CLASSES
Classes are held in-person at Kortright Presbyterian Church, 55 Devere Drive, Guelph.
Each class comprises 6 sessions, usually two weeks apart (watch out for the exceptions to the rule!). The class day starts at 9:30 am. After a morning welcome and information period of 10-15 minutes, we get right to the instruction. Instruction and stitching carry on until noon. Most bring a brown bag lunch and join the other stitchers for some relaxed socialization. At 1 o’clock we’ll have a speaker or special project or trunk show until 2 pm.
Are you doing some advance planning? You might like to know that the dates of our meetings will be:
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Registration | Sept 10 |
| Class 1 | Sept 17 |
| Class 2 | Oct 1 |
| Class 3 | Oct 15 |
| Class 4 | Oct 29 |
| Class 5 | Nov 12 |
| Christmas Workshop | Nov 26 |
| Class 6 | Dec 3 |
| 2025 | |
| Class 1 | Jan 14 |
| Class 2 | Jan 28 |
| Class 3 | Feb 11 |
| Class 4 | Feb 25 |
| Class 5 | Mar 4 |
| Class 6 | Mar 18 |
| Annual General Meeting | Apr 1 |
| Open House | Apr 15 |
FEES
Full memberships for 2024-25 are $100.00. Classes are free with the full membership. Associate memberships are $50.
SKILL LEVELS
Basic: are those who need guidance in reading stitch patterns or who are new to the technique.
Intermediate: are those who understand stitch patterns but may need guidance; have taken the technique or similar one at the basic level; have a basic understanding of colour and design.
Advanced: are those who can read charts and stitch diagrams with ease; good understanding of stitch technique; good understanding of colour and design; able to work independently.
CLASSES
We offer 6 class options for each term. Each member can choose 1 class per term (Fall and Winter). Membership is $100 for the year and the two classes are free. Registration for classes will be in person on Tuesday September 10th from 10 am to noon. Teachers for all classes will be there with samples of the work. If you cannot come on September 10th, please send in your Registration Form and your money with a friend. You may also Register by postal mail if you mail by August 30th.
Fall 2024 Class List
Fall 2024 Classes have been released! Have a look below and see what appeals to you. See us on Tuesday September 10th from 10 am to noon, to register. We’ll have plenty of Registration Forms there but – for keeners – you can download one here to print & fill out with a pen.
EMBROIDERY FUNDAMENTALS FOR BEGINNERS
Cathy Lysnes
Join in the journey to learn all the fundamentals of embroidery geared to beginners in the art of embroidery. From TIPs to TOOLS, from THREADS to TECHNIQUES, from FABRIC to FINISH, learn the essentials to make your embroidery journey a lifetime of pleasure and fulfillment. Choose from the samples of a Pin Cushion/Drum, a Russian Doll Needle Case, a Stitch Sampler Needle Case or a Stitch Sampler Piece to Frame. Or let your imagination run wild and design your own piece. Whatever you decide to do, your work will be a piece of art to be proud of!
Skill Level: Beginner and up
BLACKWORK ORNAMENT
Nancy Fisher
Students will choose the shape and size of their ornament and develop their own design. The piece can be finished for framing by filling in the background or it can be trimmed, padded and made into a free hanging ornament.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Supply List
COME AWAY WITH US
Catherine Schuler and Sue Ronchka
Imagine! And come away with us on a fabulous, fabric road trip!
Explore the designing and making of a map or a cityscape of a real or imaginary place or even retrace your route of a memorable trip.
Catherine and Sue will ”facilitate” the group learning and problem-solving so that everyone helps each other to formulate a design and create a meaningful fabric art piece. You will use techniques such as fabric collage, embroidery by machine or by hand, and different types of embellishments.
Participants must be comfortable in an “unstructured “ class format where there is no formal teaching and no pattern provided, but there are brief starting point instructions followed by lots of weekly support and encouragement to be creative and complete your piece.
At least beginner level stitch skills needed.
Join us as we explore roads and destinations in fabric and stitch.
Skill Level:Beginner+
PUTTING ON THE GLITZ
Pat Jay
Learn to make fancy fabric with layers of metallic fabrics and threads. Lots of fancy embellishments and beading will be added along the way. This is your opportunity to use all the glittery snippets and bits and pieces you have stashed away in your studio. The fabric works up very quickly and there is no end to the possibilities of finished products. In this workshop we will be making small items such as Christmas ornaments, an amulet bag or whatever takes your fancy. Be prepared to have fun.
For this course, you need a sewing machine in good working condition.
Skill Level: All Skill Levels
Supply List
STUDIES IN TEXTURAL STITCHES AND THREADS
Judy Eckhardt
The course will be a guided study of stitches and threads for the creative stitcher who is looking to add diversity to their personal designs. As you explore these different techniques, you will use a minimum of 4 different threads that you may not have used before. You will also have the opportunity to learn a variety of textural stitches that may also be new to you. Your final project is one of your own ideas. I will suggest possibilities, but you may choose your own design if desired.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Kit Fee $20
TUDOR EMBROIDERY TECHNIQUES
Ana Maria Kramer
We will focus on the Tudor Era Embroidery style that was used by the Artisans during the 6th and 7th centuries and how we can apply this style to modern designs. We will use simple, familiar stitches and focus on a floral design applying just a few Tudor techniques. We will study the layering of the stitches with a variety of cotton, silk, very fine sewing, and metal threads to stitch a beautiful simple modern design. Stitching with silk threads, embellishing with metal threads and very fine sewing threads will be a big part of the class. A choice of simple designs will be available, but you can choose one from your own collection or draw your own.
Kit: students will need to purchase threads as needed if they do not have it in their stash. Teacher will have available most gold threads but students will need to purchase 3 skeins of silk in their preferred color.
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Supply List
INDEPENDENT
The Independent table is here for you to plan or work on your own project or do research in the library. You’ll also have time to consult with fellow embroiderers about your ideas.
WINTER 2025 CLASS LIST
These classes will run from January 2025 through to March.
THE ART OF TEACHING EMBROIDERY
Alison Jackson
Have you got the passion for embroidery that you would like to pass on your knowledge and skills to new students?
You will be given some very practical guidelines and skills for planning your own class.
eg. What to teach
Writing class notes
Preparing class samples
Writing class descriptions
Class timing
Skill Level: Good knowledge of an embroidery technique
ELIZABETHAN EMBROIDERY
Janet Sunderani
Elizabethan embroidery is characterized by an abundance of stylized flora and fauna motifs in polychomatic colours set amongst twining, swirling, vine borders. Often metallic braids and spangles are added for a touch of bling. Accuracy of representation is less important than whimsy and fun.
Together we will stitch a small sampler in the shape of a zany butterfly learning some basic needle lace, surface stitches and braid stitches. You may then apply the techniques to a design of your own choice, and tailor it to your own capacity for stitching time. I have lots of patterns to choose from that can be adapted to suit your needs.
On the way we will learn a bit about Tudor history and where Elizabethan embroidery fits into the history of embroidery in general.
We will discuss threads and fabrics in the first class but, don’t worry, all supplies will be easy to source.
Skill Level: All Skill Levels
Supply List
ENDLESS LANDSCAPES (or Myriorama)
Judy McMullan
These small landscapes can be done in a variety of fibre art techniques. Get creative! You will design your own “story” and you will be guided in how to transfer your sketches to the background. We will discuss suitable materials, embroidery styles and finishing. Plan to create 2 or 3 small pieces, which can be displayed together. The pieces can be designed as a gift for a child or as an intriguing triptych. All work can be completed in class so homework is not mandatory.
Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner
POSTCARDS ON THE EDGE
Gail Bailey
Embroidered postcards are a unique way to send a personalized message to friends and loved ones through Canada Post. Unleash your creativity and possibly reduce your UFOs! The design of the ‘picture’ on your postcard can either be one of your own creation or use one of several basic embroidery designs that will be available. Class focus will be on Canada Post requirements and construction of the postcard.
Skill Level: All Skill Levels
Supply List
STITCHING ARCHITECTURE
Mavis Brown
Architecture involves many textures as well as shapes and perspectives. The aim of this class will be to stitch a building… house, barn, shop, any building… and develop the stitches and techniques to achieve a pleasing result.
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
THREADING INTO A MELODY
Monica Bell
“There is something about stitch that sets the mind free to dream” – Julia Caprra 2003
Music a a powerful force and can be used as inspiration for your embroidery pieces. In this class, you will be challenged to push your boundaries in your embroidery journey.
Join me, as we explore how to design your own embroidery pattern based on your favourite song.
There will be a brief review of Copyright and Trademark concerns for crafters. We will review design elements and you will be challenged to use new stitches in your piece.
Skill Level: Intermediate+
Supply List
INDEPENDENT
The Independent table is a place to be social while working on your own project.