In a Gilt Cage ©

Proficiency Level:   Beginner Silk and Metal
Class Length: 2 days (12 hours)

Class Description: The transparent wings of a dragonfly are captured in the stitches of silk and the glow of metal threads.  Or Nué, an ancient technique going back to the 12th and 13th centuries in Flanders (what we think of as NW Europe) is able to render subjects in a lively yet elegant manner, blending the vision of the object with the gold. Or Nué is an exacting couching technique and the students will learn methods that will help to control their work and produce beautiful results. The design is suitable for a Sudbury box or tray.

Size:  4" circle on 10" X 12" silk foundation

Kit Includes: All materials necessary to complete the design including the working frame and one set of koma.

Materials Needed (Student Supplies): Metal cutting scissors, thimble, straight pins, devise for holding the frame steady and flat, laying tool (tekobari recommended).  Lamp and magnifier if needed. The usual needlework tools including a cover for transporting the work.

Classroom Equipment:  Floor easel with flip chart

Prelude ©

Technique: Silk and Metal Threads on Canvas
Length of Class: 1 day (6 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner

Class Description: This class is an introduction to the splendor of silk and metal embroidery.  Never again will you have to "fear" silk and metal threads.  The luminescence created by the silks and metallics along with the simple yet exquisite stitches will enhance the students delight in needlework. 
There is ample use of the techniques presented to allow the student to become familiar and confident with them.  Included techniques are: laying flat silk in satin stitches, lattice holding, burden stitch, diagonal satin with Zwicky silk, and couching La Lamé and Torsade.

SIZE:  Design area is 4" X 6"

Prelude II ©

Technique: Silk and Metal Threads on Canvas
Length of Class: 1 day (6 hours)
Proficiency Level: Beginner

Class Description: This class is an introduction to the splendor of silk and metal embroidery. Never again will you have to "fear" silk and metal threads.  The luminescence created by the silks and metallics along with the simple yet exquisite stitches will enhance the students delight in needlework.
There is ample use of the techniques presented to allow the student to become familiar and confident with them.  Included techniques are: laying flat silk in satin stitches, lattice holding, "Multi-strand" couching, diagonal satin with Zwicky silk, attaching Check Purl, and couching La Lamé and Torsade.  

SIZE: The design is approximately 4"x 6" on a 8" x 10" congress cloth foundation.

Radiant Pendant ©

Technique: Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidery on Canvas
Length of Class: 2-3 hours
Proficiency Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class Description: The elegance and richness of medieval days is revisited in this small pendant that can be used as a Christmas ornament for the tree or as a special a bookmark.  When complete and hanging in a place of honor on the tree or in an honored book, the student will feel more confident with flat silk and the use of metallics. Flat silk techniques will be emphasized along with lattice holding using #1 gold, bead application, and couching La Lamé and Torsade metallics.

Cost:  $15.00 including the working frame

Materials Needed (Student Supplies): The usual needlework tools, a laying tool (tekobari recommended), a devise to hold the frame tight (two hands are needed to work flat silk), a light and magnification if needed for working #24 Congress Cloth.  The usual needlework tools including a cover for transporting the work.

Classroom Equipment: Flip Chart on Easel