- 2105/21/2023
Learn to Needlepoint
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Needlepoint at Casa Belvedere!
Thursdays, May 4 to May 25, 7 to 8:30 pm
$105 members, $120 non-members
Assisi work is a kind of hand embroidery that originated in Medieval Italy. The technique produces a colored background where the motif in the design is void – that is, left blank. So, you get the color background, and the design stands out because it is not colored. Assisi work was popular as an ecclesiastical embroidery technique, where rich designs would be worked for altar frontals, vestments, and other church uses. The name originates from the town of Assisi, where this technique was often worked in convents responsible for providing church textiles.
- 2205/22/2023
Learn to Knit
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Knit at Casa Belvedere! An eight-week program for adults and teens 13+
Mondays, April 17 to June 19, 2023, 5 to 6:30 pm
(no classes May 1 and Memorial Day)$210 members, $240 non-members
In these classes, you will learn how to hold knitting needles and yarn, and you will learn all the basic knitting stitches: Casting on, knit stitch, purl stitch, ribbing and binding off. Specific materials needed for each lesson are listed below, with links to Michael’s online at the bottom of the page. Students should bring the required materials to each class.
Week 1: Casting On & Knitted Swatch & Binding Off: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 20 stitches. Materials needed for Week 1:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 2: Purl Swatch: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 20 stitches. Materials needed for Week 2:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 3: Ribbing Swatch: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 30 stitches. Materials needed for Week 3:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 4: Hand Warmers: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 36 stitches. Materials needed for Week 4:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 5: Second Hand Warmer: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 36 stitches. Materials Needed for Week 5:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 6: Basket Weave Scarf: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles, cast on 35 stitches. Materials needed for Week 6:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 7: Basket Weave Scarf: Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles.
Materials needed for Week 7:
- size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles
- one skein of yarn
- scissors
Week 8: Basket Weave Scarf/Students Choice. Using the size 7 circular bamboo knitting needles or needles to fit Student’s Choice project. Materials needed for Week 8:
- appropriate size circular bamboo knitting needles
- number of skeins of yarn for project
- scissors
Learn to Crochet
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Crochet at Casa Belvedere!
Mondays, 7 to 8:30 pm
$210 members, $240 non-membersLearn how to crochet and discover a relaxing hobby you will enjoy for life! Crochet is portable – you can always have a project with you on the go. If you can hold a pencil, you can crochet. You will learn how to comfortably hold a crochet hook and the yarn, you will learn the basic crochet stitches; the chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet and double crochet and as you progress we may get into the shell stitch as well. Specific materials needed for each lesson are listed below, with links to Michael’s online at the bottom of the page. Students should bring the required materials to each class.
Lesson 1: CHAIN STITCH: Using the small hook (B or C) and cotton thread, students will learn the chain stitch, then string beads to create a necklace or bracelet. Materials needed: Size B or C crochet hook (metal recommended), 1 Ball of Aunt Lynda’s Classic Cotton Thread (lighter colors recommended – not black.)
Lesson 2: SLIP STITCH: Using cotton thread and a piece of fabric, make a coaster using the slip stitch and chain stitch. You will also learn the picot stitch. Materials needed: Size B or C crochet hook (metal recommended), scissors, 1 ball of Aunt Lynda’s Classic Cotton Thread (lighter colors recommended – not black), Teacher will supply a square of sturdy fabric or felt.
Lesson 3: Single Crochet swatch using yarn. Materials needed: Size H or I Crochet hook, scissors, 1 skein worsted weight yarn, (i.e. Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound, Caron Simply Soft or Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice).
Lesson 4: Double Crochet swatch using yarn. Materials: Size H or I Crochet hook, scissors, 1 skein worsted weight yarn, (i.e. Red Heart Super Saver, Caron One Pound, Caron Simply Soft or Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice).
Lessons 5, 6, 7 & 8: Student Driven. Students (with help from the teacher) will decide what type of project they would like to work on. Projects could be a scarf, snood, granny squares, bag or basket or other ideas students may have. Materials needed: Appropriate sized hook, scissors, yarn needle, worsted weight yarn and project ideas/pattern.
About the instructor: Margaret Rucci is a first-generation Italian who learned to sew, knit, crochet, cook and all that good stuff from her maternal grandmother, her Nonna and her mom. Margaret teaches hand stitching to high school students during the day and loves teaching and sharing her crafty passions by night.
Materials needed for this program: Be sure to bring materials to each class. You can purchase supplies at any craft store or online. Here is a list with live links to Michael’s, or bring what you have from home.
- Scissors: ($3.99 1 per each person)
- Hooks: B or C & H or I ($2.49 -2 needles per person)
- Thread: ($4.99 one roll per person)
- Big Eye Needles: ($2.69 4 needles per pack)
- Beads: ($4.99 one string per person)
- Yarn: ($5.99 one skein per person, or as determined by project Lesson 3)
- Steel Yarn Needles ($.99) OR Plastic Yarn Needles ($.99)
Learn to Needlepoint
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Needlepoint at Casa Belvedere!
Thursdays, May 4 to May 25, 7 to 8:30 pm
$105 members, $120 non-members
Assisi work is a kind of hand embroidery that originated in Medieval Italy. The technique produces a colored background where the motif in the design is void – that is, left blank. So, you get the color background, and the design stands out because it is not colored. Assisi work was popular as an ecclesiastical embroidery technique, where rich designs would be worked for altar frontals, vestments, and other church uses. The name originates from the town of Assisi, where this technique was often worked in convents responsible for providing church textiles.
- 2305/23/2023
Children Italian Language Classes
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueSPRING SESSION
Classes take place from April 18 – June 20 • 10 classes
Children Italian: Tuesdays 4:00 to 5:00 pm (ages 4 to 8)
Parliamo Italiano – These classes focus on introducing Italian language to children. They offer an interactive approach to the language, designed to get students comfortable speaking Italian. During our sessions, we explore and experiment with basic vocabulary and expressions. Worksheets and videos are also used during the sessions to assist in learning.
Children Cooking Class - Hand Cookies • Children Class (Ages 6-14)
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueTuesday, May 23 • 4:00-5:00 pm
Make your hand cookies and decorate them!Held in the 2nd floor Galleria studio with views
Adult Cooking Class - Arancini/Rice Balls
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueTuesday, May 23 • 7:00-9:00 pm
Arancini/Rice Balls
Learn to Needlepoint
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Needlepoint at Casa Belvedere!
Thursdays, May 4 to May 25, 7 to 8:30 pm
$105 members, $120 non-members
Assisi work is a kind of hand embroidery that originated in Medieval Italy. The technique produces a colored background where the motif in the design is void – that is, left blank. So, you get the color background, and the design stands out because it is not colored. Assisi work was popular as an ecclesiastical embroidery technique, where rich designs would be worked for altar frontals, vestments, and other church uses. The name originates from the town of Assisi, where this technique was often worked in convents responsible for providing church textiles.
- 2405/24/2023
Opera Lunch at Casa Belvedere
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueOpera Lunch at Casa Belvedere
Wednesday, May 24. Doors open at 11:30 am, program begins at noon
The Operatic Harp – An Opera Presentation and Luncheon led by Opera Educator Lou Barrella
$70 members, $75 non-membersThe HARP is a stringed musical instrument dating back to antiquity. When the harp is added into a musical composition, the listener may be entranced by its special tonal quality, especially by an ethereal or celestial sound. This presentation will survey many of those special moments in opera and a few from ballet, Broadway, film, symphony and television.
This event includes a four-course lunch with wine, soft drinks and coffee. Cost is $70 per person for Casa Belvedere & Garibaldi Meucci Museum members, $75 for non-members (includes tax and gratuities). Reservations require pre-payment. Space is limited – register now!
Learn to Needlepoint
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Needlepoint at Casa Belvedere!
Thursdays, May 4 to May 25, 7 to 8:30 pm
$105 members, $120 non-members
Assisi work is a kind of hand embroidery that originated in Medieval Italy. The technique produces a colored background where the motif in the design is void – that is, left blank. So, you get the color background, and the design stands out because it is not colored. Assisi work was popular as an ecclesiastical embroidery technique, where rich designs would be worked for altar frontals, vestments, and other church uses. The name originates from the town of Assisi, where this technique was often worked in convents responsible for providing church textiles.
- 2505/25/2023
Learn to Needlepoint
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Needlepoint at Casa Belvedere!
Thursdays, May 4 to May 25, 7 to 8:30 pm
$105 members, $120 non-members
Assisi work is a kind of hand embroidery that originated in Medieval Italy. The technique produces a colored background where the motif in the design is void – that is, left blank. So, you get the color background, and the design stands out because it is not colored. Assisi work was popular as an ecclesiastical embroidery technique, where rich designs would be worked for altar frontals, vestments, and other church uses. The name originates from the town of Assisi, where this technique was often worked in convents responsible for providing church textiles.
- 2605/26/2023
Learn to Needlepoint
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Needlepoint at Casa Belvedere!
Thursdays, May 4 to May 25, 7 to 8:30 pm
$105 members, $120 non-members
Assisi work is a kind of hand embroidery that originated in Medieval Italy. The technique produces a colored background where the motif in the design is void – that is, left blank. So, you get the color background, and the design stands out because it is not colored. Assisi work was popular as an ecclesiastical embroidery technique, where rich designs would be worked for altar frontals, vestments, and other church uses. The name originates from the town of Assisi, where this technique was often worked in convents responsible for providing church textiles.
- 2705/27/2023
Learn to Needlepoint
The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere79 Howard AvenueLearn to Needlepoint at Casa Belvedere!
Thursdays, May 4 to May 25, 7 to 8:30 pm
$105 members, $120 non-members
Assisi work is a kind of hand embroidery that originated in Medieval Italy. The technique produces a colored background where the motif in the design is void – that is, left blank. So, you get the color background, and the design stands out because it is not colored. Assisi work was popular as an ecclesiastical embroidery technique, where rich designs would be worked for altar frontals, vestments, and other church uses. The name originates from the town of Assisi, where this technique was often worked in convents responsible for providing church textiles.