Teacher: Claudia Dutcher Kistler, Dutch Treat Designs

Description: Illustrated talk + show-and-tell from Claudia's Bristol sampler collection, with time for Q&A and discussion on how shops can weave history into classes, trunk shows, and marketing. Includes: A preview of Claudia's forthcoming book (target publication May 2026) titled Bristol Samplers, Samplers with a Story, featuring samplers from Claudia's collection and more.

Cost: Free

Location: Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: claudia@dutchtreat.com

Teacher: Jessica Whittaker is the owner of Silver State Stitch Shop in Boulder City, NV. She attended her first Needlework Market in 2024, just weeks after taking the leap into opening her brick-and-mortar and online shop, and has since attended two years in a row.

Description: Walking into your first Needlework Market can feel like drinking from a firehose-so much to see, buy, and learn, all in just a few days. In this class, Jessica Whittaker, owner of Silver State Stitch Shop, will share the tools, strategies, and lessons she wishes she had before her first Market. Attendees will learn how to prepare effectively, navigate the show floor with confidence, structure a budget that works, and build meaningful relationships with designers and fellow shop owners. You'll also receive a planning packet full of checklists, templates, and a sample -floor plan of attack- so you can come to Market with confidence and leave with a strategy for success.

Cost: $45

Location: Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: silverstatestitcher@gmail.com

Teacher: Amy McClellan, Under the Garden Moon

Description: Mixed-media ideas for bringing charts to life-finishing approaches and in-store demo ideas your customers will love.

Cost: $30

Location: Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: underthegardenmoon@gmail.com

Teacher: Courtney Valentine, Just Add Needles

Description: Learn needle-felting basics while making an adorable frog-plus tips for turning quick crafts into engaging shop classes.

Cost: $25 class fee + $22 supplies (needles & holders, leather finger cots, felting block, t-pins, body & eye bases and your color choice of wool roving to complete your frog).

Location: Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: justaddneedles@comcast.net

 

Teacher: Michelle Arsenault, Michelle Ink Designs (Stitching Pretty)

Description: This is a sampling of what I can do for you as a designer or store owner!
I can create molds custom to your need - charms, needleminders, counting pins, etc - come see how it works and make something yourself with this amazing medium.
I can also teach your customers in your store/retreat - You will be treated to an introduction of the Fine Silver Fun! I can bring to you an all inclusive, singular awesome event! I bring all supplies, all tools, all the equipment necessary for the class to create their very own silver accoutrements!
Tailored to your event/retreat/theme. No experience required - just enthusiasm and time set aside to play!
This class/intro will give you a look see, your very own silver piece or 2 and a chance to get all the answers.

Cost: $65

Location: Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: micheleink@aol.com

Teacher: Jane Garrison, Threadnuts

Description: Get comfortable with a variety of specialty fibers and how to present them to customers. Includes thread tips and shop-friendly ideas.

Cost: $25

Location: Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: jane@threadnuts.com

 

Teacher: Robin Laukhuf, Olde Willow Stitchery & Sylvia Steckler, Running with Needles & Scissors

Description: Here is an opportunity to stitch two charming samplers from the same sampler maker! Sylvia from Running with Needles & Scissors and Robin from Olde Willow Stitchery Designs present two sampler charts from Mary Greenup, both stitched in 1841. They provide instruction for completion as a sampler bag or stand alone samplers.

Cost: The cost is $65. Weeks Dye Works and The Gentle Art sponsored the kitted floss. The class includes all the threads to stitch both samplers along with a fat quarter of Needle Bling linen.

Location: Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: rlaukhuf@gmail.com

Teacher: Pam Lewis, Praiseworthy Stitches

Description: Step-by-step finishing for a practical thread wallet-great for beginner-friendly classes and eye-catching kits.

Cost: $25

Location: Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: praiseworthystch@bellsouth.net

Teacher: Maria Teresa Vitali, MTV Designs

Description: Stitch a delicate garden-inspired pincushion bag with charming finishing details and display ideas for your shop.

Cost: $25

Location: Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: mtvdesigns@gmail.com

Teacher:
Karen Owen / Cross Stitch Cupboard

Description: Offering classes and other shop events is an opportunity you can't afford to miss! Learn the direct and indirect benefits to your bottom line. Find out how to effectively promote special events and class offerings. Discover what you need to know to successfully price fee-based events. Bring your questions and be ready to share your experiences. Our goal is to help you book financially viable classes and events. Together Karen and Jean bring their years of experience as shop owner, teacher, and event organizer.

Cost: $25

Location: Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Class Max: 32

Email: Karen at stitch1981@aol.com

Teacher: Giulia Manfredini, Giulia Punti Antichi

Description: This needlebook purse is one of the new models Giulia Punti Antichi will present at the 2026 Nashville Show to celebrate America's 250 Anniversary.
Inspired by an 18th century purse, the needlebook is shaped as a small purse in the form of a shell, a motif Martha Washington embroidered in cushions.
The needlebook is decorated with floral designs with the colors of the America's flag and it is stitched on 36 ct Italian Ecru Linen with USA made hand dyed cotton threads.
Inside the needlebook the felt pages match with the thread colors.
The class will cover the stitching and finishing process.
A matching hand painted needle minder will be available as a gift to my students.

Cost: $35

Location: Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: info@puntiantichi.com

3:00-4:00 PM Friday - Williamsom Room, 2nd Floor Williamson

Teacher: Nicoletta Farrauto, Nikyscreations

Description: A beautiful hand made thimble and scissors case handmade by an Italian artisan.
A delicate color palette for an easy stitching.
Unusual pincushion made with a thimble. Do not miss the opportunity to bring in your shop this very useful and exclusive stitcher's tool.
Kit includes: Chart and finishing instruction, Fabric, Pom Pom trim, Thimble, and Wooden base and Wooden bobbin. Scissors not included.

Cost: $25

Location: Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Class Max: 20

Email: nicoletta.farrauto@aol.com

3:00-4:00 PM Friday - Franklin Room, 2nd Floor Franklin

Teacher: Marie-Claude Picon, Les secrets De Marie

Description: Create a tiny Pumpkin Pincushion, using wooden templates. I will share some decorative insights for your shop…. A good way to use fabric scraps Kit includes: wooden templates, fabrics, bird button, thread, wadding. Scissors and needles not included.

Cost: $35

Location: Williamson Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Class Max: 20

Email: marieclaudepicon@icloud.com

Teacher: Isabella Abbiati, The Primitive Hare

Description: The first of my 2026 Nashville Class is a mall ornamental purses have been part of European fashion since the early nineteenth century: evolving from practical reticules into decorative objects that reflected personal taste and craftsmanship. During the late Victorian and Gilded Age periods, most purses retained traditional silhouettes, yet the growing fascination with nature and symbolism gradually led to more imaginative forms. By the turn of the century, especially with the rise of Art Nouveau, designers began experimenting with novelty accessories, including figural purses inspired by animals: blending elegance with a sense of narrative charm.

This project continues a tradition that began last year with a frog-shaped purse and now evolves into a fox-shaped design. Although playful in appearance, each piece remains rooted in the historic language of antique bags: small treasures that reinterpret the past through needlework. Rather than reproducing a specific historical model, these purses celebrate the enduring legacy of vintage craftsmanship, where storytelling and technique meet in a single object.

Cost: $35

Location: Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: ilfiloincantato@hotmail.com

Teacher: Isabella Abbiati, The Primitive Hare

Description: Inspired by the quiet symbolism of the Tudor rose, this delicate purse pays tribute to Mary Queen of Scots. During this special class, participants will explore the historical world of Mary Stuart through a dedicated lecture on her remarkable needlework. The project includes the complete kit and step-by-step guidance to stitch and assemble this small ornamental purse: a piece that blends historical inspiration with contemporary craftsmanship. A refined design, a story woven through thread, and a quiet homage to one of history’s most fascinating queens.

Cost: $40

Location: Franklin Room, 2nd Floor

To Register: Email the teacher directly to reserve your space and pay the teacher for the class.

Email: ilfiloincantato@hotmail.com