Embroidered Surface Patterns

Teacher: Kadi Vingisaar

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Kadi Vingisaar is a craft master and researcher of folk costumes. She completed her master’s studies in Creative Applications of Cultural Heritage at UT Viljandi Culture Academy in 2022. For her MA thesis she researched surface pattern techniques used in the embroidery of Järvamaa folk costumes. Kadi instructs embroidery in various folk costume schools across Estonia and is active in the Järvamaa folk costume advisory board, conducting various workshops and information days.

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Embroidery has always been used in Estonian folk costumes, with many diverse techniques. Surface embroidery has mostly been used in Northern Estonian embroideries, thereby making the repeated motifs unique. That includes the use of various embroidery techniques, combining different materials and colours - on old Järvamaa folk costumes, nearly 60 different variations of these embroidery techniques can be found.

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In the workshop, we will learn to embroider various surface patterns, starting with the basic techniques and then making some more complex surface patterns as well. Each participant will design a bag decorated with their favourite embroidery patterns. At the end of the workshop, the embroideries will be sewn onto a pouch.

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Each participant receives a hard-copy of instructional material on basic embroidery techniques used in the workshop. The participation fee includes all the materials for making the embroidery and sewing a pouch (fabric, various threads for embroidery, sewing and ribbon-making, needles). Other equipment will be available for use on-site - including a selection of needles, scissors, pins and embroidery frames. If you have your own pins, small scissors and needles, you can bring them along. In addition, an embroidery frame with a diameter up to 15 cm can also be brought along.

The course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in embroidery, including beginners and participants with more experience in embroidery.