Friday Afternoon Classes

Friday Afternoon Classes in the Community House No. 2 at 402 North Main Street in New Harmony begin at 1:00 pm CST,  June 19, 2026.

Please contact the individual class instructor to reserve your spot in class via their provided email.  All reservations and class fees will be handled by the individual teachers.  On to the Friday afternoon classes:

Stitching Meaning: Exploring Symbolism in Sampler Motifs

Shellie Fry / Antique Needleworkers

Join us for a creative and thought-provoking class where we delve into the rich tradition of 

sampler symbolism.  Through history, needleworkers have used motifs - from birds and trees to crowns and hearts - not just for decoration, but to express beliefs, values, hopes, and personal stories.  

In this workshop, we'll explore the meanings behind classic sampler motifs and how they were used to convey hidden messages or commemorate significant life events and explore their rich symbolism.  

You will then learn how to chart your own motifs and thoughtfully use color to reflect your personal narrative.  

By the end of class, each student will design a unique sampler layout that tells their own story through symbolic imagery - honoring the past while creating something deeply personal and new.  

Whether you are a seasoned stitcher, or just beginning your journey, this class will inspire you to look at your needlework in a whole new way.  

Provided in the class each student will receive linen or Aida, thread, hoop, needle, graph paper, colored pencils, and a small set of scissors, along with a copy of Brenda Keys Ultimate Sampler Motif source book.  

Class Maximum - 30 Students

Class Fee - 85.00

shellie@antiqueneedleworkers.com

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Chrisbaumschnitte

Barbara Dyar / Papercutter

In this class, German Scherenschnitte style dimensional Holiday ornaments 

will be cut and assembled in class by students.  Tips and techniques will be shared by the instructor 

as she guides hands-on learning.  All the necessary materials are provided in the class kit.  

Class Maximum - 12 Students

Class Fee - 65.00

babarjean@hotmail.com

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Lace Up

Carol McGrew

Have you ever wanted to lace and frame a cross-stitch finish but don't know where to start?

In this hands-on class, Carol McGrew will walk you through the steps to lace and frame a small design you have pre-stitched.  She will also share tips for using lacing to frame larger pieces or to prepare non-framed finishes, such as ornaments or box toppers.  Pre-stitching is required.  

The class kit includes pattern, 36 ct linen, overdyed floss, and a wooden frame.  

Class Maximum - 12 Students

Class Fee - 75.00

linenstitcher2@gmail.com

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First Class Flat Finish

Lori Wilson / Thread Milk Design

This class will include instruction for a flat finish on a wood board.  Students should bring 

a pre-stitched Prairie Schooler yearly Santa on the called for material and trim.  Students will receive a board, wire, and a full bottle of glue for each participant, along with all other finishing materials.

Pre-stitching is required.  

Class Maximum - 12 to 30

Class Fee - 30.00

threadmilkdesign@gmail.com

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SPECIAL EVENING TOUR

Mrs. Lenz' Garden of Peace and Plenty 

Peggy Taylor / Loom Hall Textiles

Join us on Friday evening for a relaxed tour of the unique garden at the historic David Lenz house, 

just a short walk from the Granary and Community House in New Harmony.  We'll learn about kitchen gardens from the Harmonist era, early 1800's, and see the plants that were grown for culinary and medicinal purposes, as well as for dyes on cloth and yarn.  

This beautiful, orderly garden offers delightful sights with the blooming flowers and varied fragrances of herbs such as lovage, comfrey, borage, tansy, costmary, sage, and many more.  The vegetable beds contain onions, asparagus, cucumbers, bean varieties, and culinary herbs; the dye garden provides Japanese indigo, madder, woad, sunflowers, marigold, and coreopsis.  All were used by the Harmonists in this self-sufficient utopian community on the banks of the Wabash.  

The Tour is 40 minutes with time for questions as we go along, and feel free to take photos to capture the images of this special place of peace and plenty, sure to inspire your stitching with nature's own color

schemes.  We make you kindly welcome!

UPDATE:  SOLD OUT FOR 2026

Tour Time:  6:00 pm CST

Tour Fee:  Free with Reservation

loomhall79@gmail.com

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