Course: Make a Ukrainian Embroidered Shirt "from scratch"

Tuesdays, 7-9:30pm. St. Vladimir Institute.

$25/week. Materials not included.

Register by emailing kosa.kolektiv[at]gmail.com

In this course you will learn how to make a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt "sorochka" from scratch, using linen/hemp cloth and woolen, cotton, and/or metallic threads. This course will start with choosing the traditional pattern that works for you. Then you will choose a linen or hemp fabric and cut out the pieces for the shirt. (Hemp and organic cotton/hemp fabric available for sale through the instructor)

What the course will cover:

Traditional cuts of Ukrainian folk shirts.

Techniques:

basic stitches; raised stitches; outlining stitches; combining different embroidery techniques; "merezhka" (drawn stitchwork); edging; preparation of tassles and ties

The course will be led by Myroslava Boikiv, master embroiderer and weaver from the Ivano-Frankivsk region, who specializes in ancient methods of textile work in western Ukraine; she has worked for years recreating and restoring old pieces stored in the museum collections of the Carpathian region and created several stunning pieces (shown in the photos).

Myroslava will guide students in the process from start to finish and share the nuances of the craft. There may be some additional classes offered some weekends in the fall, for additional time. Students are also expected to work on embroidery outside of class time to complete this project. Myroslava may be available for additional private lessons upon request. Instruction in Ukrainian, with English interpretation.