Top left to right:  Holiday Borders, Bright Candle;  Bottom left to right:  Holiday Stocking, Vivid Poinsettia

Holiday Ornaments (2-Day Class for Beginners)

This back-to-basics class begins with how to thread the needle (including a special way for pearl cotton) and how to start a new thread.  Working from a chart (or graph) we stitch the poinsettia with slanted gobelin (straight) stitches.  We learn French knots, Scotch stitch, Smyrna cross, diagonal basketweave, Casalguidi stitch and how to attach a button.  Although the photo shows plastic canvas, fabric canvas is provided in the kit.  Threads used include Pearl cotton and Paternayan wool with gold metallic for the candle flame.  Stitchers are asked to bring a button of their choice.  (Not everyone wants a moose in their stocking.)  Most work is done in class so that students have time to develop competence and confidence that they can complete the projects.  Finishing ideas are discussed.  No pre-stitching is required.

Class length can be shortened to one day by choosing the Poinsettia (lower right) and Holiday Borders (upper left).  For a three-hour introductory class, the Poinsettia alone can be chosen.

Project Dimensions and Ground Material:  Each ornament is approximately 3" square.

Kit Contents:  12"X12" 11-count cotton canvas, Size 20 needles, Paternayan wool in red, green and white; pearl cotton, metallic for candle flame; booklet with charts and instructions.

Students to supply:  two pairs of 12"X12" stretcher bars, embroidery scissors to clip threads, button approx 3/4" square (many students choose a teddy bear or toy button), light and magnification if needed.

2007 Price for Kit and Instructions:  $50 (or $12.50 for each ornament)