About this Event
Location: 850 Battery Street
Class length: 3 hours
Skill level: all levels
Class Description: Join visiting artist Lesia Pona to learn the basics of Merezhka Needlework, a traditional drawn thread technique from Ukraine. Merezhka , translating to border, is a style of whitework embroidery in which counted threads are removed from the fabric, and white thread is added to form intricate, lace-like designs. The workshop will cover a brief history of Merezhka, share examples of its application on various garments, and walk the students through creating their pieces. Class instruction will start with the foundational application of the technique, then progress to intermediate stitches, making it the perfect workshop for stitchers of all skill levels!
Following the workshop, join us for the opening reception of Lesia Pona’s exhibition from 2 to 4 pm. The exhibition will cover several traditional Ukrainian Embroidery techniques and will include a pop-up sale of the artist’s work. The reception is free and open to the public, no RSVP is necessary!
Cost: Pay what you can. All donations will go towards Razom for Ukraine, a 501(c)3 based in the Bay Area helping local Ukrainian volunteer organizations provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the war and advocating for Ukraine by educating about policies that strengthen and support Ukraine. To learn more about Razom For Ukraine, visit their website.
Provided for you in your kit:
- Base fabric
- Embroidery needles
- Embroidery floss
Provided for your use during the course:
- Embroidery hoop/frame (personal preference)
- Embroidery scissors
- Embroidery light & magnifier
About the Educator: Lesia Pona was born in the city of Lviv in Western Ukraine. She received her first lessons in traditional embroidery from her mother at a young age. She attended youth art school and later continued her education at the Institute of Applied Arts in Lviv, where she learned weaving techniques and silk painting. She later worked as a carpet and Gobelin tapestry maker.
In the early 1990s, she met a famous folk embroiderer who was a member of the League of Ukrainian Folk Art Masters. She introduced Pona to the world of “Whitework” embroidery – made with white yarn on white fabric. Her mentor taught her many traditional techniques—some of which are all but forgotten today, and embroidery became Pona’s preferred medium.
Lesia lives in Kolomyia, Ukraine—the gateway to the Carpathian Mountains and the Hutsul ethnic region.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
San Francisco School of Needlework & Design, 850 Battery Street, San Francisco, United States
USD 0.00