Course Length: 6 months
Course Registration Deadline: June 30th, 2010
Payment and Course Commencement: July 31st, 2010
Monthly Fee: Six monthly payments of $47.50


The story behind this course is a set of classes developed around a well-known grouping of samplers from Newburyport, Massachusetts. I had been talking to Betsy Krieg Salm for years about her research and work on a particular form of schoolgirl art. This form was using ink and watercolor to decorate figured wooden boxes, tables and small items such as threadwinders. We decided to take an early 19th century sampler from a region where this technique was taught and both interpret it in our media for a class. The sampler selected was from the grouping called the "Shady Bower" group from the turn of the 19th century. Betsy produced a lovely box and I two sets of needlework accessories that would pair with the box. The needlework is characterized by a combination of both counted stitches and surface embroidery stitches.

The aim of the course is to study the use of filament silk and how to use it in surface embroidery to fully achieve its potential. The course pieces are worked on a tight 40-count ground fabric that works well for both counted and surface work. The linen will be outlined for you and the embroidery pattern will be traced onto the linen to ensure proper transfer for the student.

While Betsy's health no longer allows her to commit to make the original box, there may be opportunities to purchase pieces of her work that coordinate with the course project. During the duration of the course, students will have advance notice and ability to purchase them before the general public.

Size: Needlebook size is 4" x 2.5"

Kit Contents: 40ct. premarked hand-dyed linen, eleven colors of Au Ver a Soie Soie Paris threads, silk ribbons in two colors and two sizes, silk finishing fabrics, doctor's cloth, ultrasuede, skirtex, muslin, pellon, batt, emery, floss, all other finishing materials, and acorn waxer.

Note: If you have previously taken one of the two sets of projects, please contact me for individualized pricing to complete your set during this course.