Winter/Spring Classes 2011

Here are the Classes that I will be teaching this Winter/Spring session at Joggles.com.

Beginning Embroidery with Bead Embellishment

This 4 lesson class is scheduled to begin on January 18, 2011.

This is a great introductory class to traditional embroidery stitches with the added flare and dazzle that only seed beads can add. These stitches can be incorporated in any fiber design that you choose, whether it be an already stitched crazy quilted block, a strip pieced pillow top, or an appliquéd art quilt block. A variety of stitches are used in each separate embroidered design, a Base Stitch, a Design Stitch, and an Embellished Stitch. Additional embellishments will also be covered such as adding in buttons, sequins, large beads and charms.

Flora Dora and Daisy Chain RAW Bracelets: Two for One

This 3 lesson class is scheduled to begin on January 28, 2011.

Do you have a wonderful stash of buttons and beads that are just waiting for the right project to come along? Well consider these beaded and buttoned up bracelets, which are made using two different Right Angle Weave techniques. The first bracelet simple and elegant the other feminine and charming; both take only a short amount of time to make.

Scrumptious Scraps

This 5 lesson class is scheduled to begin on February 25, 2011.

Scrumptious bit and pieces of vintage laces are melded and stitched together to form a unique and beautiful base for your creative stitched designs. Once the lace scraps are turned into a base, I will show you how to dye the base and a variety of ribbons (some silk) that can be later used in the embroidery and ribbon worked vignettes.


A Rose Garden

This 2 lesson class is scheduled to begin on March 15, 2011.

Your purse or pillow will start with a base of cotton velveteen or silk dupioni fabric. This is embroidered with silk ribbon and silk buttonhole embroidery stitches. A few beads here and there can add a magical glimmer to the design.

Color Me Happy

This 2 lesson class is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2011.

This is a technique class that debunks myths, decodes terms and will open your world to the possibilities of COLOR, creating your own colors and dye baths to be exact. The goal of the class will be to record the samples in a journal in addition to the dyed silk swatches that you create in each lesson. We will discuss working with color in different mediums. The class will only use Colorhue dyes; no other dye will be covered.

Creative Thread Embroidery

This 3 lesson class is scheduled to begin on April 19, 2011.

Explore the possibilities and broaden your creative stitched repertoire to add to your CQ and other embroidery projects. We will work the embroidery stitches using a variety of threads such as pearl cotton; buttonhole twist; rayon and cotton floss on a fabric base that you can use later as needle case.

Some stitches will blend thread to create new colors and textures. The dimensional embroidery stitches that will be covered are bullion knot, cast on buttonhole, drizzle, woven, whipped and tatted. Traditional stitches such as the buttonhole, chain stitch, feather stitch, feather stitch leaf, French knot, lazy daisy, pistol stitch and straight stitch will be also covered.

Magic Web

This 2 lesson class is scheduled to begin on May 17, 2011.

This is a great technique project; I call it Metallic Threads 101, but it doesn’t stop there. In class you will make a “magic web” from bits of precious scraps, decorative yarns and metallic threads, sandwiched together with Solvy and machine stitching, lots of machine stitching. The unique fabric that you create will be used as a base for a heart shaped brooch that will be embellished with buttons and beads.

I hope that you find something to spark your creative spirit.
In the meantime, Happy Stitching! Christen

New Spring Session Classes for Joggles

I have been busy working on my classes for the Spring Session at Joggles, here is the line-up:

Corsages to Dye for II: May 25, 2010/three lessons

Do you find yourself wishing “if only I had a ribbon that was this color or that”, or “why didn’t it come in my favorite colors”? If your answer is YES, then let me invite you to take a colorful journey into the realm of dyeing your own RTD (ready to dye) ribbons. I will teach you how to prepare your ribbons then dye them to create one of a kind, creative and colorful ribbons. These ribbons will then be turned into magical works of floral art for your own “corsages to dye for”!

Scrumptious Scraps: June 11, 2010/5 lessons

Scrumptious bit and pieces of vintage laces are melded and stitched together to form a unique and beautiful base for your creative stitched designs. Once the lace scraps are turned into a base, I will show you how to dye the base and a variety of ribbons that can be later used in the embroidery and ribbon worked vignettes.

Flora Dora and Daisy Chain RAW Bracelets: Two for One! June 22, 2010/3 lessons

Do you have a wonderful stash of buttons and beads that are just waiting for the right project to come along? Well consider these beaded and buttoned up bracelets, which are made using two different Right Angle Weave techniques. The first bracelet simple and elegant the other feminine and charming; both take only a short amount of time to make.

Beadazzled Somemore Purse: July 6, 2010/4 lessons

This class delves deeply into the wonderful world of bead embellishment, exploring a wide variety of stitches and embroidery techniques. The sample that you will be stitching on can become a purse (using the pattern provided), a pillow or wall hanging, or whatever you choose. The techniques that will be covered are free-form peyote on fabric, free form bead embroidery, multi bead embroidery, attaching trinkets, buttons and charms with beads, and so much more. Your project will start with a beautiful batik fabric, a variety of seed beads in several sizes and colors combined with a collection of buttons, glass charms and larger beads. This class is a must for anyone who loves beads!

BEBE: Beginning Embroidery with Bead Embellishment: July 23, 2010/4 lessons

This is a great introductory class to traditional embroidery stitches with the added flare and dazzle that only seed beads can add. These stitches can be incorporated in any fiber design that you choose, whether it be an already stitched crazy quilted block, a strip pieced pillow top, or an appliquéd art quilt block. A variety of stitches are used in each separate embroidered design, a Base Stitch, a Design Stitch, and an Embellished Stitch. Additional embellishments will also be covered such as adding in buttons, sequins, large beads and charms.

The classes at Joggles are brought to you in a file/document format. The classes can run between three-five lessons, with a week between lessons. Joggles provides an online Forum format where teachers and students can communicate, ask questions, or show off their examples from class. I am a very dedicated teacher, and I want each student to be able to complete the project/s covered in the classes. I prepare each lesson’s document with photographed step-by-step pictures and detailed written instructions.

For a more detailed description of each lesson please visit my page at Joggles.

I hope to see you there! Enjoy- Christen

New Winter Session Classes

I will be teaching three classes this coming Winter Session for Joggles.com.

Jardin de Grandmere is the first class and will begin February 23, 2010. The price is $22.00 for two lessons.

Elegant and pretty is the best description for this bracelet. The flower medallion is created with a circular peyote stitch. These circular peyote medallions reminded me of the “Grandmother’s Garden” quilt block. When looking at fabric yo-yos stitched in floral seed sacks or vintage cottons, I imagined a garden of beaded flowers. The dimension is created by using three different sizes of seed beads. The stitch can be used to create a single or double row of flowers, with a beautiful button closure to finish off your bracelet.

Lesson 1: In the first class you will learn the basic circular peyote stitch that each flower medallion is made with. I will give you several examples of color combinations, and then will leave you to play.

Lesson 2: In this class I will show you how to add a second row of flower medallions to your bracelet (if you so desire), and how to attach your button and loop closure in order to finish your bracelet.

Ocean Rivers is the second class and it will begin March 12. The price is $45.00 for four lessons.

This class will teach you a little bit about the freedom of expression the “free form peyote stitch” can bring to your technical repertoire. The launching point of your bracelet and your creative explosion will start with a simple grosgrain ribbon, a small collection of buttons, a variety of seed beads in several sizes and colors combined with a few small treasures. Bring your imagination and creative spirit….

Lesson 1: You will cut and prep the ribbon base; we will talk about setting up your beads; learn about focal placement and the stitching the buttons in place; then create your first tidal currents.

Lesson 2: We will explore the basic peyote stitch; changing from between bead sizes within the current; making connections and creating more tidal currents; and adding in new thread.

Lesson 3: We will cover creating waves along the outer reaches of the bracelet; stitching in the tidal pool treasures such as larger beads, sequins and chips with single bead stoppers, cascades and picots.

Lesson 4: Finishing touches: stitching the button and closure loop; stitching the beaded shell edging; and barnacle extras.

Corsages to Dye For: Series 1 is the last class and will begin March 30. The price is $35.00 for three lessons.

Have you ever wished that you could dye your own ribbon, in the colors that you like the best? Using simple techniques, I will teach you how to create truly intriguing and colorful patterns with your dyes and ribbon. These ribbons will then be turned into magnificent works of art that you create by stitching petals and leaves for your own “corsages to dye for”!

Lesson 1: In the first class you will learn how to mix the dyes using a basic color wheel; learn a series of techniques to prepare the ribbon for dyeing; then actually dyeing the ribbons that you will use in the next lessons.

Lesson 2: The second class will focus on making the flowers: the rose and bud; the bachelor button; and the passion-flower. I will show you options on how to use each flower, from a single flower to a group of flowers; how many you make of each flower is up to you.

Lesson 3: The third lesson will focus on making the leaves from the ribbons that you dyed, then stitching all of the components together for each corsage. Additional commercially made ribbons can also be used, and can add another dimension to your corsages such as the velvet ribbon I used in the Bachelor Button Corsage.

The classes handouts are emailed to you the day of the class, with a week to review and complete that week’s lesson. The following lesson/s will arrive a week later with another handout and further instructions. There is an on-line forum for the student and teacher connect or contact in case there are any questions.

Enjoy and keep it creative! Christen