If you're in the Chicago area and you've ever wanted to try Japanese Embroidery, here's a local opportunity. This small project will teach you all of the basics of this technique.
LOVING KOI
© Original Design by KAREN L. PLATER
In Japan , the symbolism of the Koi fish represents perseverance in adversity, determination, and strength of purpose. It is usually considered a symbol of masculine strength, though it can be applied to women as well.
Try your hand at a variety of traditional Japanese Embroidery techniques in silks and metal threads while creating this playful and symbolic design.
Class: SAT – MAY 22 and SUN – MAY 23, 2010
Place: Hyde Park – Chicago , IL
Proficiency Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Design Size: 6” circle
Cost: Complete kit - $100 + Teaching fee - $50
Registration: $75 deposit
Deposit Due: May 1, 2010
Contact: Ruth Bloom - lsbrwb@yahoo.com
About the Teacher:
Karen L. Plater has mastered all ten Phases for certification as a teacher (sensei) of Traditional Japanese Embroidery and has been teaching for 6 years.
In 2006 she completed a two-year teaching apprenticeship at the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta where she continues to teach. Karen also has monthly classes in her Florida home studio and is now expanding her teaching locations to include Chicago , IL . She continues to travel to Japan for study with professional embroiderers and recently taught an original design at a retreat in Maine .
Her work has been on exhibit in Japan , the United Kingdom and the United States . In October, 2008 she hosted a one-woman show of her embroideries at the University Club of Winter Park, FL.
“ It is only through achieving a combination of technique and design skills while expressing a personal sensitivity that one is able to pursue the beautiful art of Nuido or the “way” of embroidery.”
Class: SAT – MAY 22 and SUN – MAY 23, 2010
Class time 9:30A to 3:30P. (Classroom will be open at 9:00A for set-up). Lunch 12N - Bring a lunch. Please be prompt and plan to stay for the entire class.
Place: Hyde Park – Chicago, IL
The location of class is Regents Park Apartments 5020 S. Lake Shore Drive (enter via East End Ave.). Please tell the concierge that you are visiting Karen Plater in “corporate” apartment 316N.
Design Size: 6” circle
Kit Fee/Contents: $100; traditional small Japanese frame, obi silk with design and special dyes applied, all flat silks and metallic threads required to complete the design, special tools (tekoburi, koma, assorted needles) and instruction booklet with color image.
Teaching Fee: $ 50
Supplies to bring to class: Please bring your regular stitching supplies plus - notepaper and colored pencils, small ruler in millimeters. Should you feel the need for a magnifier or project light, bring your own.
Registration and Deposit Due: $75 - May 1, 2010
Fill out registration form, then make check payable to KAREN L. PLATER
Get all information and check to Ruth Bloom
Contact: Ruth Bloom ( Chicago-Hyde Park contact)
4940 S. East End Ave.-Apt 18B
Chicago , IL 60615
HOME 773-752-2420 WORK 773-702-3628
Email: lsbrwb@yahoo.com
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LOVING KOI
Teacher: KAREN L. PLATER
Class: SAT – MAY 22 and SUN – MAY 23, 2010
REGISTRATION FORM
NAME: _________________________________________
CITY: _________________________________________
STATE: _______________________ ZIP: ______________
PHONE: ___________________
EMAIL: ___________________
MAKE $75 DEPOSIT OUT TO: KAREN L. PLATER
MAIL DEPOSIT TO: Ruth Bloom – LOVING KOI CLASS
4940 S. East End Ave. –Apt 18B
Chicago, IL 60615
I love the lines on the leaves and how the curl.
This cracked sidewalk. I walk past it every day. I think the cracks have produced a very dynamic design. So early in my walks I sketched it upon returning home. On my next day's walk, I saw all that was wrong with the sketch. I think I've made five or six sketches now, never quite catching the exact angles that cause it to come alive for me. So, each day I really look at it and maybe over time I will capture it (and in the meantime, I've pasted this photo into my sketchbook).
I pass this little blue "plug" each day, too. I love how teensie little plants are growing in it's depressions. I find both of these images really inspiring.
Some Easter back porch shots. N getting ready to knit. I like this picture of her.
And the guys, discussing something (not sure what, nothing serious, they're looking at the side yard). (brother-in-law, hubby, brother)
And there it sat. I'm stuck. Every time I look at it, I wonder about the person who began it, why it was abandoned so close to being complete, and I can't just toss the work she did. I also haven't figured out an alternative use for the completed pieces. But I also just don't see myself going ahead and completing it. So my solution is to give it to one of you. 
I'm hoping someone out there doesn't have my compulsive streak and will be able to move ahead with this piece--toss it and keep the frame, finish it and use it, or adapt the stitched pieces to something new. Leave a comment to this post and it could be yours!
