By Isabell Macrina
Even with temperatures dropping below double digits, people drove out to Sherborn Library on Sunday to bundle in the warm Community Room and attended the crafting class, Stitching a Modern Day Sampler. The workshop, led by Ann Bausman, is an embroidery class made for people who are just beginning as well as advanced stitchers.
Ann started the class by having everyone go around and introduce themselves and what brought them here, creating a far more familiar atmosphere, and made it way less intimidating for new people to learn. A lot of women there had experience years ago but had fallen out of habit with it so they wanted to pick it back up. This workshop provided a chance to do just that.
Everyone was given all the materials they needed to start; a number 19 darning needle, a sampler sheet, two sheets of fabric, four colors of embroidery thread, and two strands of yarn. The sampler sheet was printed on a sheet of paper with a sticky backing, so it could be attached onto the fabric, allowing you to follow the guidelines while working. They also dissolve in water, so when you’re complete the ink disappears behind the thread.
After showing some of her own work and samples, Ann started by having everyone thread their needles and pick up the extra square of fabric. She walked the group through a few basic stitches, the fundamentals they will use to build up skills and fill out the sampler piece. Everyone started with the running stitch, then the crosses and more to add little details, and the back stitch for solid lines. She also taught the couching stitch, which can be used to attach yarn to the fabric and make a neat texture.
Overall, the workshop was a wonderful idea to introduce a mobile, calming craft that can be used to add detailing to clothing, cover repairs, and make pieces your own. Especially with the recent storm, it can make a great craft to stay cozy with while inside.
