ANG-MN Chapter

American Needlepoint Guild National Seminar

The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

Tuson, AZ

Greater Pacific Region EGA Seminar 2022

Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites

Ashland, Oregon

Greater Pacific Region EGA Seminar 2022

Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites

Ashland, Oregon

Classes available*:

Phase I -Sho Chikubai

Phase II - III - Sensu - Fan

Phase IV - Butterflies

Phase V - Wedding Shell Box

Phase VI - Sake Box

Phase VII - Pansies

Phase VIII - Crane with Reeds

Phase IX - Michinaga

Phase X - Kusudama - Flower Ball will be taught at the

Japanese Embroidery Center, Atlanta, GA.

* These classes are recommended to be taken in order to insure the development of the student’s confidence and proficiency. Students coming from other teachers are welcome and there are other choices have come available.

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE EMBROIDERY

            This is embroidery with silk and metal threads on silk foundation fabric. There are forty-six basic techniques employed and the basic elements are flat silk (no twist in the thread) and metal threads that are usually sewn to the silk foundation fabric with silk thread. The flat silk is used as it comes from the reel or is twisted by the embroiderer to suit the particular design motif.

            Traditional Japanese Embroidery has a long history, 1600 years; having evolved from Chinese embroidery by way of Korea, to Japan. Master Iwao Saito formed the embroidery school, Kurenai Kai that teaches the students to become professional embroiderers. Some of the students leave the school after the five years training to embroider on their own and some remain at the school as professionals working on the commissions received at the yearly exhibition. Master Saito died in 1989 but through his son, Shinsaku Saito, and son-in-law, Shuji Tamura, the design and teaching of Japanese Embroidery continues.

            Mr. Tamura brought the embroidery to the United States in 1982. Through friendship with needle artists Shay Pendray and Elsa Cose, he taught for the Embroiderers' Guild of America and started private seminars during his biannual trips from Japan. I was invited to attend Mr. Tamura's seminars by Ms. Pendray in 1984. It was during the seminar in March of '88 that Mr. Tamura asked if I would be interested in: first, coming to Japan to be instructed by the Master and; second, to teach afterward in the United States. Since that time I have been actively involved in the teaching of Traditional Japanese Embroidery.

American Needlepoint Guild National Seminar

Kansas Ciry, MO

American Needlepoint Guild National Seminar

Kansas City, MO

American Needlepoint Guild National Seminar

Kansas CIty, MO

Naples. FL

American Needlepoint Guild National Seminar 2020

Proficiency Level: Intermediate

 Class Length: 3 days

 Class Description: Couture embroidery

“The unique luster of pearls depends upon the reflection of light through translucent layers. The thinner and more numerous the layers in the pearl, the finer the luster. The iridescence that pearls display is caused by the overlapping of successive layers, which breaks up light falling on the surface.” We will interpret this layering in a literal way by introducing layer on layer bringing the blossom to life.

 From the world of couture and goldwork on a foundation of congress cloth, this class will explore a variety of techniques: Chipping, S-ing, aerial couching with beads, plus the application of sequins with and without beads.

Mid-Atlantic Region Seminar

Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc.

Technique:  Silk and Metal embroidery on fabric with detached elements

Length of Class:  3 days

Proficiency Level:  Intermediate to Advanced

 Class Description:

The spring breeze in the mountains stirs the flowers of Mountain Laurel and Dogwood. This piece celebrates the layers of blossoms, which are interpreted with multiple tiers of silks and metal as we create an exquisite floral on fabric with cantilevered, detached elements.

Working over a laid silk foundation the superimposed flowers of Mountain Laure are worked in silks with both padded satin and long and short stitches. Flower markings are red silk and beads. Stamens with anthers are raised above with Gilt Sylke Twist combined with beads. Buds are worked in raised spider using twisted silk. The detached leaves are worked in close couched wired organza.

Dogwood flowers are stitched on silk organza in several techniques within wired long and short blanket stitch: long and short and sequins. Centers are raised twists of Gilt Sylke Twist and beads. Branches are assembled with dark wire and flowers to cantilever over the Mountain Laurel.

The class will work on 3 separate frames: one silk over linen, 2 organza.

Size: 7" x 9" x 3" design on 12" x 14" silk fabric foundation

The class is open to anyone interested in Japanese Embroidery. No prior experience in embroidery is necessary.  It may be helpful to have some stitching background; but, Japanese Embroidery is so different from other forms of embroidery that prior knowledge is not required.  I will also mention in passing that there is no age limit.  However, you should be aware that the embroidery takes the ability to concentrate for long periods of time in a sitting position.

The one thing that is required is a sincere desire to learn the embroidery and a commitment to the task!  Master Saito and Mr. Tamura strongly believe that once begun you should see the task through to the end.

In class there will be students of different levels of expertise and different phases of learning.  Anyone who has taken a class elsewhere may continue it here, or start a complete series.  The Phases of the classes from Kurenai Kai must be taken in order.  New students will be accepted when there is a vacancy.

Contact Kay for more information.

Proficiency Level: Intermediate

Class Length:  2 day

Class Description: Silk and Ribbon Embroidery with Ribbon and Beadwork

The flash of rubies spark the imagination of present and past cultures. From the court of Ivan the Terrible to Dorothy’s slippers the stone has been the symbol of power, love, and a zest for life—it is a stone of courage, and legend says that a person possessing a ruby can walk through life without fear of evil or misfortune.

The stitches explored are Jessica variations in silk and metal. Ribbon and bead applications including work with montees and Czech Loch Rosen crystals are included. Student knowledge of Hilton type stitches will be helpful.

Aerial components are wires constructed with montees, seed, and 6 mm beads float above the design area.

Design Size: 6˝ X 6˝ inch on 13˝ X 16˝ congress cloth

Proficiency Level: Intermediate

Class Length:  3 or 4 days

Class Description: Silk and Metal on Canvas

Combining two techniques that Tiffany was known for: stained glass and jewelry; we will develop a precious landscape gem in silk and metal needlework.

The interior depicts a hillside of trees and water against a pale morning sky in space dyed silks in satin, laid, and renaissance stitches--some with padding. The borders are worked in combinations of sequins, beads, Jessica and composite stitches in silk and braids. These are joined in embellished waffle stitches. Student knowledge of Hilton type stitches will be helpful.

Design Size: 6˝ X 12˝ inch on 13˝ X 16˝ congress cloth

Kit Includes: All materials necessary to complete the design except the working frame

Proficiency Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Class Length:  2 or 3 days

Class Description: Couture embroidery on canvas

Today the sapphire gem is known as a Stone of Wisdom, a royal stone of learning and sharpness of thought and vision. It is said that its pure blue light brings order and healing to the mind, lending strength and focus, and an ability to see beneath surface appearances to underlying truth.

From the world of couture and goldwork on a foundation of congress cloth, this class will explore a variety of techniques: Chipping, S-ing, couching with and without beads, un point de vermicelli en perle, plus the application of sequins with and without beads and montees.

Design Size: 8˝ X 10˝

The class is open to anyone interested in Japanese Embroidery. No prior experience in embroidery is necessary.  It may be helpful to have some stitching background; but, Japanese Embroidery is so different from other forms of embroidery that prior knowledge is not required.  I will also mention in passing that there is no age limit.  However, you should be aware that the embroidery takes the ability to concentrate for long periods of time in a sitting position.

The one thing that is required is a sincere desire to learn the embroidery and a commitment to the task!  Master Saito and Mr. Tamura strongly believe that once begun you should see the task through to the end.

In class there will be students of different levels of expertise and different phases of learning.  Anyone who has taken a class elsewhere may continue it here, or start a complete series.  The Phases of the classes from Kurenai Kai must be taken in order.  New students will be accepted when there is a vacancy.

Contact Kay for more information.

The class is open to anyone interested in Japanese Embroidery. No prior experience in embroidery is necessary.  It may be helpful to have some stitching background; but, Japanese Embroidery is so different from other forms of embroidery that prior knowledge is not required.  I will also mention in passing that there is no age limit.  However, you should be aware that the embroidery takes the ability to concentrate for long periods of time in a sitting position.

The one thing that is required is a sincere desire to learn the embroidery and a commitment to the task!  Master Saito and Mr. Tamura strongly believe that once begun you should see the task through to the end.

In class there will be students of different levels of expertise and different phases of learning.  Anyone who has taken a class elsewhere may continue it here, or start a complete series.  The Phases of the classes from Kurenai Kai must be taken in order.  New students will be accepted when there is a vacancy.

Contact Kay for more information.

Technique:  Contemporary silk and metal embroidery on canvas with raised and detached elements

Length of Class:  2 days

Proficiency Level:  Intermediate

Class Description:

It is said that the individual wearing an emerald can feel a surge in creativity, artistic talents, and the skill to innovate and form ideas better. It is a stone of inspiration and infinite patience; and it embodies unity, compassion and unconditional love—fidelity. We will be surrounding this lovely jewel with the sparkle of crystal and amethyst to bring out its brilliance. The radiating, detached elements suggest the essence of the stone.

Students will lay silk in diamond Waffle stitch and mount the center stone with shisha technique. Smaller imitation emeralds, montees, Loch Rosen crystals, braids, seed beads and sequins are stitched in various combinations along with detached wired elements. The foundations are Congress cloth and green sparkle organza.

Great Lakes Regional Seminar 2019

Proficiency Level: Beginning to Intermediate

Class Length: 2 day

Class Description:

The days dwindle down, the air is like wine, and the oak leaves show their true color, as they turn to jewels in golden light. As these treasures of autumn brighten the landscape and then fade to traceries of gold, this silk and metal embroidery brings to life memories of the splendor of the season.

The student will be introduced to silk and metal thread embroidery techniques including: Random buttonhole; Goldwork over padding; couching braid and milliary; creating detached elements. The students will learn to frame-up 2 fabrics for the foundation and backing.

Design Size: 6˝ X 6˝ on 9˝ x 12˝ silk foundation with linen backing. ½˝ detached elements.