Friday, August 8, 2025

My Classes at the Threadworxs Fair

©Copyright 2025 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC   https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
Greetings friends! You may have recently seen some buzz on social media about me teaching at the Threadworx Fair in June 2026… and yes, the rumors are true! I’m thrilled to officially announce that I’ll be teaching two needlework finishing classes at this exciting new event. I can’t wait to dive into all the details with you—thank you so much for the enthusiasm and support so far!

The Threadworx Fair is coming to New Harmony, Indiana in June 2026, and it’s shaping up to be something truly special. This inaugural event is proudly sponsored by the Guild of the Wabash—a creative collaboration between Crossing Centuries, Loom Hall Textiles, and Cranberry Bog Cottage.

Set in a charming and historic village, the Fair will feature:

Even better? There are no registration fees required to attend the Fair itself! The exhibit and market will be held in The Granary and are open to all, with donations gratefully accepted at the door. Class sign-ups and payments are handled directly by each instructor, with individual class fees listed accordingly.

And in case you missed it—Teresa Kogut will be the very special guest!

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INFORMATION ON MY CLASSES

One of the event planners reached out to me in mid-June about the possibility of teaching—and while I jumped in and started designing as soon as we worked out specifics, my calendar was already jam-packed. That means I wasn’t able to get my models fully stitched and finished before the official announcement on August 1st (which I learned about only days before)... so photos will be available in the coming weeks!

What I can tell you is:

  • Both of my classes will feature exclusive designs created especially for the Threadworx Fair.
  • Both classes focus on needlework finishing and will be hands-on.
  • Each class is limited to 30 students.
  • Classes will be held in Community House No. 2, just steps from The Granary. This beautiful building is an original Harmonist dormitory, owned by the Indiana State Museum, and houses artifacts from the original settlement. We'll be gathering on the second floor—what a setting!
  • I will have a small trunk show/market in my classroom.
  • There will be a wait list, once each class fills up.

I'm currently taking reservations on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you’d like to attend one or both classes, be sure to email me to reserve your spot. Once a class fills, I’ll begin a waitlist.

I’m still finalizing the payment details, but those will be sent out to students on my class list along with the class project photos as soon as they’re ready. Once your class fee is received (via check or PayPal), you’ll receive the stitching pattern for pre-stitching, and please note that at that point, your fee will be non-refundable.

If you’re on the class list, rest assured—you’ll receive all the pertinent information as soon as it’s available!

In a perfect world, I’d have all the details wrapped up in a pretty bow—but these things take time, and I appreciate your patience and excitement while I get everything ready behind the scenes!

If you're planning to attend the Fair and want to be on my class roster, go ahead and send me an email now so I can get you on the list. I can’t wait to share more soon!

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CLASS 1:

Homestead and Harmony: A Set of Three Rick Rack Rounds

Friday, June 19, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 NOON
Community House No. 2, New Harmony, Indiana
CLASS FEE: $95.00

What do you get when you combine cross-stitch, rick rack, sewing pins, and a few charming embellishments? A set of Rick Rack Rounds, of course!

Homestead and Harmony is an exclusive trio of round pinkeeps inspired by the historic charm of New Harmony, the excitement of the 1st annual Threadworx Fair, and a touch of summer patriotism in honor of the Semiquincentennial.

In this 3-hour hands-on class, you’ll arrive with your pre-stitching complete and leave with (at least) one fully finished Rick Rack Round. I’ll guide you step-by-step through my signature round pinkeep finishing technique—perfect for bowl fillers, home décor, or heartfelt gifts. We’ll also explore alternate finishing ideas and dive into tips, tricks, and materials that make finishing fun and approachable.

What’s Included:

  • Exclusive PDF pattern with all three Rick Rack Round designs (emailed upon registration)
    • Optional: a printed pattern can be mailed for an additional fee
  • Complete finishing kit with supplies to finish all three rounds (provided in class):
    • Backing fabric
    • Pre-cut cotton quilt batting
    • Pre-cut comic book boards
    • HeatnBond fusible interfacing
    • Hand-dyed rick rack in three colors
    • Straight pins in three colors
    • Lacing thread & transparent thread
    • Additional embellishments
    • Use of adhesives and tools in class
  • Detailed, full-color printed finishing instructions will be provided at class time.

Pre-Class Info:

  • Pre-stitching is required. An additional option will be available if you don’t have the pre-stitching complete before the class.
  • Participants should use their choice of 32-count linen or even-weave, or 16-count Aida; these counts are necessary to work with the pre-cut finishing materials provided in class. While linen or even-weave is preferred for optimal results, Aida is also acceptable. 
  • Floss and fabric are not included—DMC and hand-dyed thread options will be included with the pattern. Fabric will be neutral in color.

Come ready to learn, create, and leave with a beautiful finish and the confidence to complete the rest at home!

This class will teach you how to finish one of my signature Rick Rack Rounds. While the finishing technique is the same as used in all of the patterns from this popular series, the designs for this class project will be brand new and exclusive to the Threadworx Fair. The photo below is an example from the Rick Rack Rounds seriesplease note, it's just to give you an idea of the finishing style you’ll be learning. Photos of the exclusive class designs will be shared as soon as they’re ready!

Perched on a Pincushion ©Copyright 2025 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC   https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
Sample Photo of Rick Rack Rounds

Perched on a Pincushion ©Copyright 2025 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC   https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
Sample Photo of Rick Rack Rounds

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CLASS 2:

Perched with a Pennant: A Pair of Vintage Zinc Lid Pincushions

Saturday, June 20, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 NOON
Community House No. 2, New Harmony, Indiana
CLASS FEE: $90.00


These charming sewing birds are uniquely displayed in their repurposed vintage zinc Ball Jar lids, adorned with unique personalized pennants and hand-dyed trims.

Perched with a Pennant is a set of pincushions inspired by vintage sewing birds and festive celebrations. This exclusive pattern includes two coordinating sewing bird designs, each holding a personalized celebration pennant.

In this comprehensive 3-hour hands-on class, participants will arrive with their pre-stitching complete and leave with (at least) one fully finished Vintage Zinc Lid Pincushion. I will provide step-by-step guidance through my signature technique for creating round, padded pincushions with chenille and twill tape trim finishing. Designed with personalization and gift-giving in mind, these pincushions offer an opportunity for creativity. Additionally, we will explore alternative finishing ideas and delve into tips, tricks, and materials that make the finishing process enjoyable and accessible.
What’s Included:
  • Exclusive PDF pattern featuring two sewing bird pincushion designs (emailed upon registration)
    • Optional: a printed pattern can be mailed for an additional fee
  • Complete finishing kit containing supplies necessary to complete both vintage zinc lid pincushions (provided in class):
    • Two vintage zinc Ball Jar lids
    • Pre-cut cotton quilt batting
    • Pre-cut comic book boards
    • HeatnBond fusible interfacing
    • Hand-dyed chenille in two colors
    • Hand-dyed twill tape (vintage ruler)
    • Lacing thread & transparent thread
    • Additional embellishments
    • Foam core
    • Use of adhesives and tools during the class
  • Detailed, full-color printed finishing instructions provided at class time
Pre-Class Information:
  • Pre-stitching is required. An additional option will be available if you don’t have the pre-stitching complete before the class.
  • Participants should use their choice of 32-count linen or even-weave, or 16-count Aida; these counts are necessary to work with the pre-cut finishing materials/zinc lids provided in class. While linen or even-weave is preferred for optimal results, Aida is also acceptable. 
  • Floss and fabric are not included—DMC and hand-dyed thread options will be included with the pattern. Fabric will be neutral in color.
Come prepared to learn, create, and depart with a beautifully finished pincushion and the confidence to complete additional projects at home.

This class will teach you how to finish one of my signature Vintage Zinc Lid Pincushions. While the finishing technique is the same as used in a previous, popular design, the designs for this class project will be brand new and exclusive to the Threadworx Fair. The photo below is an example from my Under My Wing pattern—please note, it's just to give you an idea of the finishing style you’ll be learning. Photos of the exclusive class designs will be shared as soon as they’re ready!

Under My Wing ©Copyright 2025 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC   https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
Sample Photo of Vintage Zinc Lid Pincushions

Under My Wing ©Copyright 2025 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC   https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
Sample Photo of Vintage Zinc Lid Pincushions

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There you have it—all of the available details for my classes at the upcoming Threadworx Fair! I truly can’t express how excited and honored I am to be part of this special event, and I genuinely look forward to meeting many of you in person. Teaching is one of my absolute favorite things to do, and if you’ve taken a class with me before, you already know how much joy it brings me to share techniques, tips, and encouragement. My classes are thorough, hands-on, and fun—you’ll leave with new skills and the confidence to tackle your own finishing projects with ease!

I hope you’ll consider joining me in New Harmony next June—it’s going to be an unforgettable experience filled with creativity, community, and a whole lot of stitching magic. 

2 comments:

  1. I am so excited for you and your inclusion in this inaugural event, dear friend. Your projects sound amazing, and I know those taking your classes are in for a treat. xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh how wonderful to see you teaching cross stitch and finishing again!!! I’m so delighted for you!! Love both class projects.

    ReplyDelete