This class is scheduled to begin on October 6, 2009.

In a busy world that offers instant but hollow gratification it's easy to forget the pleasure in really developing a skill well. This six-week course is for stitchers who would like to push their hand stitching and design skills a little further, and for those who would like to explore the complex relationships between thread and fabric simply for the sake of learning.

Stitches are the visual language of an embroiderer. It does not matter if your interest tends towards traditional hand work, crazy quilting or contemporary embroidery - this course encourages you to explore stitches your way and to develop your own language of thread.

To an embroiderer, stitches are a never-failing source of delight. No matter what skill level you have, there is something new to be discovered when you sit down with fabric, needle and thread. Indulge yourself – it's quite an adventure!

Throughout the course we will explore surface embroidery stitches and some of their varieties - both common and uncommon. What happens to a stitch when you work it larger or smaller? What does it do when you work it in different thicknesses of thread? Can the stitch be used to couch down another, thicker thread? What does it look like when you pile it on top of itself? Can the stitch turn back on itself? Can it be woven or whipped? What happens when you lace the stitch with another thread? What happens when you combine stitches? Can you add beads?

To record your adventure in thread you will be encouraged to design and work your own sampler. Samplers have been worked down through the ages for future reference. This course allows students to develop a personal resource, which becomes your personal library of stitches, in all their varieties and combinations.

The course is suitable for beginners to advanced stitchers as you can work at your own level exploring simple to complex stitch combinations as you desire.

The supply list will be sent to all students one week before the class starts. Once you buy this class you will receive an email order confirmation, but you will not hear from us again until the supply list is sent.

A high speed connection to the internet is recommended for all students.

In order to participate in online classes at joggles you are expected to have basic computer and internet skills. You need to be able to browse the internet, know how to download and save a document to your PC's hard drive, and understand how to open and save email attachments. It is your responsibility to learn these skills before the class begins.

Please be certain you are comfortable with all of these skills. Class fees will not be refunded once the class has begun.