12 Hour Classes
INSTRUCTOR: Cookie Ziemba, Artisan
COURSE: Crewel Embroidery
PROJECT: 17th Century Jacobean Crewel Embroidered Bedspread
(This class is FULL)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Tudors did it! Elizabethans did it! Jacobeans did it, and you can do it in 1/12th scale. In the 16th and 17th Centuries, professional pattern makers printed designs for purchase. The prick and pounce method of transferring the design was employed, destroying the paper pattern; our designs will be reusable. Motifs are from Richard Shorleyker’s book, A Schole-house for the Needle, circa 1632.
In 1912, A.F. Morris Hands wrote: “Patterns became exuberant, colouring more brilliant, the exquisite stitchery gradually gave place to solid fillings, and by light sprays filling up the ground between the larger leaves, jasmine, cherries, harebells, potato flowers, honeysuckle, shamrock or trefoil and acorns took the lead. It is an almost impossible task to describe the large leaves, since they bear no resemblance to anything natural, rejoicing rather in sweeping curves, and drooping points, curled over to display the under side of the leaf.”
Crewel embroidery books showing period designs will inspire students to use their own creativity. Students will be encouraged to select a personal color palette or may stitch as shown on the prototype. Over 20 stitches will be demonstrated and taught. If possible, it is suggested students bring their own miniature bed for exact fitting of the fabric pattern. A template will be made with finishing techniques given.
TIME:
12 hours. While completion is unlikely, students will go home with all the techniques and materials to finish on their own.
POWER TOOLS:
none
SKILL LEVEL:
All levels. Hand sewing experience will be helpful.
MATERIALS FEE:
$45 to be collected at school