Looks like the embroidery course is in the close horizon now, thanks to the kindness of the UK Embroidery Guild. Game on for summer! I am not sure if I am ready to form such a close relationship with my sewing machines -- I haven't used them much, and frankly, my Pfaff still gives me pause as the first one I had was such a dysfunctional machine. The replacement has been ok, but there are still some things it doesn't like doing. Glad to have several to choose from (see, there IS a reason for hoarding sewing machines!) I might be starting with the hand embroidery unit, not sure yet, which would solve the problem somewhat.
In preparation, here is a link to a tenacious stitcher, and mentor, Marilyn Pappas. Marilyn was head of the Fibers department at Mass Art when I was an undergraduate. In retrospect, she was excellent, At the time, I had a hard time seeing that because of my own turmoil. She was thorough in sharing inspirations with us and exposing us to a wide range of fiber art forms, and was supportive of every goofy idea I tried to latch on to as a beginning artist. After retiring from Mass Art, she created her most amazing personal work -- hand stitched goddesses. Gorgeous pieces that stunned the fiber community at the time they were shown, and still are amazing. I had a piece in a show in Philadelphia at the same time this piece was being shown, and remember how beautiful it was. Massive, elegant, and a true example of the power of stitched work. Her gallery bio is here, and her work is amazing. Steeped in history and personal iconography, it is elegant. Enjoy!