Class Title: Madeira Needle Case
Area of Study: Embroidery
Class Hours: 6
Class Type: Project
Skill Level: All skill levels are welcome. Basic embroidery skills are helpful but not necessary.
The Islands of Madeira have produced some of the most beautiful embroideries world markets can purchase. These fine works have been inspired by the exotic islands’ breathtaking beauty – the colorful aromatic flowers and unusual wildlife. All of these elements are portrayed in an array of items produced by talented but humble embroideresses.
Madeira embroideries draw from a “vocabulary” of sixteen basic stitches, several of which are included in this simple needle case design.
The stitches we will cover and practice during class time are:
- Appliqué cord
- Granitos
- Padded satin stitch
- Trailing
- Scalloped buttonhole edge – one of the highest paid embroidery stitches in Madeira!
Practice produces perfection so we will spend our class time learning the steps of each stitch; then practicing them while working on our small needle case sampler.
When your project is complete, you will have a beautiful needle case (or two) to store your hand needles. This will serve as an inspiration in your sewing bag to carry on the lessons learned in class to your other embroidery projects.
Complete Kit Contents: Ulster linen; felt liner; floche; tatting thread; embroidery floss; needles; finger shield; class handout. (There are enough supplies in this kit to stitch two needle cases.)
Pre-requisite: None
Student Supplies: embroidery scissors with a fine sharp point; mechanical pencil or very fine line washable marking pen; 3″x 6″ Susan Bates embroidery hoop; 6″ clear gridded ruler; light & extension cord (required); magnification (required)
