Teaching Pieces

Anna's Hart
The Blueberry 'Sweet Bag'
'Butterfly Garden' Sewing Case
The Golden Garden 'Sweet Bag'
Hearts in Williamsburg
'Maria's Berries', The Pin Cushion
The Mermaid's Menagerie
Mistress Lile's Tea Cozy
November Chase
The 'Peace and Happiness' Millennium Keep-safe
Raphael's Raspberries Sachet
A Secret Garden Needlework Necessary
Summer Strawberry Shoulder Bag

Anna's Hart
This lively little embroidered vignette is extracted from a larger sampler (in a private collection) stitched by Anna Molander in an area of Sweden which is now Finland.  Two dates appear on her lovely sampler:  1730 and 1748.  The portion I share with you was worked entirely in cross-stitch 'over two', however, I suggest other embroidery stitches to give this piece visual and textural interest.  A discussion of Anna's sampler, the wonderful Tree, and of the other motifs will round out the class.

Embroidered on 40-count 'Ivory' Ricamo linen or 35-count 'Off White' Northern Cross linen with Soie d'Alger and Sampler Threads.

Embroidery stitches used include:  Cross-stitch 'over two', Eyelet, Gobelin, Palestrina Knots, Padded Satin, Smyrna Cross, and Stem.

Intermediate level of embroidery skills.

Finished size of design area:  3"x5" when embroidered on 40-count linen.

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The Blueberry 'Sweet Bag'

This small draw-string 'Sweet Bat' is simple, yet elegant in its shape and size, and draws its coloration from the abundant greenery which abounds wherever woods and meadows flourish and mingle, under the heavenly canopy of blue above us.  A Native American motif (sketched while visiting the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center in Williamsburg), possibly of Micmac, Passamaquoddy, or Penobscot origin, features on the front of the 'Sweet Bag'.

Embroidered on 32-count 'Cobblestone' Belfast linen with 'Waterlillies', Sampler Threads, and Anchor.  Mill Hill Petite Seed Beads are used for additional detailing.

Embroidery stitches used include Backstitch, Cross-stitch 'over one' and 'over two', Smyrna Cross, Satin, Spider Web, Stem, and Detached Buttonhole.

Intermediate level of embroidery skills.

Finished size of design area:  4"x5".

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'Butterfly Garden' Sewing Case

'Butterflies play in my garden...' Capture a butterfly or two without a net as you explore several ways to use hand-painted and hand-dyed silk and cotton embroidery threads.  A Butterfly hovers over a 'garden' of stylized Clover on the front cover, while an original poem graces the back cover.  Inside are several top- and side-loading pockets in which to keep needles and other sewing collectibles in neat order, plus a place for flannel or wool 'pages' for loose pins and needles.  There is also a place to secure your embroidery scissors when not in use.

Embroidered on 28-count 'White' and 'Dutch Blue' Cashel linen using Silk 'N Colors, Sampler Threads, and DMC or Anchor.  Embellishment includes Silk 'N Ribbon and crystal beads. 

Embroidery stitches used include:  Backstitch, Cross-stitch 'over one' and 'over two', Palestrina Knots, Queen (Rococo), Rhodes, Satin, Smyrna Cross, and Stem.

Intermediate level of embroidery skills.

Finished size of design area:  4-1/2" x 6-3/4".

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The Golden Garden 'Sweet Bag'

This exquisite objet d'art was inspired by the 'sweet bags' which were popular gifts given to noble patrons during Elizabethan and Stuart times.  My modern version depicts my five favorite flowers, on the front:  lilies-of-the-valley, forget-me-nots, a Heart's Ease pansy, a grass daisy, and a calendula or marigold.  Look carefully for the butterfly and the bird.  The back of the 'sweet bag' is also heavily embroidered, and will be the place for personalization.

Embroidered on 28- or 30-count 'Forget-Me-Not Green' hand-dyed linen with Soie Cristale, 'Waterlilies', Silk 'N Colors, Soie d'Alger, Sampler Threads, DMC or Anchor, and metallic Cord.  A sprinkling of Mill Hill Petite Seed Beads adds additional texture.

Embroidery stitches used include:  Backstitch, Cross-stitch 'over-one' and 'over two', Eyelet, French Knots, Lazy Daisy, Buttonhole, Tent, Queen (Rococo), Rhodes, Smyrna Cross, Stem, as well as simple Pattern Darning and Blackwork patterns. 

Intermediate to Advanced levels of embroidery skills.  

Finished size of design area:  5-1/2" x5-1/2".

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Hearts in Williamsburg

'Maria's Berries', The Pin Cushion

Inspired by a charming, early 19th-century sampler (in a private collection), this small cushion focuses on the unusual border of strawberries Maria used to 'frame' her home with.  Over twenty-four (24) embroidery stitches will be explored - one for each Leaf in the border.  The silks and cotton embroidery threads have been chosen to closely match those that young Maria used on her sampler.

Embroidered on 27- or 28-count 'Ivory' or 'Cream' linen with Soie d'Alger and Sampler Threads.

Embroidery stitches used include:  Backstitch, Cross-stitch 'over one' and 'over two', Fly, Outline, Stem, Queen (Rococo) 'over four' and 'over two', Knitted, Zig-zag Variation, Smyrna Cross, Gobelin, Rhodes, Barrier, Algerian Eye, Four-sided, Diagonal Satin, Marking Cross, Rice, Square Ray, Palestrina Knots, Diagonal Weave, Basket Weave, Tent, Cashmere Variation, Upright Cross, Two-sided Italian.

A copy of Maria's sampler chart is included in this class kit.

Intermediate level of embroidery skills.

Finished size of design area:  4"x4".

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The Mermaid's Menagerie

The first-in-a-series of embroidered 'objet d'art' celebrating the sea, the Mermaid's Menagerie includes a Starfish, a Sea Horse, a Sea Urchin, a Lobster, and a Sea Bass.  Made up variously into scissors' fobs, pin cushions, a needlebook, and a scissors' rest.  They are embroidered on five different shades of hand-dyed linens using Accentuate, Sampler Threads, and Silk 'N Colors, with touches of petite seed beads here and there. 

Once you've captured them keep them safe and handy inside a lovely re-production of a lidded Nantucket basket.

Embroidery stitches used include:  Backstitch, Cross-stitch over one and over two, Eyelets, Palestrina Knots, Satin Smyrna, Stem, Trellis, and Rounded Rhodes.

All finished directions are included for each creature.  Intermediate to advanced level of embroidery skills.

Finished sizes vary with each creature.

Mistress Lile's Tea Cozy

FrontBack
'November Chase'

This small wearable 'pocket' depicts a popular scene often found on 18th-century needlework.  Although not shown here, the back panel shows the outcome of the Chase, the Hare's afternoon adventure with the Wolf Hound...

Embroidered on 32-count 'Misty Blue' Belfast linen with Soie d'Alger, Sampler Threads, and DMC or Anchor.  A tiny Sew-down Embellishment gives the piece its finishing touch.

Embroidery stitches used include:  Backstitch, Cross-stitch 'over one' and 'over two', French Knots, Gobelin, Eyelet, Stem, Rhodes, Satin, Smyrna Cross, Long-armed Cross-stitch, Rice, plus several Bargello patterns.

Intermediate level of embroidery skills.

Finished size of design area:  4"x4".

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The 'Peace and Happiness' Millennium Keep-safe

'Peace and Happiness', a Millennium Keep-safe is a wearable 'pocket' in two parts.  I designed it as a place to protect those special treasures you collected along the way during the millennium just past, and the ones to come your way in this new one. 

When removed from its heavily-embroidered 'sleeve', the pocket opens to reveal places to store precious talismans:  a baby's tooth, or locks of hair, a favorite small photo or lucky charm, or that $100 bill that Sarah suggests we tuck away for 'emergencies' in SIMPLE ABUNDANCE (see October 30)!

The sleeve ornamentation is very Celtic-inspired:  an Acorn with a single Blackworked Oak Leaf is underscored by a semi-wreath of Mistletoe.  The other side of the sleeve features a 'compass' of hears surrounded by branches of Holly and Ivy.  The actual pocket provides a place for unique personalization:  I'll offer suggestions for ways to help 'design' and embellish this 'secret hiding place'!

Embroidered on 30-count 'Parchment' Legacy Linen with Silk 'N Colors, Soie d'Alger, Sampler Threads, Anchor, and metallic Cord.  Shimmer is added with a sprinkling of gold or silver paillettes or sequins.

Embroidery stitches used include:  Backstitch, Cross-stitch 'over one' and 'over two', Eyelets, Buttonhole, Stem, Rhodes, Satin, Double Cross, French Knots, Smyrna Cross, Diamond Eye, Double Leviathan, Rice, Ran, Queen (Rococo), plus several others, as well as basic Blackwork technique.

Advanced level of embroidery skills.

Finished size of design area:  3-3/4"x4-1/4".

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Raphael's Raspberries Sachet

This small sachet was designed to compliment The Golden Garden 'Sweet Bag':  it provides the 'sweet' smells!  The main motif is a cluster of lucious-looking raspberries being eyed by a teeny-tiny beetle bug!  The most unique feature of my sachet is its saw-tooth edge.

Embroidered on 28- or 30-count 'Forget-Me-Not Green' hand-dyed linen with Soie Cristale, 'Waterlilies', Silk 'N Colors, and DMC or Anchor.

Embroidery stitches used include:  Backstitch, Buttonhole, Diagonal Queen, Eyelet, Queen, Satin, Smyrna Corss, and Stem - no Cross-stitches!

Intermediate to Advanced levels of embroidery skills.

Finished size of design area:  2-3/4" x 2-3/4".

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A Secret Garden Needlework Necessary

I designed this special 'small' especially for the Youngstown Area Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America (EGA) in May of 1992.  It is, without a doubt, my most popular design.  It was inspired by one of my children's favorite stories:  The Secret Garden.  Unfold the Necessary to find 'pockets':  one to keep a pair of scissors safe; the other to hold a small triangular sachet.  Open the garden gate to discover a place to neatly store pins and needles.  When not in use, tie the Necessary closed and tuck away inside your pocket 'til you need it again.

Embroidered on 28-count 'Antique Green' linen with 'Waterlilies', and DMC floss and pearl cotton.  Five brass charms are attached for fun and whimsy.

Embroidery stitches used include:  Backstitch, Cross-stitch 'over two', Eyelet, Buttonhole, Smyrna Cross, Satin, French Knots, Fly, Stem, Lazy Daisy, Rhodes, and 'Pins'.

Intermediate level of embroidery skills.

Finished size of design area:  4"x4".

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Summer Strawberry Shoulder Bag

This is the fourth in a series of small shoulder bags inspired by the beauty of the Four Seasons.  The actual design motif is taken from an antique butter mold in a small collection found at The Bennington Museum, in Bennington, Vermont.  The vibrant colors of the strawberry plant contrast strikingly with the tan of the hand-dyed linen, and with the black beads and detail embroidery.

Embroidered on 30-count 'Flax Field' hand-dyed linen with threads from Weeks Dye Works and Anchor or DMC.

Embroidery stitches used include:  Backstitch, Cross-stitch 'over two', Queen (Rococo), Satin, and Stem.  Mill Hill Petite Seed Beads are used for additional detailing.

Intermediate level of embroidery skills.

Finished size of design area:  4-1/4"x4-3/4".

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