Guild School , Castine, ME
June 7-14, 2025

INSTRUCTOR: Annelle Ferguson, Fellow
COURSE: Needlework
PROJECT: 18th Century Needlepoint Panel

Embroidery is defined as the art of decorating material, primarily fabric, by means of a needle and thread. For the early American woman, embroidery was an acceptable outlet for creative expression and perhaps her most meaningful contribution to the decorative arts.

During most of the 18th century, embroiderers turned their attention to canvas work. Needlepoint on canvas became a favored technique used for furnishings. An embroidery frame was usually used to stretch out the ground fabric to be embroidered.

The focus of this class will be designing and needlepointing a panel for an embroidery stand, which will emphasize a work in progress. Referring to pictures/ copies of actual 18th century needle worked panels for inspiration, students will design and chart their pattern, followed by needlepointing that design on #48 silk gauze. If they wish, students may opt for #58 silk gauze. Partial charts to be worked on either #48 or #58 will be available for those not wanting to design their own panel.

As an option, the completed panel may be attached to a 1/12 scale replica of a c. 1730 English frame that had metal ratchets to adjust the angle of the work. A frame has been made especially for this class by Mark Murphy, with brass adjustment wheels made by Dr G’s Brasshole

Class discussions will include the essentials for setting up the project, the selection of colors, adapting antique designs to 1/12 scale and the application of the finished panel to an embroidery frame.

Students should be experienced with basic needlepoint and feel comfortable working on either #48 or #58 silk gauze.

TIME: 12 hours. Completion is unlikely. However, students will have the materials and techniques to complete the project at home.

POWER TOOLS: None

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate and advanced

MATERIALS FEE: $25 to be collected in advance of school. There will be the option of purchasing the embroidery stand for $180.