Location: Carriage House
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: TBD , 2026
Join us for one of the following options:
Crewel Stitches Every Stitcher Should Know - Betty Jo Scurei
Kit Fee: $44, Limit of 15 Students
Dating back to medieval times, crewel is a specific style of surface embroidery that is worked with wool thread or yarn. In this class, you will learn and practice fifteen "need to know" stitches that are used in traditional crewel to create a classic floral design. The stitches will include woven wheel, coral, and bullion knots just to name a few.
You will learn how to apply these same stitches to other forms of needlework simply by changing your thread or your ground fabric. Traditional crewel stitches can be used for canvas or other forms of surface embroidery that feature silk or sparkly threads, for example.
Each kit will include ground fabric, Colonial Persian 100% Virgin Wool threads in three shades of green, four shades of rose pink, and one shade of pale yellow.
Each student will need to bring No. 2-5 crewel embroidery needles, four 12-inch stretcher bars with thumbtacks or a 12" covered embroidery hoop, and a small embroidery hoop for practicing stitches along with their usual stitching supplies. If desired, students can bring a laptop computer for accessing the Royal School of Needlework’s “RSN Stitch Bank” which is an excellent resource for reviewing the stitches that will be covered in class.
Canvas Geometric Frame Weight - Michelle Sayre
Kit Fee: $38 for Full Kit or $22 for Instructions Only, Limit of 15 Students
This beautiful and useful needlepoint frame weight was designed by Donna Doerr for the Millrace Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America (EGA) many years ago. Donna has graciously agreed to allow Michelle Sayre to teach it as a mini-workshop. The frame weight consists of 14 design areas, each of which is filled with flat or raised stitches. When stitched on 18-count canvas, it measures 3”x12”.
The frame weight was designed as a stash-buster piece, so students will bring their own assortment of threads. Michlle recommends choosing an overdyed silk or cotton stranded thread first, and then choosing threads that coordinate with it. The model was stitched with one variegated floss, four Splendor or DMC colors, two Fire Works, two Silk Lame Braids, and one #5 Pearl Cotton.
Keep in mind that your frame weight will travel many places with you and will be subject to much abrasion. The model is filled with play sand enclosed in a twill fabric (or something closely woven). Michelle’s has been in use for over 10 years, and no sand has escaped!
The full kit will include an 18”x9” piece of 18-count canvas, a bag of play sand (about 1 pound) and cotton twill inner fabric plus printed instructions. Michelle is also offering the option to purchase instructions only.
Students will need to supply various threads in any chosen colorway, #24 and #22 needle(s), 9”x18” stretcher bars, and the backing fabric to coordinate with the thread colors. If needed, they should also bring a light, stand and/or magnification. If purchasing only the instructions, students need to supply their own 18”x9” piece of 18-count canvas.
Cubic Right Angle Weave Beading - Sue Fassoles
Kit Fee: $8
This mini workshop is your chance to learn the Cubic Right Angle Weave (CRAW) beading technique, a method for creating beaded ropes and other jewelry designs. This is the skill that is needed to complete pre-work for the Guild’s 2-day Poinsettia Pin class with Kay Ackerman in May.
You will learn how to start with a basic Right Angle Weave (RAW) unit, then add cubes at right angles, connecting each new cube to the previous one by passing through shared beads. After practicing the basic technique, May class attendees will have the opportunity to start on the base for the pin. Even if you are not taking the May class, you are welcome to take this mini workshop to learn the technique and then try it out with different types and sizes of beads.
The kit will include beads to practice with, beading thread, needle, and illustrated instructions.
Students will need to bring a beading mat, scissors, and light/magnification if necessary.
Studio Time / Stitch-In
Bring one of your works in progress and join your Guild friends for a day of stitching!