Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
- 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Make an embroidery piece without a pattern with Alison Stein
A stitch can be a starting point rather than a step in a fixed design. In Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein, participants will make an embroidery piece by treating stitches a little like marks in a doodle.
A design that develops as you work
The three-hour class introduces an unplanned approach to embroidery, including how to source, choose and prepare fabric and fiber. Participants will consider color and composition as well as ways to respond when a result isn’t what they wanted.
That makes the workshop useful for someone curious about the decisions behind a piece, not just the mechanics of a stitch. Beginners can learn basic stitches, while experienced embroiderers can revisit familiar techniques and build on them in a less prescribed way.
Further reading: Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗
An instructor working across forms
Alison J. Stein is an artist, teacher and writer based in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. Her work spans textiles, painting, printmaking and book art, and she is interested in the meeting of traditional techniques and contemporary art. The workshop offers one way into that territory: using established embroidery stitches to make a piece without a predetermined pattern.
Further reading: Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗
2026-11-21 · Fleischner Family Fibers Loft
- Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein: an instructional workshop covering pattern-free embroidery, fabric and fiber preparation, a doodle approach to stitches, color and composition, and methods for addressing results participants do not love.
Before you book
Tuition, materials and scholarships
Register through Eventbrite. Tuition is $65, plus a required $15 materials fee. Full and partial tuition scholarships are available with some limitations; Contemporary Craft says applicants can expect a response within two weeks.
Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗ · Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein Tickets, Saturday, November 21 • 2 PM - 5 PM | Eventbrite ↗
Prepare for close work
Materials are provided. Bring reading glasses, a magnifier or another aid if you use one to see close-up work.
Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗
Clarify the cancellation terms
Contemporary Craft’s policy calls for student refund requests at least three business days before class and lists a $25 cancellation fee. Eventbrite’s separate summary says refunds are available up to seven days before the event. Ask the organizer which terms apply before booking.
Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗ · Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein Tickets, Saturday, November 21 • 2 PM - 5 PM | Eventbrite ↗
Getting to Timmons Studios
Choose an entrance for the Fibers Loft
The class is in the second-floor Fleischner Family Fibers Loft at Contemporary Craft’s Timmons Studios, 5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201. The Butler Street entrance requires climbing 32 stairs to reach the loft. The 57th Street entrance has a ramp and no stairs, with a lift inside to the second floor.
For accommodation questions, contact Fibers Program Manager Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1628 or [email protected]. Map links can calculate directions from your starting point.
Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗
Before you make a plan
Do I need embroidery experience?
No. The class is designed for people new to embroidery as well as experienced stitchers.
Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗
Do I need to bring fabric or thread?
No. All materials are provided. Bring glasses, a magnifier or another aid if you need one for close-up work.
Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗
Is there a stair-free way to the workshop?
The 57th Street entrance has a ramp and no stairs, and a lift inside serves the second-floor loft. Contact Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1628 or [email protected] to discuss accommodations.
Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Contemporary Craft offers full and partial tuition scholarships with some limitations and says applicants can expect to hear back within two weeks.
Introduction to Improv Embroidery with Alison Stein - Contemporary Craft ↗
Location & Google Maps
Contemporary Craft – Timmons Studios, Fleischner Family Fibers Loft
5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.