The Elizabethan Valentine class
Inspired by a tiny 17th century piece that held a mirror, then a luxury item, your silver heart is designed to hold an exquisitely detailed mother of pearl thread winder. Needlework accessory, casket toy, sewing box jewel, or lover’s token, the Elizabethan Valentine can be them all.
The Elizabethan Valentine is a 5 month online class, beginning September 1, 2024 that will take you through every step of the stitching and finishing of this sparkling treasure. It covers everything from fabric preparation, to the handling of metal threads, to the smallest details of finishing. The course is worked at your own pace, there are no deadlines on your stitching or progress.
The heart is worked with the highest quality silks and real silver thread for incomparable sparkle and shine on 38 count Italian linen. The class price includes lessons and a full kit, containing materials that have been produced specially for the Elizabethan Valentine.
The course includes step by step instruction, with detailed photographs, written directions, and stitch diagrams. Although the class is designed for an intermediate stitcher, an enthusiastic and motivated beginner can successfully stitch the Elizabethan Valentine, as the course does not assume prior knowledge. Lessons are posted on the first of each month on the class website, beginning September 1, and available for download for up to three months after course conclusion.
Please note that although this project is comprised of stitches that will be familiar to a cross stitcher – largely diagonals worked over one and two threads – it is not charted. The heart is worked in 17th century style, filling in a design printed on the fabric.
Whether it is the finishing touch in a fully embroidered casket, or the first piece in an heirloom sewing box, your silver heart is the perfect needlework accessory.
Class price: $275, payable in full or in 2 month interest free installments
A full overview of the course with a detailed look at the Elizabethan Valentine and kit contents can be found on my flosstube #30
Kit includes: 38 count Legacy Linen and silk preprinted with the design, 8 full spools of Soie de Paris in an authentic 17th century palette, silver tambour thread, all needles required for stitching and finishing, a laser cut heart form with additional felt for padding and shaping, engraved mother of pearl threadwinder from Jackie du Plessis, and more.
