Workshops and Seminars

Creative Embroidery
This is a talk on general techniques involved within creative embroidery. It involves design ideas, background preparation, different colouring techniques; how to choose stitches, fabrics threads etc. I have a lot of examples and many techniques are demonstrated.

Clarty Workshop
This covers a wide area of techniques covered in the creative embroidery talk including paper bag printing, using cellophane, tyvek and bubble fabric (melting technique). We also play with bondaweb and wax crayons for interesting colour effects. A fun workshop where many backgrounds are prepared!

The following workshops may be given as a talk/demonstration or as a participation workshop. You may also request a combination of these workshops to suit:

Making Paper from Pulp and Silk
Paper is frequently incorporated within contemporary embroidery. Learn how to make paper from recycled paper pulp and from silk fibres. A clarty workshop!

Gathered Patchwork
Create texture in patchwork. Use taught methods to produce a small panel suitable for a cushion centre or you may be inspired to make a quilt!

Freely Embroidered Circles
Very basic embroidery stitches are used to produce a random circular piece of hand embroidery. A variety of stitches are demonstrated and taught to enable you to confidently complete the project. Ribbons and various variegated threads are supplied at a small additional cost to allow you to experiment.

Feltmaking
From fleece to fabric. A messy and enjoyable experience.

Using Handmade Felt
Be inspired to create a masterpiece with handmade felt - or have fun trying! This workshop follows on from the feltmaking allowing you to use your handmade felt.

Canvas Work
An experimental approach to stitching on canvas. Use a variety of threads and canvas with a few taught canvas stitches.

Machine Embroidery
Learn the versatility of your sewing machine with freestyle machine embroidery. Use your machine as a drawing tool to create different textures and movement. By the end of the session you will have produced an embroidered surface or picture - the choice is yours.

Don't throw anything away
A workshop dedicated to scrap fabrics and discarded materials. Learn how to embellish and embroider with small pieces of fabric and other materials.

Encrusted Surfaces
A workshop aimed towards those who have a little experience of machine and hand embroidery. Learn how to layer surfaces and embellish them with stitches. Produce a richly embellished encrusted surface from fabric and thread.

Ribbon Embroidery
Learn a variety of stitches used in ribbon embroidery. Use taught methods to produce a small piece of embroidery - you will be inspired to produce a larger piece of work!

Silk Painting
Learn various techniques used in silk painting. With tutor guidance paint a silk panel to frame as a picture; use for a cushion cover or to embellish further with embroidery. Alternatively you may wish to paint a silk scarf.

Cross Stitch
If you have ever wanted to try cross-stitch embroidery then this workshop will introduce you and teach you the basics. I will also guide you through an experimental approach using traditional cross-stitch. Use a variety of threads and fabric to create a piece of cross-stitch embroidery.

Hardanger
A workshop dedicated to hardanger embroidery. Learn the basics and the produce a small sampler using variegated thread.

Christmas Embroidery
A variety of embroidered Christmas projects are demonstrated. Use the workshop time and tutor guidance to produce a range of Christmas items.

Christmas Patchwork and Appliqué
A variety of Christmas projects are demonstrated using patchwork and appliqué. Use the workshop time and tutor guidance to produce a range of Christmas items.

In Print
Learn a variety of printing techniques including paper bag printing, printing form photocopies, stamping, mono printing and many more. This workshop is dedicated to playing with fabric and paint!

To Dye For
Dye a range of natural fabrics and thread using different dyeing methods. An experimental workshop to provide you with a range of dyeing techniques.

Blackwork
An Elizabethan form of counted embroidery. Embroider a piece of work and learn how to develop blackwork into your own individual designs.

Bubble and Burn
An experimental workshop which enables you to create textures with heat. Create a piece of cut back work by burning through layers.

Workshops are suitable for all abilities (unless otherwise stated).
I will teach workshops to groups and organisations.
Additional topics can be arranged - ask for further details.