Let me start you on your embroidery journey! Join me this spring as I teach surface embroidery and counted cross stitch at the historic Waterford Craft School.
The Waterford Craft School offers immersive, one- and two-day heritage workshops in the creation of traditional handmade crafts such as quilting, weaving, woodworking, and now . . . embroidery! Classes are taught in the National Historic Landmark district of Waterford, Virginia, about an hour northwest of Washington, D.C.
Celebrating America 250
In March, I will teach a surface embroidery workshop featuring my original hand-embroidered design, Patriotic Pair. I created this piece as a celebration of America at 250. It reflects my love of historic needlework combined with a contemporary perspective. During our two days together, students will work through the design step by step, learning and applying a dozen common embroidery stitches.
This original design resembles a medallion and features a patriotic couple dressed in early American costume. A laurel wreath surrounds the pair and includes the inscription America 250: 1776-2026, a perfect addition to any semiquincentennial collection.
Students can choose to leave the finished design in its original embroidery hoop, finishing the back to create a wall hanging. Or, students can elect to finish their piece as an ornament, a decorative pillow, or embellishment after class. This workshop is suitable for students with basic needlework skills.
The Patriotic Pair workshop runs Saturday March 14 through Sunday, March 15. You can register here: Patriotic Pair: An Embroidered Celebration of America at 250
Avlea Folk Embroidery Bookmark
The following month, I’ll return to offer a cross-stitch class that focuses on both stitching and finishing. Students will select from one of three bookmark designs created by popular needle artist Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery.
Students will learn how to cross stitch onto traditional evenweave fabric using cotton embroidery floss. We’ll talk about reading charts, how to start and count a pattern, helpful stitching techniques, and clever finishing options. The finished bookmark (approximately 1 3/4″ x 8″) makes a wonderful personal keepsake or a thoughtful handmade gift.
The Avlea Folk Embroidery Bookmark workshop is a one-day class on Saturday, April 18 from 9 am to 5 pm — just right for busy schedules. Register here: Avlea Folk Embroidery Bookmark.
Both classes are designed to be welcoming, encouraging and skill-building, whether you’re new to embroidery or have years of stitching experience. Cost of registration includes all materials and a delicious lunch.
I’m looking forward to sharing techniques, stitching stories, and plenty of creative inspiration this spring at Waterford Craft Workshop—and I hope you’ll join me!
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