For centuries, the history, culture, and traditions of communities around the world have been passed down, from a mother’s hands to her daughter’s, through embroidery. With each needle that is threaded, another part of history is unravelled, documented, and preserved. With each stitch that is laid down, a connection is made between mother and daughter, the opportunity to share a moment of laughter, to escape sadness, to create something new.

The history of modern Greece is a dramatic and complicated tale. Conquerors coming from east and west invaded the mainland and island communities, bringing with them their traditions and beliefs. These influences, combined with the strong individualism of the Greeks, have created a stunning history through intricately embroidered and lavish textiles.  

These exquisitely colorful embroideries from modern Greece cover a breadth of style and technique and speak to the imagination and creativity of the maker. The combination of materials used and the symbolism, both realistic and abstract, tells the complex tale of the geography and history of Greece.

In this special class, Shahnaz will be joined by her mother, Artemis, who will share her experiences of how the art of embroidery influenced her upbringing in Greece. Together, they will discuss the significance of passing textile traditions and techniques down through generations.

In this class, students will learn about the history of Greek embroidery and will learn a variety of stitches used in Counted or Canvas work. Artemis will share her tips and tricks for beautifully executed embroideries, as taught to her by her mother.

This class will focus on the 18th and 19th-century embroideries that are housed in museums around the world. Students will work through stitching the central "double-headed eagle" motif which can be seen on the historical samples provided. 

Date + Time

Thursday, December 4th, 2025, 5-7:30 pm ET

Location

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

Cost

$75 for the individual class
$450 for the series

Materials

6 Strand embroidery floss

Aida cloth 10 or 11 count

Tapestry Needles

Scissors or snips

Scholarships

We have two scholarships available for this experience. To be considered for a scholarship, please fill out the scholarship application form.

Our Teacher 

Shahnaz Khan is an embroidery artist and educator focused on the preservation of traditional techniques and their use in contemporary art. 

Connected through her cultural heritage to Pakistan and Greece, Shahnaz loves what can be gleaned about culture and history through the various adornments of cloth with a needle and thread.

Her embroidery practice has led her to work on a variety of projects including: visual art collaborations, couture fashion (Alexander McQueen & Burberry) and most recently a commission for HBO’s Gossip Girl. 

An interview with Shahnaz is included in Jen Hewett’s 2021 publication, “This Long Thread: Women of Color on Craft, Community, and Connection”. 

Shahnaz lives in New York City where she works as a costume tailor for Broadway, film, & television, while maintaining her embroidery practice. 

Shahnaz loves teaching and hopes to be able to inspire her students to incorporate traditional embroidery techniques into their contemporary work.

*This class session will be recorded. A link to the recording will be emailed to all those who register following the live session. This link is live for one month for you to watch at your convenience.

*Image 1: Cushion Cover, 1700s, Greece, maker unknown.