Welcome to Perfect Squares - my Block of the Month project running from September to December in 2023. This sampler style project is made up of a series of squares that interlock perfectly to form a complete design. In mathematics, a perfect square dissection describes a square area subdivided into a series of squares such that no two squares are the same size. My maths brain couldn't resist the challenge to turn this into a canvawsork embroidery design! The project includes a wide variety of stitches worked in stranded silks on 24-count Congress canvas. You will learn all the stitches required to complete the project as well as being encouraged to experiment with the allocation of colours and stitches to make the final design your own unique interpretation. Your course includes full colour notes, stitch charts, stitch diagrams and a comprehensive set of instruction videos.

Testimonials

“Thankyou for sharing all these wonderful stitches and patterns, this has been one of the best pieces I have done. I have really enjoyed learning new stitches.”

Kay, Queensland, Australia

“Your work is brilliant and you are so inspiring in your warm and professional videos.”

Kathy, Victoria, Australia

“This has been a really fun project. Thank you Ann-Marie, it's been a real learning experience and I have loved it.”

Ann, Victoria, Australia

“Thank you Ann-Marie for another lovely project. Looking back to Feb/March I realise how much I have learned, and how that has allowed me to be more adventurous!”

Wendy, Victoria, Australia

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I can promise you many hours of happy stitching and a beautiful completed project.

How It Works

The course is broken into four lessons to be delivered on September 2, October 7, November 4, and December 2. There are 21 blocks in total. They are various sizes, so the classes are divided to be as equally balanced as possible. Each lesson includes a chart of the blocks to be taught, detailed notes and stitch diagrams showing you how to work each stitch, and videos demonstrating everything you need to know. It's the next best thing to being in a classroom with me. In fact, it's probably better because you can play the videos over and over again if a stitch is unfamiliar! For those who prefer my more traditional notes format, all the information is also available as downloadable PDFs which you can print out and refer to offline.

Materials

What will you need to complete the project?

  • FABRIC: The project is stitched on 24-count Congress fabric. The finished design measures 25cm x 25cm so I suggest using a piece of Congress that measures 40cm x 40cm. You can choose to work the project on finer linen or coarser 18-count canvas, but you will need to adjust the fabric size and thread quantities accordingly. I can supply a 40cmx40cm piece of Congress canvas to Australian or New Zealand customers only for AU$15.00 plus shipping. See the link to my Etsy store below.

  • THREADS: My version is stitched in stranded silks from my own hand-dyed range. If you have some threads in your collection that have just been waiting to be used, this project is a great stash buster. You will need a strongly variegated thread, a more subtly variegated thread, eleven coordinating solids, and a small quantity of seed beads. More details are listed in the first lesson of the course. My original offering of 80 thread packs is now SOLD OUT, however below you will find details about putting your name on a waiting list for when I have the time and silk base stock to make more.

  • FRAMES: This piece is best stitched in an embroidery frame. 14"x14" (35cm x 35cm) or 16"x16" (40cm x 40cm) stretcher bars or 14"x14" (35cm x 35cm) Q-snaps are both excellent options. You can also work on a scroll frame with a minimum width of 14” (35cm). Australian and NZ customers are welcome to contact me to purchase Q-snap frames.

  • NEEDLES: You will need Size 24 tapestry needles to work this on 24-count Congress. Tapestry needles have a blunt tip and are the best choice for working this style of embroidery. To attach the beads, you can use a very fine Size 28 tapestry needle or a beading needle.

To order materials from me

  1. My original 80 thread packs are now SOLD OUT. You can put your name on a waiting list for when more packs become available by emailing me at [email protected], however I can't guarantee that they will be shipped in time for the beginning of September.
  2. For Australian and New Zealand customers only, please click here to order your Congress fabric in a choice of white, soft ivory, eggshell, or mocha. (For customers in other parts of the world, it will be more efficient and cheaper to order it directly from your favourite local or online needlework store.)

Instructor

"I believe that every single stitch you make is a BEAUTIFUL STITCH. A small brush of love on the fabric, recording for generations to come the time you put aside to create something special with your own hands."

Ann-Marie Anderson-Mayes

Ann-Marie is a hand embroidery artist based in Perth, Western Australia. She has been stitching for as long as she can remember, but only took it up full-time in 2012 when she started her business, Beautiful Stitches. Her former professional career as a scientist was strongly grounded in mathematics, and that passion for geometry and number is clearly expressed in her embroidery designs. It is all about colour and pattern!

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You will love working these beautiful combinations of pattern and colour.