The reward of teaching, you see, is something far more subtle than the mere transmission of knowledge—it is the quiet, yet profound, blossoming of my students’ own growth. It’s in the grand unveiling of a large project completed, in the vibrant shift of colors or designs that suddenly speak of their soul, or in that moment when they venture forth, designing or teaching with a newfound confidence. I live for those moments—when they share a glimpse of their work in progress, or the triumph of a finished piece, as though the threads of our connection have woven something truly remarkable. The honor, my dear friend, is not simply in what I offer, but in the fact that you’ve chosen to dedicate your precious time to my designs, my lessons, my threads. A rare and treasured gift, indeed
As you view these works, I invite you to appreciate them as deeply as I do. In my standard project courses, many students take a unique approach, subtly or boldly altering colors, threads, finishes, or designs, and I celebrate their creative spirit—so be sure to notice the distinctive touches in each photograph. Cabinet of Curiosities - Part I is a course where students design their own casket, a project that demands more time and dedication. These works are documented not only through the evolution of the project but also with photos that highlight the learning process through smaller pieces. Full caskets in progress will be shared and, once completed, updated in their entirety. These finished caskets deserve a closer look from all angles, so they will link to additional slideshows or personal blogs, websites, and Instagram pages, where the embroiderers share their experiences with more photos.
Please do not repost or pin photos from the Student or Casket Galleries. Permission from the copyright holders is granted solely for use on this website.
I feel quite privileged in having the chance to participate in all aspects of casket making, including all of the lovely fibres, excellent instructions, trying new techniques and enjoying the finished product
My enjoyable journey with Tricia
Harmony with Nature Design by Patricia Nguyen of Thistle Threads, Embroidery Frame design and kit by Janet Granger (Dollhouse Needlepoint)
The harp and harpist represent a personal farewell to more than 40 years as a professional orchestra harpist.
Jane changed the colors of Harmony to purple and blue stripes which worked very effectively and added many detached elements to the flowers of the lid
What a pleasure this has been to work on. Brilliant clear instruction from Patricia, it's nice to get to use different techniques.
This was a wedding gift for my sister and so much fun!
A joy to work with all those wonderful threads and then also utilizing Rachael Kinnison's papier mache forms.
Wonderful color changes to the original design to personalize
Inspired by John Tenniel's drawings of Alice in Wonderland
(Note: Close views are in the Cabinet of Curiosities Caskets II Gallery as wandering through the motifs is like seeing Caren's imagination go wild with the new threads and their possibilities. Go down the rabbit hole!)
I greatly enjoyed this stimulating, stumpwork course, which taught me a lot, and led to me tackling a Harmony Casket, while designing my own double casket.
(Note: Sue lined and finished her mirror in a beautiful blue)
Stumpwork mirror representing Andrew Marvell's mower poems: "And in the greenness of the grass, did see its hopes as in a glass"
Click Image for more: https://katie-strachan.com
I like the side on picture, as I have always thought it gives a much better view showing the 3D depth that is so hard to find in a 2D picture
The 2D view (still just as beautifully done)
it was an amazing journey where l learnt all aspects of stumpwork, needlelace, faces and hands. It was very challenging and highly satisfying. I started the mirror as a sampler, often changing a few areas to see the differences in stitches and materials. I also enjoyed dressing up the King and Queen. I am very happy with the result and glad l had it framed.
Sincere thanks to Tricia for guiding completion of this casket, as it is surely one of the most memorable and joyful stitch journeys ever!😊
I feel quite privileged in having the chance to participate in all aspects of casket making, including all of the lovely fibres, excellent instructions, trying new techniques and enjoying the finished product
Mehitble Payton was my first attemped piece of needlelace work and I love the result.
The colored needlace band is calling my name, after I conquer the Montenegrin band. What a beautiful piece!
I almost threw it away after I messed up the bottom. I stitched it with friends on Thursday nights via Zoom. They told me to just do the white work again on the top. I keep it to remind myself that stitching is a process. Mine won't be perfect, but I am learning.
(Note - love it as looks just like museum examples - now we know why!)
I have lined the entire casket which was very satisfying and now it is all ready for more of my embroidered panels to place on it
Thank you, Tricia for your amazing, unstinting efforts to bring the experience of 17th century embroidery to us, today. I have so enjoyed my journey!
Updated view of the front as progress is acceletrating!
There is the small dragon in blue on the left instead of the turkey. The box was a joy to work on
The small hidden drawers where I also put sleeping dragons to tie in with the one on the side.
Tim is an amateur embroiderer in southern California who likes to try as many types of embroidery as possible.
See his step by step work on his instagram as well as his gold work and thread painting
This was such a fun project to stitch, and a great memento of the 2018 Winterthur conference! I enjoyed using the colored silk purls in different ways (trellis stitch!) and was delighted that the finished flower fit in the top of a box that I painted and lined in burgundy/gold velvet.
I have loved learning from Tricia's classes. They have challenged me in the best way. As a historian by profession, I love the new journeys of knowledge she has taken me on
