Embroidery Workshops

Learn to embroider traditional stitches and patterns,

Understand the history and culture of a place,

Connect with women who are keeping disappearing traditions alive today.

Hungarian Written Embroidery I and II

Learn a traditional Hungarian stitch and style from Transylvania, Romania + history, culture, and stories about the women stitching this disappearing art today. Level I: Stitch a modern pattern that you make into a small bag (pictured) or use in clothing or a quilt. Level II: Make a sampler of lace stitches, edgings and learn about how to create larger patterns.

Live Online See dates and register here for Level I.

Icelandic Net Bags

Learn to make a net bag suitable for a wine or water bottle, or perhaps to tote groceries and clothing in this extended and lively Sunday workshop.  You’ll learn to tie several versatile knots as well as the netting-knot.  We'll cover a short history of net-making practices and nets throughout history and fine art, and construct a reusable net bag from start to finish. I learned the netting knot from an Icelandic net-maker and fisherman while in Iceland on an artist's residency in 2016.

Live Online: Next class will be in Spring ‘23.

Introduction to Embroidery

Learn the basics of hand embroidery, from different kinds and sizes of thread to needles, hoops, and stitches. We’ll create a fun, contemporary, floral pattern using a variety of stitches. No prior experience necessary.

Live Online: Two upcoming dates in October and November!

The Embroidered Flowers of Portugal

In this workshop we learn several versatile embroidery stitches and look at the traditional clothing from Viana do Castelo in northern Portugal. The tradition, dating back to the late 1700s, will inspire you to embroider your own clothes, even shoes! Bring a blouse to embellish or stitch a floral pattern adapted from a blouse into the project of your choice.

Live Online: Next class will be in Spring ‘23.

Embroidered Text: Monograms and Inscriptions

In this workshop, we will explore monograms, signatures, and inscriptions from folk textiles around the world. For inspiration, we'll also look at stitched text in fine art. Together we will embroider a monogram on a handkerchief, using a technique called shadow work which produces an outline on one side of the fabric and a broad shaded area on the reverse. We'll also look at several ways to stitch handwritten lettering. You’re welcome to bring your own scarf, pillowcase, shirt, or napkin to embellish, as well.

Live Online: See dates and register here.

EMBROIDERY PATTERNS

HONORING ARTISAN TRADITIONS

are available!

Hungarian and Portuguese downloadable PDF patterns are available HERE.

The best thing about your workshops is the buzz and hum in my brain for days afterward. -Sophie B.

I loved hearing about the culture and history behind the embroidery. I learned new stitches and laughed a lot! -Juliette R.

Workshops are also available in The Chain Stitch Across the Globe, Ukrainian Borshchiv Embroidery, and Icelandic Cross Stitch for Knits.

Sarah leads explanations creating a kind, gentle, and comfortable atmosphere. I have found a new hobby! -Brian H.