Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I haven't done any embroidery before, can
I do this?
A: While many of my fellow students do other needlework, anyone with
patience and persistence should be able to learn. Practice matters
more than previous experience.
Q: What's a 'Phase'?
A: The Center has designed a curriculum that teaches the techniques in
stages, called Phases. Several designs are available at each
phase. As students progress through the Phases, they practice the
techiques they already know and add new ones to complete the design.
Phases 1-3 are introductions to the basic techniques. Phases 4-9
emphasize specific areas while Phase 10 is the 'graduation' where all 46
techiques are used. (phase
list)After the first few phases, most students work
on other designs as well to add variety and practice.
Q: Is it expensive?
A: It seems that way when you start, since you need to buy tools such as
needles, frame and tekobari (a thread-laying tool). But those tools are
one-time purchases. Fabric and fibers (silk and metal threads) are
purchased as needed for each design, plus class fees. With each
project, you build up supplies that can be reused as well. As
with many other hobbies, you can spend a lot of money if you choose to.
Cost per hour is definitely lower than a round of golf!
Q: How long does it take to finish a
picture?
A: It depends on the size and complexity, of course. My phase 6
piece (Camellias) was about 40 hours of work, Phase 10 was over 200.
I've done several miniatures that were less than 15 hours.
Q: How many classes does it take to finish a
picture?
A: A beginner can learn everything required to complete Phase I (Hanazume)
in two weekends, provided some 'homework' is done in between. With
later phases, more classes may be needed. Since everyone moves at their
own pace, how fast they move depends on how much work they are able to
do at home.
Q: Why do the classes take a whole weekend?
A: The classes are almost entirely actual stitching time and one-on-one
instruction at the appropriate level for each student. Two days
gives plenty of time for practicing new techniques and most students
welcome the chance to have un-interrupted time to devote to their work.
Q: How did you get started?
A: I attended a 'Spirit of Cross Stitch' event at which Carl Newman, my
current teacher, was demonstrating Traditional Japanese Embroidery.
I was smitten and put my name on the 'more information' list. Two
years later, I was contacted when Carl began teaching in Rocky Mount.
Our first class was in the fall of 1998. I completed Phase X
class at the Japanese Embroidery Center in November 2005 and finished
the piece the following September