I will be teaching a class in 2012 on obscure stitches and ones that people often feel are too difficult to attempt. Stitches like plaited braid stitch, spiral trellis, cable plait stitch (they’re the more difficult ones) and diamond stitch, crested chain stitch, spanish knotted chain stitch, and sorbello stitch (they’re some of the unusual ones).
I have been wondering what to call the class. It will not be a class for beginners – this will only be for experienced stitchers who would like to expand their repertoire into more esoteric areas.
I have a few ideas, but I am not sure that they well communicate what I want them to:
- Difficult and unusual stitches (would the word difficult put people off?)
- Difficult and obscure stitches
- Weird and wonderful stitches
- Exploring unusual stitches
- Strange stitches
- Expanding your stitch horizons: exploring unusual stitches
- Advanced embroidery stitches
Any thoughts? Any ideas?
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
The word difficult would not put me off, quite the opposite in fact. And you said yourself, you are not targetting beginners. How about “Beyond the basics: exploring difficult or unusual stitches”.
Thanks Carol. I like your advice and suggestion.
I love the ‘ Expanding Stitch Horizons’ one. Maybe you could add exploring unusual ‘and complex’ stitches. – not exactly difficult, but along the same lines! I have to admit, I’m like Carol above, the more challenging the stitches are, the better I like them.
Ooh, I like the words “challenging” and “complex”. Thanks!
“Difficult” conveys a negative to me. I prefer to look at the positive and suggest something like…
“Everything’s possible – realise your potential with Yvette”
“Master the impossible – stitches that intrigue”
Just a couple of ideas. Thanks for your regular and informative updates.
Thanks Eunice – very different ideas that are worth considering!
Hi Yvette, I like Coral and Carol’s suggestions. Perhaps ‘challenging’ instead of ‘difficult’. I love the idea of learning tricky stitches: where are you giving the classes? May we sign up now? Happy New Year.
Hi Suzy, Both you and Eunice have hit on what concerned me – that “difficult” seems negative, though it does convey that some of these stitches are harder than the ones most people attempt. I too like “challenging”. Thanks for your feedback.
Hi Yvette,
There are alot of good suggestions and here is one more.
Mastering the Complex Stitches of Embroidery.
The challenge of learning new stitches is always fun.
Veronica
Another great suggestion! And to think that I was wondering whether I would post this this morning, because I wasn’t sure if anyone was reading White Threads at this time of year! You’ve all given me such great suggestions. 🙂 Thank you.
I like “Expanding your stitch horizons: exploring unusual stitches”. I like the word challenge too. Maybe:
“Expand your stitch horizons with unusual and challenging stitches”
Thanks Chris!
Sorry Suzy, I didn’t answer your question! This is a class that is proposed for Beating Around the Bush, April 2012 in Adelaide. No, class registrations are not open yet. 😉
Come through the wardrobe with Yvette to the land of Narnia for a tour of eventful stitches exploration. In the land of Naria, there are plaited braid stitch, spiral trellis, cable plait stitch, ladder stitch,diamond stitch, crested chain stitch, spanish knotted chain stitch, and sorbello stitch ..etc. During this exploration, treasure of stitches will be collected in your special workbook.
Thank you! I am loving all these suggestions. Please keep them coming!
I like any of the last 3
The last three in my list, or the last three within the comments?
Instead of difficult, why not substitute amazing or adventurous? Difficult does not bother me, but some people might be put off by it. How about “Be adventurous-expand your stitch horizons with some amazing instructions.” Well, too wordy, but a few more ideas to work with.
Cindy
I like the change made by Chris – Expand you stitch horizons etc, but I would keep the word exploring instead of and.
Expand Your Stitch Horizons, Exploring Unusual & Challenging Stitches
Thank you all for your suggestions. At this stage I am leaning towards: “Beyond the basics – mastering challenging and unusual stitches”.
It has been fun throwing all these ideas around together, and I have really appreciated everyone’s input. Thanks so much!
I have just landed here, thanks to Sharon Boggon and her ‘Pintangle’ site. What I have seen so far looks great and I love the idea of the ‘challenging but rewarding’ stitches. Is there any way you can make this an online course for those of us who, like you were once, severely limited because of illness or disability?
I like all the suggestions generally speaking and I think your final choice says it all.
Hi Christina, Thanks for your feedback.
Online course. I would love to do an online course, but quite frankly I have no idea how, or where to start! Its an idea that I have toyed with over the years and always dismissed as too hard. I suppose that I did do the Mountmellick Stitch Along last year, and while I know that people loved it, it *really* drained me. I love your suggestion, and will think further on it, but unfortunately I really can’t promise anything.
I like “Weird and Wonderful Stitches”, but as I will be in the Northern Hemisphere by the time you run it, I wouldn’t be able to come along, so I’m not really your audience!