This online class consisted of 179 stitchers from 37 states, Canada, England, Scotland and Germany, who enrolled during the months of February and March, 1999. The course lasted one year, so pieces to be critiqued had to be sent by 1 April 2000.
Pieces appear here as they are completed.
Old Staffordshire is a study in repeating or diaper patterns. The aim was to take old basic stitches and turn them into layers of new complex patterns. A central star motif, surrounded by eight octagons, was inspired by an antique quilt pattern. The design lends itself to exploring the layering of stitches. Three to six layers of stitches in each octagon produce unique composite and complex stitches tastefully using pattern on pattern and texture with specialty threads.