Christmas in Williamsburg

Afternoon Classes

Eileen Bennett
Little Green Acorns Sampler

Little Green Acorns Sampler features 23 band designs teamed with scattered motifs, which were popular during the 16th and 17th centuries. The acorn motif is prominent throughout, and all have been worked with a variety of period stitches, including cross, double cross, small cross, elongated cross, marking cross, long arm cross, cross stitch with bars, reversible two-sided Italian Cross, Montenegrin cross stitch variation, Belgian cross, back, double back, double back stitch with bars, flat, buttonhole bars, four-sided stitch, small rice stitch, queens, partial queens, half-queens, double-double running, Bosnia, barrier, and Colonial knots. The sampler is worked on 32-count linen and measures 4 1/8” wide x 10” high. Twelve colors of DMC threads have been used.

Jackie du Plessis
Secret Garden Necessaire

A beautiful embroidered garden that will grow into a fabulous folding four-sided necessaire.

Inspired by 16th and 17th century gardens, this project combines the lush and peaceful nature of these gardens and contemporary embroidery techniques to allow each student to create a practical necessaire. The Secret Garden Necessaire stores flat into a hand/pocket-sized case with a strap closure. A variety of silk fibers will bring the garden to life using a multitude of stitches creating paths, hedges, and spectacular flowerbeds. The entire necessaire is bordered with an exquisite brick wall teaming with vines. These four brick walls stand upright once the necessaire is opened to reveal the secret garden interior. The secret garden interior will showcase flowerbeds, hedges, and maybe a fountain or more in which to tuck and stow your needlework tools.

This class will focus on all stitches and hand finishing techniques.