Monsters at the Table: Embroidered Napkins

Saturday, September 27, 1:30-4pm (note: first half hour is for those with no previous embroidery experience; if you know basic stitches, join at 2pm)

Class level: All levels welcome

Age requirements: Ages 12+ (if under 16, participant should be registered with an adult)

Registration fee: $50

Teaching artist: Autumn Arnold

In this workshop, you will learn how to transform a simple drawing into an embroidered dinner napkin using backstitch. The resulting creation is a practical, functional way to preserve and enjoy someone's artwork - and the finished napks make great gifts for family and friends!

Because this workshop is open to beginners and to people who are experienced with embroidering, we will reserve the first 30 minutes for a pre-session on the basics of working with thread, threading a needle, setting up a hoop, and learning backstitch.

After the pre-session, we will focus on how to develop and transfer designs, and on the finer points of using backstitch to embroider a napkin. Depending on the size and complexity of their design, participants may be able to finish their napkins in class, or they may need to finish stitching at home with the supplies they bring home from class.

Participants will need to make or choose one or two simple line drawings and email a photo of the design(s) ahead of time. A pair of cloth napkins and all needed sewing supplies will be furnished, but participants may opt to bring their own napkin(s), thimble, embroidery hoop or other stitching supplies as desired. Note: reading glasses are essential for anyone who may need them for small, detailed hand sewing! If you think you might need them, please bring them.

All skill levels are very welcome, including people who are new to embroidery. This class will focus on the simplest method of stitching the design, but more experienced embroiderers are welcome to embellish as they see fit.

​What to bring:

• A photo of a drawing emailed ahead of the workshop. Instructions will be provided after registration.

• All supplies are included, but you are welcome to bring any of the optional supplies below:

  • Optional: your own napkins, thimble, embroidery hoop, or other stitching supplies; Reading glasses.

REGISTER

Bio:

Autumn Arnold is a bureaucrat by day and an arts enthusiast by night. After decades of focus on writing, printing, and paper arts, she started an artistic collaboration with her now-8-year-old son in which he draws something and she embroiders it. (“Momma, will you ‘needle’ this?”) Embroidery is now her go-to activity for plane rides, camping, visiting with relatives, watching soccer games, attending children’s birthday parties…and it turns out to also be a productive alternative to doom scrolling. She has delivered trainings and workshops on many other, less interesting topics over the years, but this is her first foray into sharing her love of making art with others.