Make Something This May in a Hands-On Workshop

Melissa Galbraith
10 hours ago
4 min read

MCreativeJ May Workshops- Woven mends, stumpwork gingko earrings, stumpwork strawberries, cactus embroidery basics, vegetable embroidered tote bags, indigo dyeing and more!

May is often seen as the month of upcycling and mending. With hashtags like #MeMadeMay, #RefashionedClothing and #Refashion being used, you can see why upcycling, mending, and repurposing are so popular. One of my many goals this year has been to buy more secondhand clothing, which has quickly led to a Depop obsession and a delightful wool sweater collection... but that's a story for another time. Even buying second hand, I sometimes need to make a few repairs or upcycle a garment.

Hand embroidery and indigo dyeing are fun and easy ways to mend and add something special to a piece. Thanks to my mom, I learned many of the basics and now teach classes on both these playful crafts. If you'd like to get started with either of these and go beyond with 3D embroidery, then join me for a workshop in May!

We all need a crafty break- even me, who crafts for a living!

Here's what craft workshops you can get up to this May:

Group of people holding indigo dyed tea towels in front of table with indigo dye supplies

May 2- Intro to Indigo Dyeing at Kent Library from 2-4pm PST

Explore the magic of indigo dyeing. Learn how to fold and bind fabric to create patterns and designs with indigo dye. You’ll love seeing the dye change colors, and your designs come to life! In class, you will receive four cotton tea towels to create your own patterns. You're also encouraged to bring additional natural fiber materials to dye, like cotton, wool, linen, silk. This class can get messy, so please wear clothing you don’t mind getting a little dye on. If you are bringing additional items to dye, please nothing larger than 3ft x3ft.

3D stumpwork strawberry embroidery laying on a table next to embroidery thread, scissors, and an embroidery hoop

May 9- Stumpwork Strawberry Embroidery at Maydel in Chicago from 10-2pm CST

Want to create textural embroidery that pops off the fabric? Learn stumpwork with this delightful strawberry design. Stumpwork is a type of textural embroidery that uses padding and wire to create elements that stand away from the fabric creating 3D elements. In this 4 hour class you’ll learn how to make a sculptural strawberry and leaves that stick out from the fabric. We'll cover wire slips and stuffed padding stumpwork embroidery techniques as well as various embroidery stitches. All materials are included. This class is best suited for makers that have stitched before, however all are welcome.

Melissa embroidering a 3D embroidery in her studio.

May 16- Artist talk with PNNAG from 10-11am PST

Join us for a talk with local fiber artist Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ. Learn how a childhood creative pursuit became an unexpected career, the behind the scenes of publishing craft books, and more on hand embroidery techniques. Melissa will have a wide variety of samples for you to explore from her books: How to Embroider Texture and Pattern, DIY Embroidered Shoes, and 3D Botanical Embroidery & Stumpwork. Bring your interest in hand embroidery and your questions for Melissa.

Two 3D stumpwork strawberry embroideries laying on a table next to embroidery thread, scissors, and an embroidery hoop

May 16- 3D Strawberries at North Bend Art and Industry from 1-4pm PST

Want to create textural embroidery that pops off the fabric? Learn stumpwork with this delightful strawberry design. Stumpwork is a type of textural embroidery that uses padding and wire to create elements that stand away from the fabric creating 3D elements. In this 3 hour class you’ll learn how to make a sculptural strawberry and leaves that stick out from the fabric. We'll cover wire slips and stuffed padding stumpwork embroidery techniques as well as various embroidery stitches. All materials are included. This class is best suited for makers that have stitched before, however all are welcome.

Hand holding a sock with an in progress honey comb darn

May 17- Woven Mends at A Little Knitty from 12-2pm PST

Does your knitwear or denim have a hole in it? Learn how to patch that hole with visible mending. In this two-hour, hands-on workshop you’ll learn two types of woven mends: darning and honeycomb filling to patch a hole. During class, you’ll learn how to get started with visible mending, different threads and materials to use, how to use a darning loom, and how to mend specific garments. Mends can be made to look like decorative motifs or matched to a garment. All materials are provided.

Two embroidered hoops featuring cacti. One is in progress showing embroidery stitches and transfer patterns.

May 20- Stitching Succulents at Covington Library from 2-3:30pm PST

Learn to stitch a succulent. This 1.5 hour, hands-on workshop helps new stitchers (ages 12+) get started with hand embroidery. We'll cover prepping fabric in the hoop, splitting, knotting, and threading as well as basic embroidery stitches like the satin stitch, seed stitch, and reverse chain stitch. In class, you will receive a full kit that includes: an embroidery hoop, succulent transfer designs, an embroidery needle, full skeins of embroidery thread, cotton fabric, and printed instructions.

A hand holding two embroidered ginko earrings

May 23- Thread Painted Botanical Earrings at Make Apothecary from 1-4pm PST

Have you ever wanted to create a wearable embroidery or color with thread? In this class we’ll do just that! With hands-on guidance you’ll enjoy a 3 hour class learning the basics of thread painting, stitching on tulle fabric, and wire slip stumpwork embroidery to start creating a pair of botanical earrings. No matter if you’re an experienced embroiderer or newer to stitching, in this class we’ll practice stitches needed to thread paint and create 3D ginkgo earrings. You'll feel confident to continue stitching and finish your earrings at home. All materials are included for class to create wearable 3D embroidery.⁠

A tote bag embroidered with a kale leaf, red bell pepper slit in half, and a floret of broccoli. Vegetable stick and stitch patterns surround the bag- carrot, eggplant, pepper, broccoli, and kale.

May 24- Vegetable Tote Bag Embroidery at Woodmont Library from 1-3pm PST

Learn how to hand embroider a tote bag with vegetable designs perfect for summer farmers market trips and grocery runs. This 2-hour hands on embroidery workshop will help you get started with hand embroidery. We'll cover an easy design transfer method, how to use an embroidery hoop, split thread, make knots, and beginner-friendly embroidery stitches such as the satin stitch, reverse chain stitch, stem stitch, and French knot. You'll be able to choose from a wide variety of thread colors and vegetable patterns to design your tote bag.

Looking for more workshops and crafty events?

See all upcoming hand embroidery workshops and craft events.

Can't join me for an in-person workshop?

Try my Domestika course! This virtual workshop is a great way to learn at your own pace from where ever you are! My course will walk you through how to create a stained glass inspired embroidery. It's beginner-friendly and perfect for anyone who wants to get into hand embroidery.