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 and Shannon Downey.
Coming up next:
Sitting Pretty: Crafting Ergonomics with Jenni Grover (October 29th)
Tuesday, October 29th from 6:30–8:30pm
In this 90-minute workshop (with an optional 30 minutes at the end for crafting and hanging out), Jenni will teach us some good practices for staying healthy as we pursue our creative passions. In addition to seated ergonomics, she’ll also talk about standing and moving through our spaces, and lead us in some helpful stretches to prevent and ease pain and stiffness.
Bring your current handcraft because Jenni will evaluate each attendee at work… so we can learn from each other’s experiences, too!
Intro to Embroidery for Decorative Mending with Lauren Yeager (November 10th)
Sunday, November 10th from 1–4pm
This class will go over several methods for repairing knit and woven fabrics with decorative stitching, and is perfect for both beginning and intermediate stitchers. Students will spend the afternoon learning how to prepare their garment for repair, choosing colors, and practicing several popular embroidery stitches. 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 use an embroidery hoop.
Class fee includes all materials, including four skeins of embroidery floss, one crewel needle, one chenille needle, dissolvable stabilizer, and a beechwood embroidery hoop.
Embroider a Vintage Chicago Postcard with Connie Toebe (November 16th) – SOLD OUT (please email us if you’d like to be notified of the next class)
Saturday, November 16th from 1–3pm
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 Tambour Embroidery with Lauren Yeager
Saturday, December 7th AND Sunday, December 8th from 10am–3:30pm
Learn how to embroider like the famous French couture houses! In this two-day workshop students will learn the basics of fabric set up, fabric transfer methods, and a selection of techniques widely used for creating elaborate works on a sheer ground.
Techniques will include:
- Basic chain, starting and stopping a lock stitch
- Chain Stitch for Filled Areas, Reverse Chain Fill, and Herringbone
- Basic Sequin application, Directional Sequin Cascade, and Flat Stitched Sequin.
- Seed bead application, Bugle bead application, Alternating Beads for Creating Patterns.
Price includes all materials, including a wooden tambour handle, 3 tambour hook needles, sequins, beads, fabric and thread. Students will be able to choose one of several color palettes on the first day of class.
Private classes
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.
Recent previous classes:
September 7th – Stitch Builders: Looped Stitches with Lauren Yeager
May 5th – Introduction to Needle Painting with Lauren Yeager