic surface embroidery. Create a delightful, weighted pincushion, scissor sleeve, matching fob, and retractable name tag holder.

Technique: Hand dying wool, wool applique’, and surface embroidery
Proficiency: All
Kit Cost: $45
Design Area: Various
Kit Contents: White wool felt for dyeing, 6-packages of Kool-Aide, sandwich bags, chop sticks, paper towels, clear tape, DMC Threads that coordinate with dyed colors, embroidery needle, embroidery scissors, retractable name badge, earth magnet, binder ring, interfacing, Pellon stuffing, pattern and instructions.
Student Provides: Old bath towel (for blotting wool after it is dyed) usual sewing supplies, battery-powered lamp and magnification (as needed) Apron is optional nothing will stain your clothing unless you are wearing wool