Spotlight on Handwork 2023

We are fortunate to have artist extraordinaire Meret Piderman leading the handwork program in grades 1-8 for 2022-23. Incorporating a wide range of media, techniques, and imagination, Ms. Piderman has led our grades students in creating beautiful pieces that they are proud to share with us and take home to their families. We want to share some of that work with you.

1st grade sewed sweet gnomes and knitted little friends.

2nd grade also did some quality knitting projects! Some students made dragons—a project well suited to the 2nd graders, who performed as the brave knights who tamed the dragon in our fall Michaelmas pageant.

3rd grade has been busy in handwork class, dyeing silks with a tincture made from avocado pits, learning to crochet, and creating ceramic teacups by hand. The teacup project was conceived when Ms. Piderman received a collection of antique saucers, which she gave to each student to accompany their tiny mug.

In 4th grade, the delicate and detailed work of embroidery was introduced. Each student is embroidering their own linen handwork bags.

5th grade has been working on embroidery as well, creating these imaginative felt pouches.

6th grade has kept busy in handwork. Students designed and sewed original stuffed animals and then they sculpted and glazed ceramic turtles and elephants.

Puppets, the traditional 7th grade handwork project, was given movement and creativity by this year’s class. 8th graders have been sewing upcycled denim handbags.