About
Welcome to Epida Studio!
My name is Elizabeth DeCroos and I love to make beautiful things with quilting, pojagi and embroidery.
Quilting is something I was always drawn to, even though there were no quilters in my family. My first teachers were library books. My quilting style is kind of traditional, but I enjoy trying new techniques and making modern things as well.
Embroidery and sewing were things I was exposed to in my family. My mother sewed a lot of clothes and household items, and my grandmother was an award-winning embroiderer. She would try any technique – crewel embroidery, needlepoint, cross stitch, hardanger, blackwork, gold work, etc. I was fascinated by all the different things she could do with a needle and thread. I have wonderful memories of wearing smocked dresses and figuring out how the stitching was done on them.
Pojagi (Bojagi) is something I learned as an adult. In 2009, I took my young family to South Korea for my husband’s job. While there, I ended up in a traditional Korean sewing class almost by accident. I loved the class and learning all the hand-sewing techniques for making wrapping cloths (pojagi) and other items made with these techniques. I had the privilege of being able to study pojagi in Korea for just over 2 years.
When I returned to Canada, I didn’t have the same access to Korean fabrics and threads, and I wanted to mimic some of the traditional hand-sewing techniques on a sewing machine. So I developed the simple method for sewing a reversible patchwork seam. I use this technique to make window hangings that look like stained glass, as well as other reversible patchwork items.
My philosophy is that everyone can add joy to their lives by making beautiful things to use everyday. Joy comes from both the process of making and using the things that you have made.
If you would like to learn with me, I have patterns, on-demand courses and live Zoom workshops. Check the links below for details. I also enjoy speaking to groups, either in person or virtually.
Questions? You can contact me HERE.
Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter to be the first to hear what new things I’m working on.
Learn with me
My first love is teaching, and I have lots of options for you to learn and expand your skills. Click the links for more details.
Quilting
Patterns
Both traditional and modern quilt patterns and printable resources
On-demand video courses
Learn at your own pace and repeat lessons as many times as needed.
Live Zoom workshops
Join me from the comfort of your own home. Get instant help and feedback in small groups. My workshops are project-based, so you will spend your time sewing, not just watching me.
Tutorials
Projects and techniques for piecing, quilting and finishing.
Quilt gallery
See pretty pictures and get inspiration from these projects that I have made.
Pojagi
Patterns
Make your own stained glass window hanging.
On-demand video courses
Learn at your own pace and repeat lessons as many times as needed.
Live Zoom workshops
Join me from the comfort of your own home. Get instant help and feedback in small groups. My workshops are project-based, so you will spend your time sewing, not just watching me.
Hand-sewing tutorials
Traditional Korean sewing techniques and small project ideas.
Machine-sewing tutorials
Reversible patchwork tutorials for window hangings and more
Pojagi gallery
See pretty pictures and get inspiration from these projects that I have made both by hand and machine.
Embroidery
Patterns
Beginner-friendly embroidery patterns in a variety of hand stitching techniques.
On-demand video courses
Learn at your own pace and repeat lessons as many times as needed.
Live Zoom workshops
Join me from the comfort of your own home. Get instant help and feedback in small groups. My workshops are project-based, so you will spend your time sewing, not just watching me.
Surface Embroidery Tutorials
All the basic embroidery stitches – back stitch, chain stitch, etc.
Hardanger Tutorials
Learn this elegant counted thread stitching technique with open spaces and lacy filling stitches.
Bargello Tutorials
This counted thread technique can be stitched on needlepoint canvas, plastic canvas, Aida cloth and more.
Embroidery gallery
Get inspiration for your next stitching project.
Need a Speaker for your group?
I love to speak to groups and teach workshops both in person or virtually.
See my lecture and workshop options HERE and contact me to check my availability.
I’ve been featured
My projects have been featured in these magazines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Epida mean?
The word “Epida” (pronounced EE-pid-ah) is a made up word inspired by the Korean word for beautiful. It’s my tribute to the Korean culture and beauty that influences many of my designs.
Is your studio open to the public?
Currently, I don’t have a public studio. I work from home. But I often visit guilds, shops and shows where you can meet me in person. Sign up for my emails to see where will be.
There are so many things here. Where should I start?
Start by thinking about what you are interested in making. Click one of the categories to go to the pages. There are lots of pictures for inspiration and tutorials to get you started.