Archive of A Previous Program
Saturday, June 7, 2008
 

Stitching Inside the Box
with
Susan Jones

Being creative is scary to many people, maybe because there are so many choices.  Sometimes it is easier to be creative by setting limits.  For this class our limits are a 12 thread by 12 thread diamond shape.

First, we will be stitching a band sampler in which each motif fits into a diamond shaped grid.  Motifs are repeated three across (with two in alternating rows) to form band patterns.  There are eight different bands using nine different stitches.  Your sampler will be stitched using one off-white color (there will be several to choose from) of Caron Collection Wildflowers on a piece of 2 1/2 inch wide white 28 count linen banding.  This project can be finished as a small hanging or as a special bookmark.

As students become comfortable with the process, they will be encouraged to try some of their own motifs by re-combining stitches used in the sampler and by trying stitches of their own.  Specially designed graph paper will be provided to sketch out ideas.  Doodle cloth will also be used to try out combinations.

Examples of different motifs used in several different projects will be available for viewing.

Use of one or more of these diamond motifs on any stitched project might be a good challenge for the next year.

Provided: 16" piece of white 28 count linen banding
                  1 skein of Caron Collection Wildflowers in a choice
                      of light, off-white colors
                   Instructions
                   Diamond grid graph paper

Bring: needle (24 tapestry)
           small embroidery hoop
           doodle cloth
           lengths of floss in 2 or 3 colors

Here are directions to Duncaster:  (Official address is 40 Loeffler Road, Bloomfield, CT, but we would like you to enter the building on the Mountain Avenue side)

84 Westbound from Manchester
Take Rt. 291, exit 61.  Follow Rt. 291 to Rt. 218 exit.  Take left onto Rt. 218.  Follow for about 3 miles.  Take right onto Rt. 189 and follow to the center of Bloomfield. Take a left on Rt. 178.  Continue straight on Rt. 178 for 1.4 miles.  To use the new front entrance, turn right onto Mountain Avenue and continue approx. ½ mile to entrance on the left into Duncaster.  From the Loeffler Road entrance or the Mountain Avenue entrance, once on the campus, visitors should follow the signs to the Aquatics & Fitness Center Entrance.

84 Eastbound from Farmington
Take exit 41.  Go left on South Main Street [which becomes North Main Street at West Hartford Center] for 4.6 miles to Rt. 185.  Turn left on Rt. 185 for 1.8 miles.  Turn right on Rt. 178.  To use the new front entrance, after about ½ mile turn left onto Mountain Avenue and continue approx. ½ mile to entrance on the left into Duncaster.  From the Loeffler Road entrance or the Mountain Avenue entrance, once on the campus, visitors should follow the signs to the Aquatics & Fitness Center Entrance.

91 [North or South]
Take exit 36.  Go west on Rt. 178 for 4.5 miles to the center of Bloomfield.  At the traffic light continue straight on Rt. 178 for 1.4 miles.  To use new front entrance, turn right onto Mountain Avenue and continue approx. ½ mile to entrance on the left into Duncaster.  From the Loeffler Road entrance or the Mountain Avenue entrance, once on the campus, visitors should follow the signs to the Aquatics & Fitness Center Entrance.