Fall is for teaching…well realistically, I teach other months as well (March to October), but there is something about the Fall – the school supplies back in the stores, the crisp air, or pumpkin spice everything!
This past September I had the chance to teach at both Needlework Galleria – a true experience for any stitcher – and also the Salty Yarns annual event, Fall Jamboree.
I love the experience of meeting stitchers in a classroom setting. I make it my goal to have a fun class (we all have to laugh at least once!) and I like when stitchers are able to leave with a finished item.
Classes are also a great time for me to experiment with finishes other than what I might put out in a traditional chart release – I get a ‘Hands On’ approach to incorporating design & function.
Needlework Galleria: September in St. Charles, MO – please check out the website www.needleworkgalleria.com for more information on this Stay, Stitch & Stash event.
My class…half the fun of designing these classes is naming them!
I always tell students – ‘take one of my classes & you will see why my design company is called Hands On!’ The stitchers were really working hard with a very hands on approach.
Every once in a while, I have a bit of royalty in class (she was the Queen of the Birthdays!)
Pumpkins on a Roll was designed in conjunction with a project from Beth of Summer House Stitche Workes. We have collaborated now on 3 of the 4 seasons…summer is up next!
Salty Yarns – Fall Jamboree, Ocean City MD
Be sure to stop in at this shop if you ever get to the area. Sara hosts many retreats throughout the year. What makes it so handy is that the family not only owns the needlework shop (& a few other beachy shops) but also the charming Lankford Hotel. Yes…I stay & teach in full view of the beach.
Jamboree Class was Halloween Chalk (OK, not such a cute name this time!) Stitchers learned about flat finishing ornaments in custom shapes – not a plain square or rectangle in the bunch! I ‘borrowed’ this photo from one of the class attendees because I think her Halloween vignette is adorable!
Once again, stitchers hard at work (70 stitchers are divided into 3 groups, so we teach the same class 3 times, rotating to the different classrooms).
There were 3 designers teaching throughout this fun weekend: myself, Janice Note of Noteworthy Needle (middle) & Vickie Jennett of Needlework Press (left) – we did a little beach exploring one afternoon & did our best impression of shooting for an 80’s hair band video with our hair flowing in the wind!! π
I can’t say a whole lot about it just yet, but I might have left behind an exclusive project to be kitted up by Salty Yarns…look for a release just after the New Year!
2020 is shaping up to be a busy year for teaching at shops…I hope I get a chance to see you there! In the meantime, enjoy the stitch!
Cathy – Hands On Design
Is the pumpkins on a roll design available to purchase?