Stitching Class

Today I’m headed to a stitching workshop to learn an embroidery technique called Or Nue.  Or Nue is also called “shaded gold” and is a type of goldwork embroidery using couching where different colored silk threads are stitched over the metallic base of gold threads to form patterns or designs, often figures or narrative scenes. The finished product is a definite pattern, deliberately stitched so that the metal shows through.  The technique was used extensively in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Italy in the Middle Ages.  The design for today’s class is an owl.

I’ve not done Or Nue before, let alone much couching, so this will be a day of learning for me. I’ve been anticipating this workshop for many weeks and today has finally arrived and I’m feeling excited.  I’m also anticipating the camaraderie of spending a day with other like-minded women who can talk about embroidery techniques, projects, and supplies for hours on end and not get bored.  There’s always plenty of non-stitching talk as well, with stories and laughter to share throughout the day as we work away on our class project.

Workshops such as this are one of many educational opportunities offered through the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, hosted by local chapters.  Today’s class is sponsored by a chapter about 100 miles away from where I live, so another plus of the day will be to meet and make some new friends connected by our love of stitching.  It’s going to be a great day!