Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Spreading the Stitch Addiction

The pictures you see here (aside from Kat's stamp carving one ;) are pictures of projects done by some of my embroidery students after they've left class. Enjoy!)

Jessica made this sweet owl bandanna for her pup, who is looking quite dashing, no?

I've said it before: teaching hand embroidery classes is one of my very favorite things to do. And one of my favorite parts of teaching is seeing all the cool stuff people make after they leave my class. I love seeing people get as inspired and excited as I am about embroidery, and leaves class ready to take on more projects.

I've been incredibly fortunate to have the nicest, most enthusiastic students at the Stitch Lab here in Austin. And I love to be able to brag on them when they send pictures of some of the things they've been making.

Jean used one of my very favorite embroidery books to inspire the stitches in this gorgeous embroidered handbag. Lovely!


So as you peruse the fine work of my students in this post, I'd like to let you know that there are a few opportunities to get in on the embroidery class action coming up. If you'd like a tiny taste of the class, head on over to Parts & Labour on Thursday, August 27 from 6-9 PM. My pals, Leslie Bonnell and Anne Marie Beard will be hosting a fan-freaking-tastic trunk show called Dueling Glamazons. These ladies make some insanely awesome jewelry and handbags, and they'll be rocking out at P&L on Thursday.

Kat's skillful hands carve a stamp in our Surface Design class.

As part of the event, there will be a handful of crafty demos going on. The amazing Kat McTee (whom I've fawned over again and again) will be on hand to show how to carve simple stamps. Carol, Stitch Lab Studio Assistant Extraordinaire, will be getting folks hooked on crochet (puns, FTW!). Finally, little ole me will be there showing some basic hand embroidery stitches and sharing my general love for the craft.

It'll kinda be like a drug deal, huh? First little taste for free .....

After mastering her dog's dapper wear, Jessica went on to stitch these adorable tea towels for a friend!

But here's the thing: embroidery has genuinely changed my life. No jokin'! And if I can send some of that happiness and fun creative time out to other folks, then honey - step outta the way, 'cause I'm gonna do it.

So! If I've convinced you to take a class, skedattle on over to the Stitch Lab site and sign up. I'll be promoting upcoming classes at the event on Thursday, so they'll be filling up soon. Grab a spot before they're gone!

Believe it or not, this sweet tote was stitched by an eight-year-old girl! She took my mother/child embroidery class back in May, and her mom reports that she's been stitching like crazy ever since. She made this totebag as a birthday gift for a friend.

And perhaps your work will be the work I'm bragging on here on AJC next ......

14 comments :

  1. The work is a testament to what a great teacher you are. So cool.

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  2. Saoirse would like an embroidered bandanna that says, "Badass."

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  3. the owl at the top is super cute! is it from a pattern?

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  4. I am putting in a personal request that you come back to Portland and teach us your skills! Please!

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  5. I am putting in a personal request that you come back to Portland and teach us your skills! Please!

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  6. Amanda - aw, heck .. thanks! I'm just having fun!

    Sarah - consider it done.

    Jess - yep! It's from the Sublime Stitching Forest Friends pattern pack. One of my fave pattern sets from SS!

    Pam - also consider it done. I am aching to be in Portland so badly right now - you have no idea. I'm working everything I can to get there soon! :)

    Thanks, y'all! :) I had another class last night, and it was loads of fun. Can't wait to see what the new batch of students whip up! :)

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  7. This is so cool! I love seeing what people make. I wish I could sit and take your class just to hang out with you! xoxo

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  8. I'm so looking forward to your class in October - yes, I signed up hella early since they fill up so quickly!

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  9. Wow! very nice pieces. Great teacher = great students = great creations!
    Can't wait to see what's next

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  10. You have got some talented students there.

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  11. Ah - very good! This is definitely one of the best parts about teaching hand embroidery to others - to see what they create after they leave the class! You're obviously a great teacher! I just love the owl and the pink bag!!

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  12. All the work is great! Man, I want that owl bandana for my dog. Super cool

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  13. Ooooh, wish I could drop on by and stitch with you. Maybe in December??? I'm hoping to be hopping across the pond around Christmas to see my sis. Do you have a Winter schedule yet, if you're like me that would be a no, way too organized ;)

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Thank you so much for your comments! I read every single one of them. I do my best to respond when I can.

Have fun and be nice! :)
XOX
Rach