Friday, April 28 : morning
Friday, April 28 : afternoon
Saturday, April 29 : morning
Saturday, April 29 : afternoon

In this workshop you will learn the basic preparatory and stitching methods necessary to create your own piece of embroidered wall art. This workshop is designed for all skill levels from embroidery beginners to seasoned stitchers and I will walk you through each step of the process from transferring your design to preparing your hoop to hang. A selection of hand-drawn botanical designs will be available for you to chose from and an introduction to the necessary stitches will be provided.

I offer a contemporary approach to embroidery, pulling it out of the past and into the light of the 21st century with modern designs and a relaxed attitude. I emphasize drawing, composition, and fresh color combinations over traditional techniques and rigid structures. Therefore, my embroidery workshop celebrates intuitive decision making and a departure from the conventions of hand-embroidery. You can immerse yourself in the meditative and relaxing process of sewing and walk away with a new piece of contemporary art.

Skill Level

No experience necessary, but some knowledge of needlework is a bonus. A great way to familiarise yourself with the stitches and techniques I use is to participate in my monthly Pattern Program, but this is not necessary for the course!

Materials to Bring

. just a little patience .

*If you have a particular fabric you would like to use, like to use a thimble, or have your own beloved fabric scissors,
those would be welcome too!

Materials Provided

. 5” wooden embroidery hoop .
. 7” x 7” square of white linen .
. thread scissors .
. DMC embroidery floss .
. embroidery needle .
. pencils .
. selection of designs to chose from .
. illustrated guide of basic stitches .
. communal fabric scissors .

About Sarah

Sarah K. Benning is an American fiber artist with a nomadic studio practice. Originally from Baltimore, she attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and received her BFA in Fiber and Material Studies. Shortly after graduating in 2013, Sarah discovered her love for embroidery and has never looked back. She often abandons traditional stitches and techniques in favor of bold shapes, playful patterns, and contemporary subject matter. She approaches each piece as an illustration, creating a drawing in pencil directly onto the fabric before filling the image in with thread. In this way the thread become more like ink or paint than traditional needlework and the stitches accentuate each shape that builds the composition.  

Contact

sarahkbenning.com
info@sarahkbenning.com
sarahkbenning.etsy.com 
instagram.com/sarahkbenning
facebook.com/sarahkbenning