World-class needlework instruction has come to Chicago! Whether you’re looking for the gentlest possible introduction to embroidery or an in-depth technique intensive, chances are you’ll find it at our flagship Ravenswood location. Maydel hosts teachers from all over, including beloved locals Lauren Yeager, Shannon Downey, and Connie Toebe.
Coming up next:
NEW section! Embroider a Vintage Chicago Postcard with Connie Toebe
Saturday, January 25th from 1–3pm
We had such a long waitlist for this class Connie generously opened a second section, which is now also almost sold out!
In this class you’ll learn how to embroider on a (reproduction) vintage Chicago postcard. You’ll be learning how to prep the postcard for embroidery and then learn three embroidery stitches: back stitch, whipped back stitch and French knots. By the end of the class you’ll have a fun, retro picture to frame or give as a gift.
Class fee includes all materials, including reproduction vintage postcard, wood handled awl, embroidery floss and needle.
**Note: Are you a left-handed stitcher? Connie is, too! She can demonstrate all of the techniques covered for both right-and left-handed stitchers.
Introduction to Embroidery with Lauren Yeager – SOLD OUT. Please contact us if you’d like to be notified of the next section.
Sunday, January 26th from 10am–3:30pm (with a break for lunch)
Students will spend the day practicing several of the most commonly used embroidery stitches as they create a sampler to showcase what they’ve learned. The January 26th session will cover all of the following:
- Satin stitch
- Buttonhole stitch
- French knots
- Backstitch
- Whipped backstitch
- Chain stitch
- Whipped chain stitch
- Trellis stitch
- Stem stitch
This class will also introduce you to foundational embroidery skills such as how to thread the needle, how to start and end your threads, and how to stretch fabric in an embroidery hoop.
Great for absolute beginners as well as stitchers who want to brush up on their skills.
Price includes all materials, including silk and cotton fabrics, needles, embroidery floss, perle cotton thread, gum paste wires, and full-color printed instruction booklet.
Stumpwork Iris with Lauren Yeager
Saturday, February 8th AND Sunday, February 9th from 10am–4pm (with a break for lunch)
In this 3-D embroidery class, students will learn several basic techniques for making individual needle-painted petals and leaves, along with needle-lace petals. These elements will then be combined together with thread wrapping to form a free-standing silk flower that can be worn or displayed.
Techniques you’ll learn include:
- Buttonhole Stitched Wire
- Needle-lace Application
- Corded Brussels Stitch
- Wire Wrapping
- Final Flower Assembly
- Long and Short Stitch
- Appliqué Cutting
- Fabric Stabilizing
Price includes all materials, including silk and cotton fabrics, needles, embroidery floss, perle cotton thread, gum paste wires, and full-color printed instruction booklet.
Introduction to Needle Painting with Lauren Yeager
Saturday, March 1st from 10am–3:30pm (with a break for lunch)
Ready to level up your stitching? In this workshop you’ll learn how to blend colors together to create new shades, and also learn how to layer colors for starker color transitions. We will practice how to needlepaint from wider to narrower areas, and move expertly around curves to create realistic-looking botanicals.
We will all be working from the same pre-printed rose design, and the project can be finished within the allotted class time. This class is recommended for those with at least some prior stitching experience.
Price includes all materials, including printed pattern on silk taffeta, needles, embroidery floss, backing fabric, a polished wooden hoop and lace trim.
Private classes and tutoring
To book a private embroidery class in our studio (many levels and techniques available), please get in touch. Private classes require a $150 non-refundable deposit and a minimum of 4 students. Private embroidery tutoring is also available, with pricing set individually by teachers.
Recent previous classes:
December 7–8: Introduction to Tambour Embroidery with Lauren Yeager
November 10th – Intro to Embroidery for Decorative Mending with Lauren Yeager
September 7th – Stitch Builders: Looped Stitches with Lauren Yeager
May 5th – Introduction to Needle Painting with Lauren Yeager