Options Day Classes

June 20

Goldwork Sampler

Michelle Agnew

Discover the art of goldwork embroidery through this comprehensive introduction perfect for all skill levels. Students will master sixteen essential traditional goldwork techniques using authentic materials including pearl purl, smooth purl, Japanese thread, kid leather, and more. Beyond traditional methods, students will explore contemporary approaches by incorporating unusual materials of their choice, engaging in creative experimentation and personal expression.

Technique: Goldwork

Level: Basic

Pre-work: 30-60 minutes

Size: 15 cm x 15 cm

Kit cost: $55

Monogram Your Initials

Stephanie Bonneau

Monograms are an essential element of bespoke tailoring and traditional slipper design in the United Kingdom. In the first part of this workshop students will focus on drawing their initials and transferring their design onto fabric, followed by stitching the outline in pearl purl. In the latter half of the day, students will work on the padding, and the essing will also be introduced at this stage. Students attending this workshop should have prior knowledge of goldwork embroidery.

Technique: Goldwork

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Pre-work: None

Size: 7 cm x 5 cm

Kit cost: $120

Golden Bee Skep

Wendy Innes

This glistening bee skep is worked on ivory silk fabric with a honeycomb-patterned background using opulent goldwork techniques. Two whimsical bees also adorn the piece with dimensional wings in flight. The workshop will cover a range of goldwork methods, including felt padding, bricking, and pearl purl application. This piece is the first in a series celebrating our vital pollinators.

Technique: Goldwork and Stumpwork

Level: Basic

Pre-work: None

Size: 10 cm x 10 cm

Kit cost: $65

Apollo’s Favorite

Deborah Mitek

In this charming silk ribbon flower project, students will create a peony using a layered ribbon process set on a sparkly stitched background. Worked on 18-count mono canvas, Various techniques including stem stitch/outline stitch, ribbon stitch, ribbon filling stitch, reverse ribbon stitch, raised ribbon stitch, and looped ribbon stitch will be used to create the flower, with sparkle loops, eyelash turkeywork, and bead embellishments added at the centre. A woven border stitched in overdyed single-strand cotton neatly frames the piece.

Technique: Silk Ribbon and Canvaswork

Level: Basic

Pre-work: None

Size: 10 cm x 10 cm

Kit cost: $135

3D Creative Goldwork

Rebecca Offredi

This 3D goldwork embroidery class doesn’t teach a set kit design; instead students will create a bespoke and individual goldwork brooch incorporating 3D elements using traditional goldwork techniques, crystals, and my signature fusion of couture beading and stumpwork. Students will not be expected to finish their piece in this one-day class, but will have an opportunity to learn and try out all the demonstrated techniques, and continue adding to their design at
home should they wish!

Technique: Goldwork

Level: Basic/Intermediate

Pre-work: 30-60 minutes

Size: ~6 cm x 6 cm; may be resized by student

Kit cost: $70

Goldwork Rondels

Kathleen Laurel Sage

Join Kathleen for this modern approach to traditional goldwork. Students will learn how to use traditional materials and techniques such as padded leather work, cutwork purl and checkwork, chipping with check wire, couching with different types and thicknesses of cords, and a custom cord technique to complete a beautiful golden hanging decoration or small rondel. This class is an ideal introduction for those trying goldwork for the first time.

Technique: Goldwork and Stumpwork

Level: Basic

Pre-work: None

Size: 5 cm x 5 cm

Kit cost: $29

Kinetic

Lorene Salt

“Kinetic” features the movement and energy of a pinwheel. Each section is made up of a variety of tints, tones and shades of one colour, while a variety of metallic ribbon threads and silk perle cotton add sparkle and zing. A border made up of colours in the centre “blades” pulls it all together. This class will appeal to those students wanting to learn new techniques, while mastering complex canvaswork stitches.

Technique: Counted Canvaswork

Level: Intermediate

Pre-work: 6 hours

Size: 17 cm x 17 cm

Kit cost: $175

Perfect Puffin Pin

Naomi Smith

The Perfect Puffin pin is a fully beaded piece using flat beading techniques and simple edging methods popularized by the Indigenous people of the Woodlands and Great Lakes. This is a smaller project that can be created in a short amount of time with perfect results. This workshop will be a theoretical and practical learning experience, covering the mechanics of how to make the pin as well as how to choose a design for beadwork.

Technique: Flat Bead Embroidery

Level: Basic/Intermediate

Pre-work: None

Size: 6.5 cm high

Kit cost: $58

Milky Way Eyelet Sampler

Yvette Stanton

Working with pearl cotton on 28-count linen banding, students in this one-day class will create a Milky Way of stand-alone eyelets including square, diamond, round and buttonhole eyelets. This sampler could be used as a wrap for a candle, vase, or tealight holder.

Technique: Pulled Thread Work

Level: Basic

Pre-work: None

Size: 26 cm x 4 cm

Kit cost: $50

C10

Lucky Ladybug

María Clara Warschauer

In this one-day class, students will stitch a goldwork and stumpwork ladybug, designed to be finished as a scissors fob or ornament. Techniques include couching, chipping, and shaping with wires and cut purls. With a focus on precision at a small scale, dimensional construction, and achieving a neat, professional finish, the ladybug introduces a range of goldwork methods in a compact format.

Technique: Goldwork and Stumpwork

Level: Basic

Pre-work: None

Size: 4 cm x 3.5 cm

Kit cost: $110