Dive deep into the world of Kantha, an exquisite embroidery and quilting tradition from the Indian subcontinent, with artist Ekta Kaul. This three-session series offers a comprehensive exploration of Kantha, focusing on its rich history, cultural significance, and unique stitch techniques. Through Ekta's extensive research and personal insights from field trips across Bengal and major museums in India and the UK, participants will learn about the Kantha tradition, its ethos of sustainability, storytelling, and mindfulness. Each session is designed to provide a hands-on learning experience, teaching participants how to create their own Kantha designs, from illustrative motifs to geometric patterns, using traditional stitches.

Level

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced embroiderer, this series promises a journey through the creativity, mindfulness and sustainability embodied in Kantha.

Dates
Fridays, July 12th, 19th, and 26th, 2024

Time
12pm – 2:30 pm ET

Location
Zoom, a link will be sent to participants the day before class.

If you cannot attend the live sessions, the recordings will be available to you for one month after the last live session.

Cost
Virtual Class : $165

Virtual Class with Materials Package: $200 + shipping

Class Materials

A kit for this class is available for purchase with the class. If you would like to purchase the kit, choose the “Virtual Class with Materials Package” from the drop down menu at checkout.

The Tatter kit includes:

• White linen square (10" x 10")
• White linen/cotton square (10" x 10")
• 2 skeins of Tatter thread
• 2 skeins perle cotton
• Assorted needles
• Needle threader
• Embroidery hoop
• Frixion pen

If using your own materials, you will need:

• Medium weight linen in ecru/cream (10”x10” or larger)
• Lightweight cotton in any color, eg. voile (10”x10”)
• Embroidery floss skeins (at least 2 contrasting colors)
• Perle No. 8 skein or ball in ecru
• Milliners needles (to fit perle no. 8 thread) or large eyed needles
• Embroidery needle (preferably No. 9)
• Sharp scissors
• Needle threaders
• Embroidery hoop
• Erasable pens for drawing on fabric
• Pearl pins
• Sewing thread for basting and hemming
• Optional: light box for tracing

All participants will receive a downloadable PDF of a Kantha design developed by Ekta before the class which they are requested to trace onto their fabric and bring to the class. The design is intended to be a suggestion and participants are welcome to choose their own designs.