The Art of Embroidery - Session 1 - Getting Started

SESSION 1:     In session 1 you will:  

• Begin making your own unique sample book of stitches
• Create textures and patterns by repeating a couple of simple stitches
• Explore different threads and needles
• Threading needles:  Knotting, starting, and stopping your thread in more than one way
• Learn about favorite resources and tools

Supplies Needed:  There is no kit for this class.  The Instructor will discuss supplies used in the series. 
                              You may want to use your "Day of class 10% Discount" to shop for supplies

• A 6" or 7" hoop with solid color fabric, i.e., quilting cotton or muslin  -  (High Quality hoops available for purchase at shop)
• One (1) skein of 6-strand cotton embroidery thread still in paper
• Needles - Chenille size 24
• Embroidery Scissors
• Pencil or pen for notes

Optional Supplies:

• One piece of wool approximately 6" x 8".  The book will use four pieces.  (The Little Bits in the store are perfect for this)
• Stitch Dictionary
• Fabric marking pen or pencil
• Clear ruler 1" x 6" preferred
• Needle threader
• Needle Index
• Needle grabber
• Portable Lamp

Pioneer Quilts will have for sale day of class at 10% off:

• 6" x 8" wool pieces (called Little Bits)
• 6" or 7" Nurge Embroidery Hoops
• DMC, Cosmo,  or Weeks Dye Works,  6 strand embroidery floss
• Valdani Pearl Cotton, Size 5, 8, and 12
• Sashiko Thread
• Needles
• Books highly recommended by Instructor that will be available:   The Embroidery Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden and Foolproof Freeform Embroidery by Jennifer Clouston. Optional: Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery; Stitch, Fabric & Thread; Sue Spargo's Creative Stitching

Because this is a three hour class, feel free to bring a snack or lunch.  We will provide coffee, tea, and bottled water.

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Instructor Jeri Oswalt has loved thread and the process of pulling it through fabric to make marks, create texture, and maybe to tell a story of sorts.  Her work focuses on traditional hand embroidery, often on non-traditional surfaces.  She considers herself to be an Artisan, each parts artist and teacher. Learning a few best practices can greatly increase the pleasure and satisfaction of embroidery.   Her goal is to help students increase their skill level and find the fun and relaxation that comes from hand work.  

After decades of helping employees to do their best work, I now focus on helping makers to do theirs.  Embroiderers and book artists in particular. 

She is a member of:

• Columbia Fiber Arts Guild she works with their Hand Stitch group. 
• Embroidery Guild of America, and been juried into the exclusive membership of Fiber Forum. 
• She holds a Level 3 diploma from London City and Guilds in Embroidery and Design, a Master's degree focused on adult learning, and a Bachelor's degree in Clothing and Textiles. 
• She currently is on the Board of Focus On Book Arts (FOBA).

Class Policy