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 Shannon Downey and Lauren Yeager.
Coming up next:

Stitch Builders: Flower project with Lauren Yeager
Sunday, October 8th, 10am–4pm
This class is part of Lauren’s 6-part Stitch Builders series. Students can choose between the “Contemporary Flower” abstract design or “Traditional Flower” fuchsia design. The technique is the same for either option and both designs will cover the following stitches:
- raised stem band
- stem stitch
- seeding
- pistil stitch
- needle-woven picot
- wheatear stitch
- coral knot stitch
- long-and-short-stitch
The Stitch Builders series will 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. You will have the opportunity to practice stitching with four different kinds of threads: wool, cotton, metallic, and silk. In addition to the fabric for the finished design, you will be provided with a “doodle cloth” for practicing your embroidery stitches.
This series consists of six different classes. Each one has a different subject matter (e.g. Animal, Flower, Building), a traditional design or a contemporary design. The two designs will be taught at the same time based on students’ kit choice. You can take as many of the classes as you like and in any order that you wish. You will learn eight different stitches in each class, or a total of 48 stitches if you take all six!