Available Workshops
Below are the workshops we can teach for your group.
Please contact us to schedule a workshop or if you need more information.
One Hour Lectures
One Hour Lecture & Trunk Show*
$50.00 when combined with a workshop.
$150.00 without a workshop
1. “Combining Embroidery & Quilting”
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A one hour lecture with PowerPoint presentation about adding hand embroidery to quilts. Our teaching specialty is wool appliqué and embroidery, but we also discuss and show examples of hand embroidery incorporated into cotton pieced and appliquéd quilts. We present options for adding subtle touches of embroidery to enhance a quilt, for using embroidery in a larger way that marries the embellishment with the quilt, and for going all in with quilts that rely heavily on embroidery to make a statement. In addition to the PowerPoint slides, we bring plenty of samples of embroidered quilts and sewing accessories to pass around, so everyone can get a good look at how the embroidery is used. It’s always a crowd pleaser when people get to see a lot of quilts! This presentation is the perfect choice for those wanting ideas for how to add their favorite stitches to a quilt. We also give practical advice on how to get started on hand embroidery, for those who are curious, but don’t know where to start.
*The Trunk show: We sell wool appliqué & embroidery kits from MacAvoy Sisters (as seen on our Etsy shop). Also Wonderfil Merino wool fabric, Wonderfil size 8 Perle Cotton, embroidery books, hand sewing needles, a selection of Sue Spargo patterns and specialty tools, and more. We come with a wide selection of models of our work, ranging from small sewing accessories such as needle books, pincushions and scissor cases, to larger pieces such as decorative pillows and quilts to be shown as wall hangings.
2. “Hand Sewing Needles from the Stone Age to the Space Age”
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This is a one hour lecture with PowerPoint presentation. We begin with the dawn of human civilization and the importance of hand sewing. You will learn about the invention of the sewing needle in the Stone Age, and follow its development through history. In addition of a historical perspective, you will also leave with practical information and advice about choosing needles for your hand sewing projects.
*The Trunk show: We sell wool appliqué & embroidery kits from MacAvoy Sisters (as seen on our Etsy shop). Also Wonderfil Merino wool fabric, Wonderfil size 8 Perle Cotton, embroidery books, hand sewing needles, a selection of Sue Spargo patterns and specialty tools, and more. We come with a wide selection of models of our work, ranging from small sewing accessories such as needle books, pincushions and scissor cases, to larger pieces such as decorative pillows and quilts to be shown as wall hangings.
3. “Sewing Thread Past and Present”
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A one hour lecture with PowerPoint presentation about sewing thread from both a historical and practical perspective. We begin with the history of thread development from the earliest times through the Industrial Revolution. Our presentation covers the major natural thread fibers- linen, silk and cotton, with a focus on cotton, the most important thread for today’s quilters. Then we untangle some terminology commonly seen on thread labels. We finish with information that will help people select the right thread for their projects. Our teaching specialty is wool appliqué and embroidery, but we discuss machine sewing threads and traditional hand appliqué threads as well as embroidery threads. In addition to the PowerPoint slides, we bring samples of raw materials and finished thread to pass around, so everyone can see what we are talking about up close.
*The Trunk show: We sell wool appliqué & embroidery kits from MacAvoy Sisters (as seen on our Etsy shop). Also Wonderfil Merino wool fabric, Wonderfil size 8 Perle Cotton, embroidery books, hand sewing needles, a selection of Sue Spargo patterns and specialty tools, and more. We come with a wide selection of models of our work, ranging from small sewing accessories such as needle books, pincushions and scissor cases, to larger pieces such as decorative pillows and quilts to be shown as wall hangings.
Three Hour Classes
$300 - 20 student limit
Technique - Wool Felt Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Little Bird Needle Book
The whimsical Little Bird Needle Book is our best selling design.
Appliqué and embroider a charming little bird, using wool felt, perle cottons and DMC floss. For this design you will use nine different embroidery stitches, both “plain and fancy.” Then assemble your pretty and practical wool felt needle book, complete with felt pages and a little pocket to hold a package of needles.
Stitches in this Project- Whip Stitch for Appliqué, Stem Stitch, Lazy Daisy, French Knot, Pistil Stitch, Portuguese Stem Stitch, Whipped Web, Colonial Knot, Cast On Stitch and Blanket Stitch Edging.
Students can practice stitches on the “doodle cloth” provided or work directly on their needle book cover. You can expect to make significant progress during class. We will teach techniques for finishing with blanket stitch, which can be done in class or completed later.
Skill Level: Intermediate- Students should have enough hand embroidery experience to work confidently with fundamental stitches including: Stem, Back, Chain, Fly, French Knot and Whip (Appliqué) Stitch. We will expand your repertoire with variations of these basics plus a few fancy techniques.
Kit Includes- 100 percent wool felt, embroidery threads, needles, Frixion pen, freezer paper, and pattern with complete instructions.
Kit fee: $28
Technique- Wool Felt Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Cactus in Bloom Needle Book
Use hand appliqué and embroidery to make a decorative and practical needle book. This project uses all the basic embroidery stitches, plus an extra fun stitch to add spiky texture. Refine your techniques and use the stitches in creative ways that can be adapted to future projects. Learn how to assemble your needle book and finish the edges with blanket stitch to hold the outside and inside "book covers" together. We use a “no knots” method for our blanket stitch that creates a durable finish and clean look that works well for a variety of projects. The class combines basic techniques with an introduction to thread painting.
Stitches in this Project- Whip Stitch for Appliqué, Running Stitch, Stem Stitch, Back Stitch, Chain Stitch, Seed Stitching and French Knot, Ermine Stitch and Blanket Stitch Edging.
Skill level - Suitable for all skill levels. Beginner friendly. Students must be able to thread a hand sewing needle. Students can practice stitches on the “doodle cloth” provided or work directly on their project.
Class kit will include printed pattern with complete instructions, needles, appliqué and embroidery thread, wool felt fabric, Frixion pen, and freezer paper.
Kit fee: $28
Technique- Wool Felt Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Morning Glory Needle Book
Learn how to appliqué a fresh summer Morning Glory bloom, then embellish it with basic embroidery stitches using Perle Cotton on wool felt. Includes an easy method for transferring your design to the wool felt. Build confidence in basic techniques while stitching a pretty flower to decorate a useful needle book.
We also teach you how to sew together your needle book by hand with Blanket Stitch Edging. We go over the machine sewing needed to attach the pocket and pages, but that final step will be done at home. No sewing machine needed for class.
Stitches in this Project- Whip Stitch for Appliqué, French Knot, Chain Stitch, Back Stitch, Stem Stitch, Seed Stitching and Blanket Stitch Edging.
Skill level - All Levels
Kit Fee- $28.00
includes 100% wool felt, Perle Cottons, DMC floss, needles, freezer paper, Frixion pen, practice felt, and pattern with instructions.
Technique- Hand Embroidery on Wool Felt
Sweet Pea Pincushion
Anyone who sews would like a lovely new pincushion. The techniques learned in this class can be used to embellish anything from modern to traditional quilts and embroidery projects.
Learn how to embroider a charming little pincushion with Perle Cotton on wool felt using basic embroidery stitches. We will teach you how to sew together the pincushion by hand and fill it with stuffing.
Stitches in this Project- Star Stitch, Back Stitch, Back Stitch with Double Threading, Herringbone, Running Stitch, Whipped Running Stitch, Wheat Ear Stitch and Blanket Stitch Edging.
Skill Level- All levels
Kit Fee- $28.00 - Includes 100% wool felt, Perle Cottons, DMC Floss, needles, freezer paper, Frixion pen, practice felt, Poly-Pellets, and pattern with instructions.
Technique- Hand Embroidery on Wool Felt
Moira's Pincushion
This is a great class for learning a few fancy stitches, which can be adapted to a variety of appliqué and embroidery motifs. Learn how to plan, mark and embroider your design.
Learn how to embroidery a radiating floral design on wool felt with Perle Cotton, using seven of Moira’s favorite embroidery stitches. We will also teach you how to sew the pincushion together by hand and fill it with stuffing.
Stitches in this Project- Stem Stitch, Lazy Daisy, Colonial Knot, Tête de Boeuf, Couching, Whipped Web, Oyster Stitch, ZigZag Chain and Blanket Stitch Edging.
Skill level - All Levels
Kit Fee- $28.00 - Includes 100% wool felt, Perle Cottons, DMC Floss, needles, freezer paper, Frixion pen, practice felt, Poly-Pellets, and pattern with instructions.
Technique- Hand Embroidery on Wool Felt
Moira's Scissor Case
Embroider a single flower with a curving stem and graceful leaves. This is a great class for adding stitches to your repertoire and for learning creative ways to fill a design area with embroidery. Combines plain and fancy stitches to decorate a practical scissor case. We will also teach how to assemble the scissor case, which is all hand sewn. Students can expect to make significant progress towards completing their scissor case during the three hour workshop.
Worked in perle cotton on wool felt. The project uses some of Moira’s favorite embroidery stitches. It’s a great companion to Moira’s Pincushion and Moira’s Needle Book. Scissor case measures about 6” x 4”. Kit has pieces for the scissor case precut to size!
Stitches in this Project- Portuguese Stem Stitch, Open Chain Stitch, Colonial Knot, Romanian Stitch, Pistil Stitch, Star Stitch, Sheaf Stitch, Lazy Daisy and Blanket Stitch Edging.
Skill level - All Levels
Kit Fee- $28.00 - Includes 100% wool felt, Perle Cottons, stabilizer, interfacing, cotton lining fabric, needles, freezer paper, Frixion pen, practice felt, a snap, DMC floss, and pattern with instructions.
Technique- Hand Embroidery
Embroidery Basics I
This is the perfect class for beginning embroiderers and quilters who wish to add hand embroidery to their quilts.
Learn the fundamentals of hand embroidery as you stitch this lovely 5 inch heart design with variegated Perle Cotton on linen/cotton blend ground fabric. In this workshop we will teach you everything you need to know, whether you are just starting your embroidery journey or reviving an old skill. We’ll cover threading a needle and setting up your fabric in a hoop, plus “stab stitch” vs “sewing stitch.” You will then learn the basic straight embroidery stitches, with fun variations. Finally, we will show you how to “frame” your embroidery in the hoop.
Skill Level- Beginner
Kit Fee- $10.00
This includes Perle Cotton, Ground Fabric, Needles and Marking Pen.
Technique- Hand Embroidery
Embroidery Basics II
Great class for adding more embroidery stitches to your quilts and other projects.
Expand your repertoire with this multicolored five inch heart design, worked in DMC Perle Cotton and Floss on cotton/linen blend ground fabric. In this workshop we’ll review Stem and Back stitches, and also teach you how to do Chain, Fly, French Knots, Herringbone, Lazy Daisy and Tete de Boeuf. Learning these stitches will enable to take on a wide variety of hand embroidery projects. We will also show you how to “frame” your embroidery in the hoop.
Skill Level- Advanced Beginner
(Some experience with hand embroidery is helpful but not required.)
Kit Fee- $15.00
This includes Perle Cotton, Floss, Ground Fabric, Needles & Marking Pen
Four Hour Classes
$400 - 20 student limit
Contact us if you would like information on adapting these
to three hour workshops.
Technique - Wool Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Sweethearts Mini Quilt
Appliqué pink wool hearts on a wool background, then embroider with plain and fancy stitches. Learn variations on the basic Lazy Daisy and Chain Stitch to add interest and texture. Finish your pretty top with or without borders; make it into a mini quilt or use as part of a larger design. Can also be finished as a pillow if you prefer. Great class for those who know the basics and want to expand their repertoire.
Stitches in this Project- Lazy Daisy, Long Stem Chain, Chain Stitch Rose, Spine Chain, Oyster Stitch, Rosette Chain, Spanish Stitch, and a review of Stem Stitch.
Skill level - Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. Requires hand sewing and embroidery skills to complete. Students can practice stitches on the “doodle cloth” provided or work directly on their wool. You can expect to make significant progress during class. All the work in class is done by hand, and participants will finish into a quilt outside of class with hand or machine techniques.
Kit includes 100 percent Merino wool, appliqué and embroidery threads, needles, practice fabric and thread, Frixion pen, freezer paper, and pattern with complete instructions. Borders and backing not included, as students have a variety of finishing options.
Kit fee: $22
Technique- Wool Felt Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Pineapple Stitchery Case
Learn new skills as you make a pretty and practical stitchery case to hold essentials like needles, a small scissor and ruler. The design features a fresh take on the traditional favorite pineapple design. All techniques are done by hand. The case is held closed by a sew-on snap.
Stitches in this Project- Whip Stitch, Jacobean Couching, Star Stitch, Chain Stitch, Stem Stitch, Assembly and Finishing with Blanket Stitch Edging.
Skill level Advanced Beginner to Intermediate- Requires hand sewing and embroidery skills to complete. Participants should be comfortable with hand stitching. Students can practice stitches on the “doodle cloth” provided or work directly on their stitchery case. You can expect to make significant progress during class and will learn all techniques needed for completing the project.
Kit includes 100 percent wool felt, lining fabric, foam stabilizer, paper-backed fusible web, embroidery threads, needles, a snap, Frixion pen, freezer paper, and pattern with complete instructions.
Kit fee: $26
Technique- Wool Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Adding Dimension to Appliqué
Perfect workshop for those who want to learn new ways to add texture and interest to their appliqué projects. Learn stitches that can be used on wool or cotton appliqué, on quilts or decorative objects.
Go beyond the basic stitches as you make the Posy Trio Pillow with wool appliqué on a wool ground fabric, then embellish with Wonderfil size 5 Perle Cotton embroidery. In this workshop you will learn dimensional stitches and how to combine those with a selection of some of our favorite stitches. After the workshop you will sew your pincushion together by machine, then add your preferred stuffing.
Stitches in this Project- Needle Weave Bar, Square Palestrina Knot, Pistil, Cast-On, Drizzle, Woven Web, Bullion Loop, Fly Stitch, Tête de Boeuf, Colonial Knot and Running Stitch.
Skill Level- Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. Participants should be comfortable with hand sewing and be familiar with hand embroidery.
Kit includes Wonderfil Perle Cotton, DMC floss for appliqué, 100% Merino Wool Fabric for Pincushion Top and Appliqués, fabric for lining the Top, a coordinating cotton fabric for the Bottom, needles and a Frixion marking pen, extra fabric for practicing stitches, and a printed pattern. Stuffing not included, but kit comes with Poly-Pellets to add to your choice of stuffing.
Kit Fee: $25
Technique- Hand Embroidery on Wool
Know Your Knots
Quilters and embroiderers will appreciate learning versatile and useful techniques, which they can use in their own appliqué and embroidery projects.
Take your embroidery skills to the next level as you embroider the Lots of Knots Pillow on a wool ground with Wonderfil Perle Cotton. In this workshop you will learn six different knot stitches and will leave with ideas about how to use the knots in a design. Students have a choice of two kit colors, pictured above. After the workshop you will sew your pillow together by machine, then add your preferred stuffing.
Stitches in this Project- French Knot, Colonial Knot, Pistil, Cast-On, Drizzle and Bullion, plus how to make a Bullion Rose using the Bullion Knot. We will also review Back Stitch, Running Stitch and Star Stitch.
Skill level Intermediate- Requires hand sewing and embroidery skills to complete. Participants should be familiar with basic flat stitches such as Running Stitch, Stem Stitch and Star Stitch be able to do those on their own or with some review in class. Students can practice stitches on the “doodle cloth” provided or work directly on their pillow top. You can expect to make significant progress during class. All techniques during class are done by hand.
Kit includes 100 percent Merino wool for pillow top, cotton fabric for pillow bottom, lining fabric, embroidery threads, needles, Frixion pen, freezer paper, and pattern with complete instructions.
Kit fee: $22
Technique - Wool Felt Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
American Dogwood Needle Book
This beloved motif is popular with quilters and embroiderers alike.
Appliqué and embroider a lovely American dogwood flower, and then add some decorative stitches across the front and an embroidered butterfly on the back. Make the needle book from wool felt with perle cotton and DMC floss. For this design you will use nine different embroidery/sewing stitches, both “plain and fancy.” Then assemble your pretty and practical wool felt needle book, which includes felt pages and a little pocket to hold a package of needles.
Skill level - Requires basic hand sewing and embroidery skills to complete. Suitable for all levels. Students can practice stitches on the “doodle cloth” provided or work directly on their needle book cover. You can expect to make significant progress during class. For those who complete the appliqué and embroidery during class, we will have sewing machines available for you to attach the pocket and pages. We will teach techniques for finishing with blanket stitch, which can be done in class or completed later.
Kit includes 100 percent wool felt, embroidery threads, needles, Frixion pen, freezer paper, and pattern with complete instructions.
Kit fee: $28
Technique - Wool Felt Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Butterfly Garden Pincushion
Perfect class for those who want to get started with wool appliqué and embroidery. Each student can select either purple or yellow.
Hand appliqué a red violet or golden yellow wool butterfly onto a wool background, then embellish it with basic embroidery stitches using seven colors of DMC floss. Learn techniques for perfect pincushion stuffing and finishing.
Skill level - Suitable for all skill levels. Beginner friendly. Students must be able to thread a hand sewing needle. Students can practice stitches on the “doodle cloth” provided or work directly on their pincushion top. You can expect to make significant progress during class. The embroidered top can be finished into a pincushion with the use of a sewing machine outside of class time. For those who complete the applique and embroidery during class, we will have sewing machines available for you to finish the pincushion.
Class kit will include needles, embroidery thread, wool fabric, cotton backing and lining, walnut shell filling, Frixion pen, freezer paper, and printed pattern with complete instructions.
Students will specify in advance their choice of Golden Yellow or Red Violet kit.
Kit fee: $25
Technique- Hand Embroidery on Wool Felt
Ellen's Needle Book
Show off your embroidery skills with this miniature stitch sampler, which is made into a practical needle book. Great way to learn some new stitches.
Learn to embroider wool felt with Perle Cotton using 11 of Ellen’s favorite stitches in this fresh take on the traditional sampler style. You will then learn to sew together your needle book by hand using Blanket Stitch Edging. We will go over a bit of machine sewing used to attach the inside pocket and pages, but that will be done at home, so no machine is needed in class.
Stitches in this Project- Back Stitch, Chain Stitch, Chain Stitch Rose, Eyelet Wheel, French Knot, Herringbone, Threaded Herringbone, Lazy Daisy, Running Stitch, Spine Chain, Woven Web and Blanket Stitch Edging.
Skill Level- Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Kit Fee- $28.00 includes 100% wool felt, Perle Cottons, needles, Frixion pen, practice felt, and pattern with instructions.
Technique- Wool Felt Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Irish Rose Pincushion
A fresh take on a traditional motif- any stitcher would love to have this in her sewing room.
Friendly bees surround a wild Irish rose on this pretty pincushion. First you will appliqué the rose petals to the ground fabric. Then you will learn 9 different hand embroidery stitches- both plain and fancy. Finally, we will teach you how to sew together the pincushion by hand and fill it with stuffing.
Skill Level- Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Kit Fee- $28.00 - Includes 100% wool felt, Perle Cottons, DMC Floss, needles, freezer paper, Frixion pen, practice felt, Poly-Pellets, and pattern with instructions.
Technique- Wool Felt Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Little Bird Pincushion
Bring this modern, whimsical design to life as you make a pincushion you will cherish.
Six cheerful little birds wheel around this wool felt pincushion. You will learn how to appliqué and embroider the design with wool felt, Perle Cotton and DMC floss, using ten different “plain and fancy” embroidery stitches. You will then learn how to sew together the pincushion by hand and fill it with stuffing.
Skill Level- Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Kit Fee- $28.00 - Includes 100% wool felt, Perle Cottons, DMC Floss, needles, freezer paper, Poly-Pellets, Frixion pen, practice felt, and pattern with instructions.
Technique- Wool Felt Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Moira's Needle Book
This makes a great home for your favorite needles and a lovely example of your sewing prowess.
Learn 14 of Moira’s favorite stitches as you embroider a little bouquet of flowers in an appliqué vase. This needle book is made of wool felt, embellished with Perle Cotton and DMC floss. You will learn how to sew it together by hand, with a bit of machine sewing to attach the pages and inside pocket.
Skill Level- Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
Kit Fee- $28.00 includes 100% wool felt, Perle Cottons, DMC floss, needles, freezer paper, Frixion pen, practice felt, and pattern with instructions.
Six Hour Classes
$550 - 20 student limit
Technique- Wool Applique with Hand Embroidery
“Seahorse” Small Quilt with Appliqué & Embroidery
Create a pleasant little seahorse in wool-on-wool appliqué, embellished with twelve different hand embroidery stitches. A great project for taking your embroidery and appliqué to the next level. After completing the hand stitching you can add borders and turn your creation into a little quilted wall hanging, either by itself or with other designs from the Little Fish Quilts series.
Students should be familiar with basic hand embroidery. During the workshop you can practice stitches on the “doodle cloth” provided or work directly on your French Angelfish.
Class kit includes wool fabric, thread for appliqué, perle cotton embroidery threads, needles, and freezer paper. The included pattern has diagrams, step by step instructions for the appliqué and embroidery, and an illustrated stitch guide.
Kit fee: $22.00
Skill level - Intermediate
Technique- Wool Appliqué with Hand Embroidery
Queen Triggerfish
Take your embroidery to the next level with our lovely Queen Triggerfish design. In this workshop you will learn Spiral Trellis, Jacobean Couching, Palestrina Stitch, Zigzag Double Running, and more. Some experience with appliqué and hand embroidery is required. The wool appliqué elements will be sent to you before class so you can have that completed and be ready to embroider!
When your Queen Triggerfish is finished you can add borders if you like, then quilt it by hand or machine to make into a quilt, either by itself or with other designs from our Little Fish Quilts series.
The class kit includes Merino Wool for background and appliqué, Perle Cottons for embroidery, appliqué threads, needles, freezer paper, and practice wool.
Kit Fee- $22.00
Skill Level- Advanced Intermediate
Technique- Wool Applique with Hand Embroidery
French Angelfish
In this workshop you will learn how to embellish a wool appliqué design with simple hand embroidery stitches. Our lovely French Angelfish is made of Australian Merino wool, and is embroidered with Wonderfil Perle cotton. These techniques can easily be transferred to your own future appliqué projects, so you will be practicing a versatile skill.
After completing the hand stitching you can add borders and turn your creation into a quilted wall hanging, either by itself or with other designs from the Little Fish Quilts series.
Students should be familiar with basic hand embroidery. During the workshop you can practice stitches on the “doodle cloth” provided or work directly on your French Angelfish.
Class kit includes wool fabric, thread for appliqué, perle cotton embroidery threads, needles, and freezer paper. The included pattern has diagrams, step by step instructions for the appliqué and embroidery, and an illustrated stitch guide.
Kit fee: $22.00
Skill level - All Levels