Join us for Stitch a Cute Critter in a Garden, a beginner-friendly hand embroidery workshop where participants will create a charming embroidered garden scene while learning traditional embroidery techniques. Throughout the workshop, participants will explore several common embroidery stitches and gain an understanding of fabric tension, thread choice, and how these elements contribute to a polished final piece. The instructor will provide live demonstrations and share insight into the history of embroidery, how this technique connects to other fibre arts traditions, and the differences between commonly used materials, tools, and stitching methods.
The workshop includes three hours of guided instruction, with an optional fourth hour for anyone who would like extra time to finish their project.
Suitable for ages 12 and up. All materials are provided.
Please note that this is a detailed project involving close handwork. Participants are encouraged to bring reading glasses and/or a magnifying lens for detailed stitching.
About your instructor:
Darcy L. Hoover is an Edmonton based fibre artist who works predominantly in hand embroidery.
Darcy has training from the Royal School of Needlework in London, UK. She achieved a Certificate in Technical Hand Embroidery with merit in 2024. Darcy is currently working on the follow-up Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery with an expected completion date in early 2027. These two achievements will demonstrate Darcy's proficiency in seven traditional embroidery techniques: crewelwork, blackwork, silk shading, goldwork, whitework, applique, and canvaswork.
Darcy has been motivated by the recent resurgence of interest in hand embroidery to expand her practice into teaching and education. She participated in a group embroidery demonstration with the Edmonton Needlecraft Guild at the University Botanic Garden in August 2024 and was invited to do an embroidery demonstration at AGG in February 2025.
Her work has been featured in several Edmonton and area exhibits for the Edmonton Needlecraft Guild, the Focus on Fibre Art Association, and Allied Arts Council. Darcy teaches embroidery through Artelier at the Paint Spot, Little Blue Fibre Studio, and in individual private lessons.
Darcy is a former board member and current member of both the Edmonton Needlecraft Guild and the Sculptors’ Association of Alberta.