Note: Registration for this class will close on June 12th, 2023 at 11:59 PM.

Ready to pack your bags and head out on the open road this summer? 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 in learning 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 the ways you can embroider your adventures in the “Lower 48”.

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 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 (or maybe you’ll wrap your map around a cork board to pin photos of your friends, family and travel postcards!)

The materials fee covers the cost of a kit for you to keep (a custom map sampler, practice fabric, a limited palette of embroidery floss, wood hoop and needle!) along with 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.