In this introduction to counted cross-stitch folk embroidery, students will have the opportunity to select from one of three bookmark designs created by popular needle artist Krista West of Avlea Folk Embroidery. Students will learn how to cross stitch onto traditional evenweave fabric using cotton embroidery floss. Instructions include how to prepare and work with floss, how to start and count a pattern, helpful stitching techniques, and clever finishing options. Finished size of each bookmark is approximately 1 3/4" x 8". *Class price includes materials fee. Erin Rodewald's embroidery journey began more than four decades ago. She is an active member of the Oatlands chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America (EGA) in Northern Virginia as well as Nelly's Needlers, a non-profit group of needle artists committed to the pursuit of fine needlework and the preservation of the historical Woodlawn house and museum near George Washington's Mount Vernon. A candidate for EGA's Master Craftsman in Crewel, Erin has participated in the annual Woodlawn Needlework Show for many years and received awards for her crewel embroidery work. When she is not stitching, Erin is most often researching and writing. She has been published in EGA's Needle Arts magazine, is soon to be published in Piecework magazine, and is also the author of the Embroidery Artisan blog. Follow her on Instagram at @embroideryartisan or on the blog at www.embroideryartisan.com