Embroidering a Photo Workshop

Do you have a group portrait that doesn’t quite convey the joy of the occasion or a black and white photo that could use a pop of color? Join artist Robert Mahar in an embroidery workshop in Seattle that reimagines the family photo album and explores ways to transform vintage photographs with embroidery embellishments!In this workshop, you are invited to stitch on a selection of ten black and white images custom printed on a fat quarter (18” x 27”) of linen cotton canvas. Your instructor will guide you through the exercise of “enhancing the seen and imagining the unseen”, equipping you to highlight aspects of costuming and setting and introduce props and text not captured by the camera. 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 program 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 photographic imagery.Please note that while you’ll experiment and play with some of Robert’s favorite vintage photos, you’ll also learn how to have your images printed on fabric for future projects, turning your photo archive into wall-ready works of art. The photos used in class are cleverly designed with border guides/cut lines - allowing you to easily machine sew finished edges at home, present your finished works in standard-size ready-made frames, or incorporate your embroidered photos into a large variety of fabric projects (wall hangings, quilts, totes, throw pillows, or apparel appliqué).Our current COVID protocol is that anyone attending an event can contact us to let us know they prefer that people wear masks up to 72 hours before the event begins. Your request is anonymous to all the other participants. You will receive an email before the class to let them know if masks will be required.

Beginner Friendly. Ages 18+
  Each material kit includes: a custom sampler depicting 10 vintage photographs, practice fabric, a limited palette of 6-strand embroidery floss, wood hoop, embroidery needle, and instructional diagrams.
 

• Reading glasses, if needed.
• Please arrive about 15 minutes before class begins.
• If you have favorite embroidery tools or prefer specific colors of embroidery floss (6-strand or perle), you are welcome to bring these items to the workshop.