It’s strawberry time again here on Needle ‘n Thread! It’s your chance to participate in a thoroughly instructive class in needlepainting (long and short stitch shading), taught by Margaret Cobleigh.
In today’s article I’ll tell you about the class, including some insights gleaned from students who participated in last year’s run, plus let you know exactly when registration will be open. That way, if you want to take the class, you can mark your calendars and jump in to reserve your space as soon as registration opens.
The class focuses on embroidering these luscious little strawberries using needlepainting techniques. If you’ve wanted to learn needlepainting or improve your shading and long and short stitch techniques, this is the class for you!
Class Materials
Participants in the class will receive a full kit of materials, which includes a full-color printed instructional booklet with step-by-step photos for completing the project, the design pre-printed on a linen-cotton blend fabric, full skeins of DMC floss in the 11 colors required to complete the project (giving you enough thread to complete the project three times if you want!), and Bohin needles. You will need to provide a hoop or frame, good lighting (with magnification if necessary), and scissors.
Margaret’s step-by-step instructions are extremely thorough and clear. They’re among the best embroidery instructions I’ve ever seen in a kit.
This is an excellent way to learn the techniques of realistic shading in embroidery, and you’ll have the instructor on stand-by to help you every step of the way.
“Loved every thing about the kit – great instructions in a very organized and logical order – photos were really useful.” (Previous Participant)
The Online Classroom
LOVED the online stuff – the lay out is excellent. (Previous Participant)
The class will take place in a special classroom area here on Needle ‘n Thread, in the Ask & Share forum. The classroom is only accessible to class participants.
Additional lesson material is posted in the online classroom each week, and the classroom will remain available to participants after the class has ended, so that you may work at your own pace.
The classroom is interactive. You can post questions and answers, carry on discussions, post photos of your progress for feedback, or chit-chat with your classmates, all within a very user-friendly setting. The primary instruction and interaction takes place within the class forum, with e-mail support from the instructor as necessary.
Awesome feedback – very detailed and very precise and useful and personalized. (Previous Participant)
Special how-to videos are available to acclimate you to the online setting, but some basic computer skills are necessary. You should be comfortable using a computer and performing basic operation such as downloading and uploading files.
Class Calendar
Registration will open this Friday, January 18th, at 8:00 am Central Standard Time (Kansas, USA). On Friday at exactly 8:00 am my time, the registration post with the live link to the registration for the class will appear here on Needle ‘n Thread. If you are really eager to get into the class, don’t wait for the e-mail newsletter – just check right here on the website.
The class itself will begin on February 15th, and will run for four weeks, ending March 14th. The distant start date allows for the arrival of the materials kit in the mail, so that all participants are ready and rarin’ to go on the first day of class!
After the class has ended, you may continue to access to the classroom for as long as you need it.
Margaret was always available for students with comprehensive instruction and guidance. Great learning experience! (Previous Participant)
Class Costs & Payments
The class cost, including the full materials kits and online classroom access and instruction, is $70 plus shipping.
Payment is by Paypal only, and is made directly to Margaret Cobleigh through the registration link that will be posted here on Needle ‘n Thread on this Friday, January 18th, at 8:00 am Central Standard Time.
Since this is the second round of the class, a few more spaces are available so it won’t be as difficult to get a spot. Nevertheless, class spots are reserved only with registration and payment, which is on a first-come basis.
Why do we do it this way? Because our materials are in hand and kits are made up before we open registration. This assures that each participant receives all the materials in a timely manner, as promised. We know exactly how many spots are in the class, based on how many kits we have. As soon as the kits are sold out, the class is full. It’s a little riskier for us to do it this way, but it’s well worth it, for our peace of mind and your satisfaction.
If you’re keen to join us for the Vintage Strawberries class, keep an eye out Friday morning for the registration announcement!
Hope to see you in the classroom!
Hi Mary.
I want to register and I live in Canada. Send you the kit in Canada ?
Thank you and have a nice day.
Anne
Hi, Anne – absolutely! The class is open for anyone, anywhere! That’s one of the great things about online classes! -MC
Is the class like a webinar? or blog form? What is the format? If we miss a class will it be easy to re-visit it?
Thanks
Hi, Michelle – it takes place in a special section of the Ask & Share forum here on Needle ‘n Thread. All the materials and discussions are there for you, whenever you have time to check in. In that way, the class is entirely self-paced. -MC
My calendar is marked for sign up. I’m so excited for this class. Eva
Thank you Mary. Cheers, Kath
I am so delighted that you are going to run the class again. I liked the design so much that I did a freehand drawing on to a piece of material but have not taken it forward … it is still languishing in one of my many plastic boxes!
If I am accepted as one of the class members will you need more than the $70 because of the overseas postage?
Hi, Armorel – It is pretty, isn’t it? The postage fee for international is, I believe, around $9.00. Postage is going up again here in the next week or so, so that may alter slightly, but the fee will be clearly noted on the registration page on Friday. -MC
I am so looking forward to this! I’m making a reminder right now to register!
I really would love to do the strawberries with you, but will not do PayPal. Too bad! Hope all goes well for everyone!
Hi, Marcia – Just to let you know, you don’t have to have a Paypal account. You can pay through Paypal with a debit or credit card, without creating an account. Just in case it makes a difference to you. If not, that’s fine, too! ~MC
Marcia, as Mary said you can pay through paypal without having an account. (I use this method all the time on ebay.) It’s just a pass-through mechanism to process the purchase, but you don’t have to have an actual paypal account.
I hope you’ll reconsider taking the class. We’d love to have you join us!
Hello. I am interested in the class, but I work fulltime. Is the online class available to be viewed at anytime, or is this a ‘live’ webinar?
Hi, Jo Ellen – No, it’s not a live webinar type class. The class is a “work at your own pace” class. You can check in at any time to see what’s going on in the classroom – read discussions and leave your own comments or questions, see newly posted materials, etc. – or you can even opt not to use the classroom. It’s up to you! There’s no set schedule – you access the classroom whenever you want to or need to. -MC
Hi Mary
I live in Australia and would dearly like to register….we go away for the weekend, and I am worried about not being able to submit. PLEASE may I register x
Thank you
Ange
Mary, I sent a payment via paypal, is there anything else I need to do to register?
That’s it for now, Sharon! You’ll get further info via the email you used with Paypal, and you’ll receive the kit in the mail, at the address you entered. -MC
Hi Mary, when will be strawberry time again in 2014? I really hope this Iìyear I can be able to sign up! I already missed twice! Ciao from Italy