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.

Ribbon Rose/Sunflower Brooches: This is a half day workshop stitching either roses or sunflowers in silk ribbon embroidery stitches onto pelmet vilene (brooch kits at a small extra cost) to make a pretty brooch.

Richly Textured Ribbon: A full day ribbon embroidery workshop following a pre-prepared underwater design worked in highly textured stitches 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.

Scrappy Nine-Patch Rings: Alternatively, I offer a more structured version of the found objects workshop in which you explore different ways of stitching and attaching plastic rings and fabric scraps onto a background to make your own version of the Scrappy Nine-patch Rings mini-quilt in the photo below. 

Felted and beaded spiral brooches:  This is a quick workshop using pre-made felted dreadlocks (brooch kits at a small extra cost) to make a spiral brooch. Seed and bugle beads are used to add a decorative edging. 

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 – half day workshop.

 

Kamal Kadai Work: Learn a traditional Indian needleweaving stitch which can be embellished with beads or worked through four-hole buttons. Suitable for a half day workshop.

 

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

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: Create a banner style kilt pin brooch (brooch kits provided at a small extra cost) by stitching found objects onto felt created from upcycled clothing.