Blackwork Embroidery Class (Online) with Laura Berlage

Embroidery is a beautiful way to make an everyday object feel special—a sentiment that fits perfectly with this course. Explore the world of blackwork embroidery (most popular in the 16th and 17th centuries), both in its counted and freestyle forms, using hand-dyed wool thread from the instructor’s sheep. While the elite of the time period stitched blackwork using silk, everyday folks with time and skill enjoyed a similar look using wool. Projects include a flower pin cushion with floral motifs and a geometric biscornu inspired by Selbu designs. Both projects could be pin cushions or stuffed with dried lavender as sachets, and they make wonderful home accents or gifts. Finished dimensions are approximately five inches wide. This course runs online for 3 Fridays, August 7–21 (10:00 am-Noon CT) . Laura is a contemporary Renaissance woman living and working on her family’s century-old homestead farm outside Hayward, Wisconsin. From fiber arts to creative writing, music to storytelling, she never tires of the magic of transforming ideas into form and overlapping narrative and visual. Laura also loves working with the many and beautiful natural materials from her farm – especially the wool from her sheep. Completing her MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College in 2011, Laura continues her lifelong passion for learning with engaged, hands-on teaching for small groups to encourage creativity, imagination, and expression. See more of Laura’s work on her website here.