Needlework is woven into the fabric of Jewish art and culture. It is the fertile land of mysticism and creativity – just looking and reading doesn’t let you know why. On Sunday, February 13, join us with Claire Sigal as we practice and ponder the histories of Jewish needlework.

Coming from the ethos of Tikkun Olam (“mending the world”) and through a meditative approach to making, Claire will share the histories of Jewish garment work and how so much creativity came from it – including her own great-grandmother, who worked as a garment worker in Montreal. Participants are invited to engage in the embroidery, but are equally invited to sit and listen as Claire shares with us this rich history. We will learn about the history of the garment workers’ union, their literary and musical involvements, as well as their communities and families in Montreal and beyond.

Near the end of the evening, a Q&A session will invite participants to share their curiosities with Claire, who brings an inclusive knowledge of the Jewish garment industry and its associated cultural ties.

A list of suggested materials can be found below for those who wish to join the stitch-along, and an embroidery pattern prepared by Claire, based on a piece of her great-grandmother’s needlework, will be shared during the workshop.

About Claire:

Claire Sigal is a researcher and emerging artist from Montreal. She recently graduated with a BA in Art History from Concordia University. Claire’s work focuses on the overlapping of textiles and literature in different contexts, including: needlework, Jewish folk culture, Yiddish music, queerness, womanhood, and fashion history. Her writing has been published in Yiara, CUJAH, and other publications. In 2021, Claire took part in an internship at the Center for Jewish Art (CJA) in Jerusalem. She is a part of the 2021-2022 Microgrant Cohort for Creative or Cultural Exploration at the Museum of Jewish Montreal, from which this workshop has been developed.

Materials:

Loose leaf paper

Pencil

Scissors

Embroidery needles

Textile to embroider on (do not use a stretchy fabric)

6-inch hoop*

Thimble*

*Optional

Thread:

DMC 6-strand cotton embroidery floss:

DMC 368 LT Pistachio Green, 1 skien

DMC 3755 Baby Blue, 1 skein

DMC 744 Pale Yellow, 1 skein

This event is a part of the Museum of Jewish Montreal’s Microgrant Program for Creative or Cultural Exploration, which is funded by the Quebec Community Group Network's Community Investment Fund. We also thank The Jewish Public Library for their partnership.