Workshops

 

Please see below for a selection of the workshops I offer. If you are interested, then please contact me (details on the image below) for further details, availability and fees.

Ribbon Roses – An introduction to ribbon embroidery following a pre-prepared design which would result in a panel suitable for a card or a small picture.

Introduction to crazy patchwork  This is raw edged crazy patchwork which is a Victorian tradition rather than American-style crazy quilting which focuses on different seam treatments. This is a good activity for learning and practising new stitches. Outcome –a panel suitable for a wall hanging or cushion centre etc.

Crazy patchwork brooches Crazy patchwork as above but on a smaller scale. The finished piece of crazy patchwork is then attached to pelmet Vilene to stiffen it. To complete the brooch, a felt backing with stitched on clasp is added.

  

Embroidery with found objects – full or half day workshop. This is a workshop exploring the textures and possibilities of adding a huge range of found objects to fabric and exploring ways of attaching and embellishing them.

Found objects could include: beach combed and pavement treasures, old and broken jewellery, oddments of old toys and game pieces, cracker favours, natural objects such as leaves, sticks, bark, seeds etc., paper ephemera, discarded plastic, assorted ironmongery including nails, screws, washers, bolts and so on – pretty much anything that looks interesting.

Alternatively, I offer a more structured version of this workshop in which you stitch your own version of the Scrappy Nine-patch Rings piece in the photo below. 

Felted and beaded spiral brooches  In the first part of this workshop the participants create wet felted ‘dreadlocks’ as a basis for the brooch. This is a relatively mess free form of wet felting. Once dry (radiators are really useful here) the dreadlocks are rolled and hand stitched into a spiral. Seed and bugle beads are used to add a decorative edging. To complete the brooch, a felt backing with stitched on clasp is added.

Stitch Play  A variety of simple felt shapes are embellished with additional applique and interesting stitch choices. Participants play with pattern and colour and challenge themselves to try out as many new embroidery stitches as they can.

 

Cuff Books. Little notebooks and journals with inbuilt closures created from the cuffs of old shirts, blouses, jackets etc. and embellished with embroidery or applique. Paper or fabric pages and beaded long stitch binding – full or half day workshop.

Upcycled books and journals. All sorts of upcycled notebooks and journals can be created using discarded household ephemera and a range of bindings from simple ones such as origami or sewn pamphlet, to more interesting ones such as beaded long stitch and lotus fold – can be adapted to an evening, afternoon or full day workshop.

 Kamal Kadai Work. Learn a traditional Indian needleweaving stitch which can be embellished with beads or worked through four-hole buttons.

 

Introduction to Stumpwork. This workshop is suitable for both improving embroiderers and those who are more skilled in embroidery. You will learn about the history of Stumpwork and then practise some typical stumpwork techniques and stitches before having the opportunity to work a modern stumpwork design.

Memory journals. In this full day workshop you will fold an accordion journal in pelmet vilene and either paint it or cover it before stitching panels for each page with found objects and ephemera to evoke a visit or other special occasion.

Dylan the Psychedelic Snail  This is a full day workshop to stitch your own way-out stumpwork mollusc. In the morning you will construct the shell using Spiral Raised Stem Band and in the afternoon add the body in Corded Brussels Stitch needlelace. Suitable for both improving embroiderers and those who are more skilled in embroidery.

Upcycled kilt pin brooches Using the kit provided (at a small extra cost), stitch found objects onto felt created from upcycled clothing and then attach to a kilt pin to make a banner style brooch.