Stitch Book Challenge - Syllabus

February 2015 through July 2016

Facilitator: Kathy Arellano

stitchbook@kingmanquiltersguild.org

Challenge Description
The Stitch Book, a unique multi-page sampler of surface embroidery/embellishment techniques, will
consist of a minimum of six to 12 two-sided cloth pages, finished on all sides, flanked by front and back
covers. The spine edge of each page will have grommets/eyelets and all pages will be kept together
with rings or lacing.
This is an 18-month project presented in monthly installments. Participants will work at their own pace
and individual skill level. The facilitator will be available to help as needed via e-mail and at Guild
meetings.
This is a casual project open to guild members and to the community. Guild members can sign up for an
official challenge which will culminate with a group display at the Kingman Quilters Guild show in
October 2016. If you are not yet a guild member you are welcome to join.
One goal is for participants to have a unique collection of embroidery techniques that will become a
trusted reference as well as a treasured heirloom. It is hoped that each stitcher will learn new skills,
stretch creative muscles, and develop a higher level of precision and accuracy.
During this challenge, please try to finish each months project before starting the next months project.
It is also suggested that you keep a block on a second hoop to practice stitches and try floss colors.
These scrap blocks can be used later for the back sides of the worked pages.
The facilitator will use the READERS DIGEST Complete Book of Embroidery by Melinda Coss as her main
reference point, but will cite other sources as needed. There are many excellent publications available
for purchase new or used and available for check-out at your local library and within the KQG book
shelves.
The materials and supplies are not necessarily expensive and can be purchased as a group and shared.
Used embroidery books can be found for very little money at thrift stores and library book sales. Even
though the photos may be out of date, the stitch information is still timely.
If you are a visual learner, you can take advantage of the many online tutorials (see ONLINE
RESOURCES), either stills or video clips. You may consider signing up for any of the hundreds of
newsletters written specifically for embroidery enthusiasts.

Stitch Book Challenge - Syllabus

February 2015 through July 2016

Materials
Handout Packet

Templates (right-hand and left-hand pages)

Syllabus/general information
Fabric and stabilizer samples

Materials/Supplies
Fabrics

1 yard white/neutral quilt-weight cotton fabric - 12-18 blocks measuring 11 inches square
1/3 yard each (or scraps) print fabric, wool or poly felt, Aida cloth, 14-count
1 yards fusible or non-fusible lightweight interfacing

DMC 6-strand embroidery floss, assorted colors

#8 perle cotton, assorted colors
Specialty threads, as needed (more details with each months block)

Threads

Needle selection, based on project and personal preference (larger number=finer needle)

Hoop

Crewel Thin, long eye, sharp point; size range 1 to 10

Embroidery Long, medium eye, sharp point; size range 1 to 10
Chenille Thick, large eye, sharp point; size range 18 to 28
Milliners Long, thin, small eye, sharp-same diameter down its length; size range 1 to 10
Sharps - Thin, short, small eye, sharp point; size range 1 to 12
Needle threader (based on type of thread and size of needle)
Thimble (personal preference)

Wooden or plastic 6-inch hoop (minimum 2 one for project, one for practice)
Other Handy Tools

Beeswax, natural or synthetic

Tweezers
Masking/painters tape ( -1)
Light box or easily accessible window
Transfer (carbon) paper and stylus or round-end pointer
Transfer markers permanent, fine-line marking pens, pencils, vanishing or water-erasable
marking pens
Lidded project storage box
Beads, findings, specialty threads and fibers as needed
Colored pencils, crayons, fabric paints as needed
Basic sewing, cutting, pressing tools and supplies, good work light, comfortable chair

Stitch Book Challenge - Syllabus

February 2015 through July 2016

Resources
Online Resources (tutorials, galleries, products, hints/tips)
Needle n Thread by Mary Corbett http://www.needlenthread.com/
Embroiderers Guild of Victoria - http://www.embroiderersguildvictoria.ca/
Irish Guild of Embroiderers http://www.irishguildofembroiderers.com/
SEW Region Embroiderers Guild - http://sewregionembroiderersguild.com/
Jen Goodwin Embroidery - http://www.jengoodwinembroidery.com/
Lorna Bateman Embroidery - http://www.lornabatemanembroidery.com/
Inspirations magazine - http://inspirationsmagazine.com.au/
Royal School of Needlework - http://www.royal-needlework.org.uk/
DMC Threads - http://www.shopdmc.com/
John James Needles - http://jjneedles.com/
The Stitchery - http://www.stitchery.com/

Book List
Readers Digest Complete Book of Embroidery by Melinda Coss
Mary Thomass Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches New Edition by Jan Eaton
The Complete Photo Guide to Needlework by Linda Wyszynski
Embroidered & Embellished by Christen Brown
Borders & Motifs by Michaela Lerner
Sublime Stitching Embroidered Effects by Jenny Hart
Doodle Stitching The Motif Collection by Aimee Ray
Fabric Embellishing The Basics & Beyond by Ruth Chandler, Liz Kettle, Heather Thomas, Lauren Vlcek

Created 1/26/15