Saturday & Sunday, October 4^th & 5^th, 2025
            "Blue Hills" workshop with Dawn Donnelly

Blue Hills Stitches/Techniques:  Exploring handmade paper by painting, wetting, tearing and cutting it into shapes.  Working with Reverse Square Herringbone, French Knots, Branscombe Edge, Criss Cross Hungarian, Butterfly chain Stitch, Oriental, Rhodes Stitch and creating a fake Bullion.

Design size:  6 1/4" x 8 3/4"
Ground Fabric:  14 Count Mono Canvas
Class Length:  2 days
Skill Level:  Intermediate/Advanced

Kit fee:  NER Region members - $150
               Non-NER region members - $170


Will be held at the Seabury Retirement Community, Bloomfield CT.

The class fee is covered by CRVC using funds granted by the NER Region from profits of the 2023 national seminar.

Saturday, December 6^th, 2025
    Exploring a Variety of Forms of Blackwork

Each member will be given a copy of Not Exactly Blackwork by Susan Jones of Finger Step Designs.  In the morning, we will review the contents of the 33-page chartpack, and perhaps discuss the origins of Blackwork and then its place in today’s needlework.  Each participant can use this booklet to choose a personal design -- perhaps one in the booklet or create one of her own.  After lunch (bring your own or join us around the table for take-out), we will provide some pieces of fabric and canvas as well as threads to inspire you to proceed with your chosen project.

The workshop will take place from 10am to 4pm at Thistle Needleworks in Wethersfield, CT.

There is no fee for this meeting/workshop, but registration is required so we will know how many copies of the chartpack will be needed.  You may do so by using the registration coupon or by sending an email to CRVCEGA@aol.com on or before December first.

Saturday, January 31^st & March 7^th, 2026
            "Zelda the Zebra" with Toni Gerdes

Zelda is an exuberant Patchwork Zebra with her stripes of many colors.  The jewel tone color palette makes Zelda exquisite.  Zelda’s "false" eyelashes will have her flirting with you.  Several Rainbow Gallery metallics, Caron threads, Straw Silk, and Planet Earth Threads, along with beautiful beads, will be used to create her captivating design.  The stitches will include old favorites, as well as a few surprises.  The background will be a white-on-white diagonal pattern that emphasizes the design and enhances Zelda's whimsical personality.

Technique:  Canvas Embroidery on 18ct. White Mono canvas
Level of Proficiency:  Intermediate
Design Area:  11" x 9"
Kit Cost/Contents:  $175; line drawn canvas, instructions, threads, and embellishment

This workshop will be in-person at Thistle Needleworks and on Zoom.

See the registration form.  The deadline for registration is November 24, 2025.