I had
NO trouble finding my way back to the Shop following my landmarks and notes (
see previous post!).
I was taking a class to learn how the Padded Satin Stitch and the Split Padded Satin Stitch were done in France. Or, I think it would be better to say ...how this teacher worked these stitches.
I purchased the thread and needles at the shop, just to make sure I had the correct materials.
I came prepared with pencil and note book to take notes and draw stitch illustrations. I knew my instructor spoke just a little English and I did not know any French.
My Instructor,
Veronique, is very talented at her work and had a piece of Linen ready for me with my initials stamped on it.
She started at the beginning and I watched what she did.
She lent me her hoop as I was completely unprepared in the hoop area.
She used a large hoop on a stand. This type of embroidery is done with one hand under the hoop and the other hand on top of the hoop for best results.
First we outline the initial, then pad it.
Finally, Satin Stitch around it.
There were three other women in the class with me. I think each was a "regular" student in her Monday morning class and they were each working on a different project.
They were very nice and friendly but did not speak much English. The class room was very quiet. They did not talk among themselves during class. They were very serious about the work they were doing.
I loved the way they set up their "work station".
They laid a linen towel down on the table and put out their needle work tools so they would all be at the ready. Like us, each one had their own favorite way to store supplies. Tin boxes seemed the most popular. I relate to that!!
Lights and Magnification were necessary and everyone had them.
Tweezers were also a very necessary part of the class supplies and I discovered why before the day was over.
The student who was sitting near me was working on a complex project and her work was very good.
After working all morning, I was tired and ready for lunch.
Veronique invited me to go with her and another student to a nearby cafe. In the spirit of experiencing the true France, I ordered the same thing they did for lunch. It was a good decision. The "Plat" included everything, even drink and dessert (you had a choice in each item). I did choose a different dessert. They had yogurt. I ate Chocolate.
A wise choice. It was heavenly!
Only one other student returned for the afternoon session but there were three new (regular- Monday) students there for the afternoon. Each with their own on-going projects to work on.
And a quiet afternoon was spent stitching.
Again, after greetings...no chatting.
I came back from lunch and un-stitched the middle portion of my initial. I could not have un stitched it nearly so well with out the handy tweezers Veronique handed to me.
Then I re-stitched it.
The day went by quickly and I was sorry I would not be returning with them all the following Monday.
Veronique was a good, patient and kind teacher. The French/English barrier was not too much of a problem because I could learn from watching her for the most part. I think it would have been difficult if I had not already known how stitch.
It was such a wonderful day!
And will remain fond in my memory for a long time.
All Designs Are Copyright Protected
copyright 2013 Jeannie Baumeister
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