How lucky are we to work inside the Jewels of the Sea exhibition? The creativity of all who entered this Challenge is a daily inspiration to all of us at SNAD. It is fun: it has (ocean) depth, whimsy, character and lots of sparkle. If you haven’t come in to see it and are able, get on over here before it closes on March 4.
We are seeing the first signs of Spring (aaaaah), and this Spring, we are hosting our very first Bridal Shower at SNAD! We will be designing a project for the family and friends of the bride to embroider together as a gift for the wedding couple. Encouraging the creation of future heirlooms for families and friends is at the heart of our mission. Contact us if you would like to explore ideas for a Special Event at SNAD.
Do you dream about having a week just to stitch? Our Spring Stitch Retreat is only a month away (April 3-7). We are so excited to welcome old friends and new for a week that will explode with creativity. We love these Retreats – we are refreshed and re-energized when you create here!
It's almost Spring…and Daylights Savings Time –
enjoy the extra hour of light for stitching!
-Ellice, Annalee, Beth & Lucy
Stitch Retreats
SNAD’s September Stitch Retreat brought in captivating projects, one of which was worked by Jessica Fanego from Whitelake, MI. Jessica came to us with the intent of learning different gold techniques in depth,
such as Or Nué and laidwork, which consists of couching gold thread over card. Jessica says of her retreat experience, “I made every mistake possible, which helps with the learning curve. Now I have a record of what not to do and this helps the correct techniques to sink in.”
Needleworkers come to SNAD for an intensive week where each student focuses on their own specific project, technique or area where they require additional guidance. With our instructors present to provide individual instruction and creative input, each retreat participant starts with a plan then concentrates on their own piece for the five days.
Jessica says she liked the idea of being able to plan her own project, since she is working on a private commission for a local church, and plans to apply the techniques learned on the retreat to her church piece as well as her own designs. She credits the intensive study and stitching with helping her become more comfortable with those techniques. We look forward to seeing how Jessica applies this to her future projects!
Why don't you join us for our next Stitch Retreat? April 3-7 For more information and to register, click here.
Challenge Update
Have you been working on your piece for our Talliaferro Challenge? We have! To the left is an image from our communal frame. We have both of the Talliaferro motifs transferred onto fabric so that anyone who wants to can stop in and stitch! The deadline for this challenge is April 15th. If you haven't started yet you still have time! Click here to read more about this challenge and how to enter.
Sparkles Amid the Sea Thank you to all who entered our last challenge!
On the left is a close-up of "Fantasea" by Valerie Stefan of Meridian, Idaho
and on the right a close-up of "Treasures from the Sea" by Sharon Rich of Portland, Oregon.
The Jewels of the Sea exhibit has been spectacular, with 84 entrants from 11 countries. A hula-dancing hammerhead, tony starfish, elegant kelp, sea floors and beaches as well as diatoms and glorious jellyfish currently line most of the walls at SNAD. From Capetown, South Africa, Candy Long sent us her piece, which contained nearly every technique and motif in the exhibition; then 14-year-old Madison Pearson delivered her needlework with an impressive contingent of even more sea life. Even the UPS man got involved: when he’d deliver yet another package, he’d wait for us to open it so he could see the next piece!
The variety of the crystals’ shapes invited many three-dimensional techniques, including stumpwork, ribbonwork, weaving, crochet, quilting, even LED lights and rug hooking. Then there were the actual three-dimensional pieces: a covered vase hand-carried from Nebraska, the “Just for the Halibut” stuffed toy fish, a book cover (and book), three scarves, a biscornu, the photo of the diorama of a mermaid’s grotto, a swank sardine can and on and on. We thank all who participated—whether by photograph or actual needlework and from every skill-level, from across the US and around the world.
Stitch this sweet little bird while learning the following stitches: stem, chain, vandyke, fishbone, fly, satin, buttonhole, trellis, woven picots, french knots, long and short, couching, and eyelets!
This class is a great introduction to goldwork embroidery. Learn padding, couching gold threads, working with pearl purl, chipwork, cutwork, as well as stem stitch and appliqué.
Learn counted geometric patterns and how to manipulate them for shaded effects. The design is highlighted with gold thread for a stunning Blackwork embroidery.
Upcoming Events
Jewels of the Sea Challenge Exhibition
Exhibition ends March 4th. Stop in and check it out before it closes!
Semi-Annual Vintage Sale at The Lace Museum of Sunnyvale
March 30, 5:30-8:30pm, Members only pre-sale
March 31 & April 1, 2017, 9:30am-4:00pm, Open to the public
White on White: Hand stitching through time, Exploring the evolution of monochromatic needlework from 16th century examples to work being done today
Feb 7- June 24 at The Lace Museum of Sunnyvale, in collaboration with San Francisco School of Needlework & Design. See pieces from our textile collection as well as some of our own work represented in the exhibit.
Embroidery Classes at Filoli. Did you know we teach classes at Filoli? See the full list of embroidery classes here.
Stitch Retreat - April 3-7
For more information and to register, click here.
Whitework Butterfly Class - May 20, 10am-4pm at The Lace Museum of Sunnyvale. This class is being taught by Lucy Barter in conjunction with the White on White exhibition.
