Nov 2 Embroidered U.S. Map

Embroidered U.S. Map
Sunday, November 2, 11-2 pm
Instructor: Robert Mahar

Description:
Ready to pack your bags and head out on the open road? Here’s your invitation to commemorate your travels, celebrate your home state or stitch connections between you and your loved ones.  Join artist and maker Robert Mahar for a workshop that is equal parts handcraft and storytelling in which you’ll learn core embroidery basics, essential stitches and how to apply them to a beautiful 1906 map of the contiguous United States custom printed on a generous half yard (27” x 36”) of cotton linen canvas. Instruction will help you explore all of the ways you can embroider your adventures in the “Lower 48”: translating stitches into travel lines, state outlines and map icons, along with clever ways to travel ‘off-road’ and add your own imagery and text.

This workshop is a unique approach to needlework utilizing a non-traditional, free-form sampler that allows you to utilize your favorite embroidery stitches and determine their placement. This class is well suited for adventurous beginners, however, students with more embroidery experience are encouraged to join for a fun refresher course and the opportunity to apply their skills to a large-format map.

Please note that this map is 100+ years old and some cartographic changes have taken place in the intervening years – however, the state borders and city names remain largely accurate.  It’s also cleverly designed with border guides, giving you the option of easily machine sewing finished edges at home (or maybe you’ll wrap your map around a cork board to pin photos of your friends, family and travel postcards!)

All materials are provided and included in the cost of the class. Each material kit includes: a custom map sampler, practice fabric, a limited palette of 6-strand embroidery floss, wood hoop, embroidery needle, water soluble image transfer stickers and instructional diagrams. However, if you have favorite embroidery tools or prefer specific colors of embroidery floss (6-strand or perle) you are encouraged to bring these items to the workshop.

Instructor Bio:
Robert Mahar is a California-based artist and educator who teaches thoughtfully researched and developed hands-on projects based in historical craft traditions. He’s also a proud contestant alumnus, and subsequent associate producer, on NBC’s crafting competition show Making It with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. With an education in studio arts and art history, he has worked in a variety of creative fields including 13 years as an appraiser of modern and contemporary art. Learn more about Robert, explore his video tutorial archive and shop his collection of curious embroidery samplers at robert-mahar.com.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Buddy Discount: If you are registering with a friend please use the discount code BUDDY to receive 10% off of your combined registration.