Classes & Workshops
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Flowers From My Beau
Sweet mini sewing accessories in felted wool appliqué.
These sewing accessories are a blend of the vintage in both style and substance and will bring enjoyment to both the maker and the receiver.
The trio includes a yoyo for pin storage, a small covered tin to house needles, scissors and thread, and a companion scissors sheath and fob, all designed in the style of the bouquets reminiscent of Baltimore album quilts.
Constructed in felted wool and embellished with embroidery using wool thread, these bouquets are bursting with rich color and bring both form and function to the user.
Can one ever have enough sewing accessories
Students will work with felted wool and literally build their bouquets with techniques developed by the designer. Completing the stitching and construction using various finishing techniques will be thoroughly discussed providing a comfort level so that the project will ultimately be completed.
Harvest Penny Rug
An introducction to felted wool dimensional appliqué.
Welcome the season and warm up the house with a harvest penny rug in luscious felted wool. The colors of fall, from green to orangey-gold, provide a hospitable focal point on your dining table or coffee table. The durability of felted wool makes this runner useful as a giant coaster that is protective and decorative. The piece is constructed in felted wool and embellished with embroidery using wool threads and perle cotton. The design includes a pumpkin, curling vines, pumpkin flowers, cranberries and an acorn for a full plate of autumn nature. Students will learn about the rise of felted wool in the 19th century and the history of penny rugs. Class will cover freezer paper patterns and working with placement guide templates. A variety of helpful basting techniques will be presented in additon to appliqué techniques, including the tack stitch and needle slanting techniques for adding dimension to the work. A variety of tools that make working in felted wool easy and fun will be presented. Traditional surface embroidery stitches will also be used and the final construction of the rug will be fully discussed.
A Workshop in Strawberries
The following classes are available alone or in a workshop on strawberries where students can choose from tea cozy, sewing wallet or eyeglass case.
Strawberries and leaves emerge from a white or black field on this felted wool sewing wallet. Keep your sewing necessities organized in this 3-fold design, perfect for yourself or as a gift for a stitching friend. Felted wool is a perfect cushion to organize and protect your stitching tools. The kit is constructed in felted wool and embellished with embroidery using wool and perle cotton threads. The project will include a brief overview of the history of felted wool and the penny rug, working with and felting wool and freezer paper pattern making.
Students will work with placement guide templates and a variety of basting techniques for increased accuracy will be presented as options. Students will learn appliqué methods including the tack stitch, needle slanting and stuffing and layering techniques for creating sculptural dimension in appliqué. A variety of tools that make working in felted wool easy and fun will be included. Traditional surface embroidery stitches will also be used and the final construction of the wallet will be fully discussed.
Ripe strawberries adorn this penny style tea cozy in warm white wool. Overlapping pennies forming a scalloped edge and handle finish the design. Keep your tea piping hot and your company cheerful with the warmth and color of this cozy. Felted wool, wool batting and a deep colorful lining make this cozy the absolute warmest jacket for your teapot. The class will include a brief overview of the history of the penny rug, working with and felting wool. Students will learn to make freezer paper patterns and work with placement guide templates. A variety of basting techniques will be presented for increased accuracy. Students will learn appliqué techniques including the tack stitch, needle slanting, strawberry stuffing and layering techniques for creating sculptural dimension in appliqué. A variety of tools that make working in felted wool easy and fun will be presented. Traditional surface embroidery stitches will also be used and the final construction of the cozy will be fully discussed
Coy Koi
Playful goldfish show off their bright colors in a circle of bubbles on this small size penny rug.
The design combines the historic style of the penny rug and a modern design of reflective goldfish. Use as a trivet for your teapot or fishbowl or simply as a lovely decoration on any surface in your home. Students will learn to make freezer paper patterns and work with placement guide templates. A variety of basting techniques will be presented for increased accuracy. Students will also learn specific stitches and needle slanting techniques for adding dimension to the work and will be introduced to tools that make working in felted wool easy and fun. Traditional surface embroidery stitches will be used and the construction of the final rug will be fully discussed. Several color palettes will be available so students can make color variations if they choose. Students will also have choice in the embellishments.
Koi Necklace Bag
For an Asian look to accent your favorite red and black oufit, the Koi purse is a fun accessory.
This purse can hold a few items and be used as an evening bag or be worn as a fashionable eye glass case. The design and metallic thread make for a unique and artsy look. The purse is constructed in felted wool, lined in cotton fabric and embellished with embroidery using wool and perle cotton threads and beads. The project will include a brief overview of working with and felting wool; pattern making; needle handling; and stitching and layering techniques for creating sculptural dimension in wool appliqué.
Flower Power
Transport yourself to the 60s and rediscover the whimsical surface embroidery that took needle to jean and jacket during that historic era.
Lazy daisy flowers adorned pant legs … the peace symbol was the logo of the day and embroidery became the expression of so many believers in flower power. Choose your colors from over-dyed felted wool fabrics in a variety of colors and create your signature chatelaine. Embellish it as you like with your individual selection of stitches using wool threads and buttons. The chatelaine includes a scissors keeper with a leash, pocket for thimble or spool of thread, needle book, pin cushion, magnet for resting your needle and monogram. Patterns for a peace sign, star and moon will be included. The ubiquitous happy face will be an embroidery alternative to the daisy for the pin cushion. Alphabets will be provided for the design of custom monograms in different styles. Students will design and embellish in their own style and the result will be a chatelaine of self expression.
Mum’s the Word
A large, soft book for needles, CDs or whatever you please!
This oversized needle book is just the right size to keep all your needles at hand – and not at the bottom of your stitch bag. A bright and cheerful appliqué mum decorates the front and sets the stage for pages of plush over-dyed felted wool inside. The inside left features a pocket perfect for unopened needle packages or scissors. Fossil fern fabric creates a coordinating lining for a harmonious blend of warmth … sure to spread a smile. This pattern can also be made up as a CD case, or book cover for those who have needle books a plenty! The inside pocket can be used to hold the names and titles of the CDs that are included. This project combines a lesson in felted wool appliqué with a variety of finishing methods as the student chooses. Students will learn freezer paper pattern making, appliqué stitches, needle tilting techniques, a variation on how to work the buttonhole stitch, tassel and twisted cord making and hand stitching the lining in silk thread for a completely invisible look. Alternative color palettes can be made available.
Buttercup Pin Cushion
This oversized pin cushion features a bold buttercup design and is an easy keeper of needles and pins.
The felted wool constructoon and craft stuffing allows both tapestry and sewing needles to slide like butter. Learn both traditional and new methods for appliqué and surface embroidery embellishment with this quick project. A perfect gift for a special stitching friend. Students will learn to make freezer paper patterns and work with placement guide templates. A variety of basting techniques will be presented for increased accuracy. Students will learn specific stitches and needle slanting techniques for adding dimension to the work and be introduced to tools that make working in felted wool easy and fun. Traditional surface embroidery stitches will also be used and the construction of the final pin cushion will be fully discussed.
Sunflower Tea Service
Keep your tea piping hot and your table protected with this sweet sunflower cozy and teapot penny rug.
Constructed in felted wool, lined with cotton fabric and quilted over black cotton batting, this cozy will keep tea exceptionally warm.
Students will learn both traditional and new methods for appliqué and surface embroidery embellishment, and have a beautiful tea service set for those
cold fall and winter days. Students will work with freezer paper patterns and placement guide templates. A variety of basting techniques will be
presented for increased accuracy. Students will learn specific stitches and needle slanting techniques for adding dimension to the work and
be introduced to tools that make working in felted wool easy and fun. Traditional surface embroidery stitches will also be used and the construction of the
final cozy will be fully discussed.
Sugar or lemon?
Heartsease
A Penny Rug
This gay wreath of dimensional Heartsease (wild pansies) is woven around a circular penny rug surrounded by lamb’s ears … a perfect setting for your spring bouquet. The design was inspired by Polish pottery with its casual brush strokes of vines and blossoms. I have deliberately left the center open for the placement of a vase. Students will learn to make freezer paper patterns and work with placement guide templates for accuracy in appliqué and embroidery. Transfer techniques to indicate vine lines will make stitching the surface embroidery fun and fast and a variety of basting techniques will be presented. Students will learn specific stitches and needle slanting techniques for adding dimension to the work and be introduced to tools that make working in felted wool easy and fun. The blanket stitch will be presented with several techniques. Traditional surface embroidery stitches will also be used and the construction of the final rug will be fully discussed. A larger size project than many of the classes traditionally offered at National seminars, this penny rug will be an exciting adventure for all lovers of hand sewing.
Jacobean Impression
An introduction to felted wool dimensional appliqué
Enjoy the fruits and flowers of the Jacobean era in this dimensional appliqué pillow in luscious felted wool. The colorful design on a black field will be a welcomed addition to any room bringing a soft and sculptured accent. The durability of felted wool makes this pillow useful while decorating with style and charm. Constructed in felted wool and embellished with embroidery, this project uses unique over dyed wool threads and perle cotton. The design includes fantasy fruits and flowers in layered felted wool woven together with curling vines and leaves forming a full spectrum of blooming life. Students will learn to make freezer paper patterns and work with placement guide templates to accurately transfer the design to wool. A variety of basting techniques will be presented for increased accuracy. Students will learn appliqué techniques specific to wool and the creation of dimension by layering wool pieces and using needle slanting techniques. A variety of tools that make working in felted wool easy and fun will be presented. Traditional surface embroidery stitches will be used to embellish the design and the final construction of the pillow will be fully discussed.
Nutcracker Table Rug
An introduction to felted wool dimensional appliqué
This colorful nutcracker created in luscious felted wool will make any room festive for the holiday season. Perfect for a dining room table or a coffee table, the durability of felted wool makes this runner useful as a giant coaster that is protective and decorative. Constructed in felted wool, he is boldly outfitted, embellished with wool thread, beads and metallic thread. A wreath of evergreen and pinecones surrounding him with red pennies as a border make a merry tradition for your home
Tomato Pin Cushion Penny Rug
This plump tomato pin cushion reminds us of the timeless standard in our mothers' sewing baskets ... and also the logo of the Monmouth Chapter of EGA.
Created especially for you, this teapot size penny rug will offer the techniques of dimensional wool design and the history of the penny rug in one fun workshop.
Learn to use freezer paper templates, the "veil" for accurate placement and needle slanting skills to make your work pop off the background.
The comprehensive kit features luxurious 100% felted wool, matching wool threads, over-dyed and black perle cotton threads, freezer paper, needles, full sized
pattern and reference photo and all the supplies necessary to complete the project. Favorite tools for working in felted wool will be presented. Join us and have fun
making a great Jersey tomato penny rug ... Yum!
Finished size: 10 inch diameter
Kit Cost: $35.00
Elephant Sewing Kit
A perfect class for chapters and guilds, this adorable elephant holds your thimble in his trunk and your needles on his blanket. Pins are on his back and embroidery scissors in the tiny scissors keeper. A wonderful gift for a sewing friend or a perfect travel companion for yourself, you will be finished in no time. Learn to make freezer paper patterns, blanket stitch, make cording (tail), beading and making wool felt from recycled fabrics.
This kit is available in 2 color choices.
If your group is interested in any of these classes, please contact
info@deborahtirico.com