What: Colcha Embroidery Workshop

This Colcha workshop is geared for beginner and advanced alike - in either case you are sure to learn something new about an embroidery technique with a long tradition in New Mexico.

Who: Annette Gutierrez Turk, instructor, is a 16th generation New Mexican and Spanish Market artist. Annette currently holds monthly sessions at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Albuquerque Bio Park. Her work has been on exhibit at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas living museum and the New Mexico Expo Hispanic Art Gallery.

Synopsis: Colcha embroidery is a traditional style of embroidery developed by the Spanish colonists in New Mexico in the 17th and 18th centuries. The embroidery is typified by a couching stitch and was utilized to embellish bedcovers, household window covers and clothing, as well as, altar cloths. The word “colcha” means bedcover or blanket in Spanish and thus the stitch was given the name “colcha stitch.” In this workshop a traditional design will be provided with yarn and needle to learn the single stitch that comprises colcha embroidery. No embroidery hoop is required, as traditionally the early settlers did not use hoops in their work. Kits will be appropriate to level of student expertise, beginner or advanced.

When: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Coronado State Monument, located off I-25, Exit 242. Go 1 ½ miles west on Highway 550 to Kuaua Road, 505-867-5351.

Cost: $20.00 per person includes kit (cash or check). The instructor’s work and books on the colcha stitch will be offered for sale.

Reservations are required. Please call Marty Kuehn at 505-892-5981.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of Coronado State Monument.