Let's Talk Books - Surface Embroidery
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- čas přidán 13. 09. 2024
- Thanks for stopping by and keeping me in your subscription box! In this video I chat about surface embroidery books that I love and my fear of embroidery! Please let me know in the comments below your experience of surface embroidery and how you feel about online classes vs face to face classes vs teaching yourself!
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Books Mentioned, with links to Mary Corbet’s reviews where available:
The A-Z Series by Search Press - bit.ly/2OBFB2C
*A-Z of Whitework - bit.ly/2vsAyJd
*A-Z of Needlepoint
*A-Z of Crewel Embroidery
*A-Z of Ribbon Embroidery
*A-Z of Goldwork - bit.ly/2AuK5p0
*A-Z of Embroidery Stitches
*A-Z of Embroidery Stitches 2 - bit.ly/2v9yFBM
RSN Book of Embroidery - bit.ly/2LZ03MN
RSN Applique by Kate Cross - bit.ly/2vpuYYc
RSN Raised Embroidery by Kelley Aldridge - bit.ly/2LUY3oG
Mastering the Art of Embroidery by Sophie Long - bit.ly/2n2VgvE
Ribbonwork Embroidery: Techniques and Projects by Sophie Long
Goldwork by Hazel Everett - bit.ly/2Kh7aLf
Goldwork and Stumpwork Embroidery by Jane Nicholas - bit.ly/2vrYV9N
Crewel Intentions by Hazel Blomkamp - bit.ly/2LLgsFd
Crewel Twists by Hazel Blomkamp - bit.ly/2OxHCgp
Crewel Creatures by Hazel Blomkamp - bit.ly/2LSubZP
Hand Stitched Crazy Patchwork by Hazel Blomkamp - bit.ly/2OxgrlP
Colour Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr - bit.ly/2LHpeEf
Whitework with Colour by Trish Burr - bit.ly/2O3ntxP
Other Mentions:
Sarah Homfray’s website - www.sarahhomfr...
Goldwork kit I talked about (£12.50)- bit.ly/2vspyvx
Sarah Homfray’s CZcams Channel - bit.ly/2KgA2U1
Trish Burr’s website - trishburr.com
Hazel Blomkamp’s website - www.hazelblomk...
Alison Cole’s website - alisoncoleembr...
RSN online embroidery classes - www.royal-need...
So many other fabulous embroiderers that I could have mentioned and liked to!
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My neglected blog: mrsmilkybarkids...
Instagram @ mrsmilkybarkidstitches where I regularly snap updates of my stitching
My grandmother always did embroidery and did it quite well! I use to do it when I was little and would love to get back at it. I do know how to crochet and have done a number of projects years ago but now cross stitch is my passion. I have thought about going back to embroidery because I see my grandmothers work hanging on the wall. Love your book choices and so glad you’re back making videos!
I have watched many of your older videos because you're not a run-of-the-mill stitcher. I love beautiful pieces and am not interested in cutesy seasonal things. I am a retired piano teacher so have for the last several years been indulging my love of fibers of all kinds.
In my life I had crocheted, simple embroidery, knitting (all self taught) some cross stitch. So after retiring I made several quilts and then took a free online class on crazy quilting. I just loved it because it incorporates everything: quilting, embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, beadwork transferring small designs to embroider, and just letting a block happen. I made a few wall hangings. I even did some gold work on a couple blocks.
Mary Corbet was my resource person for stitch videos and reviews on books. She introduced me to Hazel Blomkamp and I flipped. I bought 4 of her kits and the first one I did was "Gussy Up". Wow, that was a challenge but her directions are so good and I just took my time and one patch at a time I got it done and put in on the top of the shaker box as she suggested. It is beautiful. I also did 3 others, Spring Trellis from Crewel Twists, Bountiful Season , also from Crewel Twists and another one which was not in any of her books. They were all framed and they turned out great.
Your stitching is beautiful and from watching your videos I conclude that you are a perfectionist and that is paralyzing you because maybe your fear of failure? I just did it because it appeals to me and I have the patience to stick with something (studying and teaching piano for decades will do that for you)
If I can do it I know for sure you can. Just dive in and have fun. It is so worth it.
I live in northern Wisconsin, USA and there are no classes around here. I'm anxious to see what you will do. Please take the plunge and have a blast and don't over think it.
Good luck,
Cheryl
Thank you so much for your comment Cheryl - you are correct in your analysis, I often battle with my desire to create and my perfectionist tendancies 😂! Crazy quilting appeals to me for the same reason as it did you, the combination of so many different threads, textile and techniques. I feel more inspired now than ever before, so I intend to start dabbling sooner rather than later!
Dear Amanda, I am 56 and have done surface embroidery since I was 8 and I love it. When I was young all of our sheets and pillowcases and kitchen towels etc. were white so we embroidered on them to give our rooms color.
My favorite project was the crazy quilt pillow topper I made for my granddaughter. I was always enamored with crazy quilting and all the embellishments, but I limited myself by saying I didn’t want it to have so much embellishment that she could not lay her head on it. So I took all of the “material that I used to make her baby quilt and made the pillow top then allowed each pattern from the selection to inspire my needle work. It has nothing to do with knowing how to do the stitches particularly I know how to do a lot of them but I have to go back and look at my books to remind myself of the discipline, In there I would find more inspiration.I would sit in my stitchy chair
surrounded by my books with large amounts of beautiful thread nearby because you have to do a floss toss with each inspiration.
If you’re not a sewer then maybe you can find a print of material that inspires you. Material with lines Lend themselves well to herringbone stitches Material with dots can be embellished with french knots and connected with different stitches, animals can jump off the fabric with outlining and filling their bodies with beautiful stitches You have such wonderful books have them nearby as you look at your canvas/ material and you will be inspired. Please don’t worry it’s hard to mess up. The learning curve is daunting.Just grab a piece of fabric your books and your thread stick the needle in and start. You’ve been a beautiful cross stitcher so you’ll have a good tension. I went to my first EGA meeting as a surface embroider and told them I would never cross stitch LOL you can only imagine what I’m doing now and loving it! It I s something brand new for me. I’m going to leave you my email if you have any questions for me let me know. Natalie.colbert@ymail.com.
I don’t see anything wrong of course with going to classes online or otherwise, but I think you should get your feet wet first and then when you have the bug the teacher will appear. I s o enjoy your videos take care and happy stitching :-)
Always in peace
Thank you so much for your comment Nathalie, you must have produced some beautiful pieces through the years! I think embellishing a ground fabric would be a good place to start for me. I've often thought about doing it and then using the fabric to properly finish one of my stitched pieces. If I can limit the amount of counted pieces I stitch, it will hopefully give me the time and space I want to be able to start creating surface embroidery pieces. I agree that it is a good idea to try out a few techniques first to see what I like best before potentially committing to an online or day course and most important - just have fun with it!
This was all great Amanda! Thanks for making it.
I was really interested when I saw the RSN classes on Sew and So. But not going there. I feel they are asking too much money and haven't a clue really what they are going to be like(?). Learnt a lot from Sarah Homfrey videos and the Trish Burr needle painting books. Is there an Embroiderers Guild near you? I joined my local one a bit reluctantly and didn't last long there BUT I met a couple of members who were fabulous needlewoman and have learnt from them since. I love surface embroidery, am rubbish at it but enjoy needlepainting to see what I can come up with. I do think it's simply practice. I started with crewel work and have really enjoyed that too.
You are a wonderful needleworker and your finished work is always beautiful. Go for what you fancy and, if it's not perfect the first time it will be the second!
Thank you Judy, I really appreciate your comments and encouragement. You reminded me that as long as I enjoy what I’m doing, does the end result really matter - in my case, no, as everything finished ends up in The Drawer anyway 😂! I’m glad I made this video, for no other reason than it was therapeutic for me and now I can move on and actually DO some surface embroidery!
Hi there I’ve loved watching and listening to your CZcams’s so informative along with gorgeous stitching, I love more ☺️. Have you decided to stop posting now?
Absolutely loved this video, so much of this is new to me! And it's given me extra motivation to find my local library since I've moved. I tried to learn to crochet via craftsy and just couldn't, so I think I need someone physically there in person, but a combo of books and youtube may be worth a try before investing. Thank you so much for all the links and talking about the different books, I need photos of the stitches in progress as all I've ever done is cross stitch, so that is definitely something I look for in craft books.
Kez, you must find your library and use it! I am such a strong advocate for public libraries - though I confess as my husband has worked in libraries for 20+ years and they have kept a roof over my head, I am slightly biased! I hope you found something that inspires you in the video or else like me, sometimes it’s nice to have something pretty to look at. Crochet - I so wish I could, but like knitting, I’m all fingers and thumbs when it comes to handling the big needles 😂.
oh I'm a big library fan, back in South woodham where I used to live, I was a regular, loved it even more when I discovered they also had audiobooks! My local one is very small but I think linked with other Essex libraries so I should be able to order books in too 😄📚
hi, great to have you back! love the discussions, thought provoking chat. i learnt to do crewel work watching youtube! i loved the outcome it may not be perfect but it looks good to me.
Thanks Elaine, fab that you learnt to do crewelwork via YT - encourages me to get my act together 😂!
thank you for the motivation and information. ive had a go at smoyg. just a little play with threads and simple patterns. im going to try the knots next. i love making pretty things from what was a cotton plant or sheep fleece. its so satisfying and fulfilling. thanks you for the prompts.
Hi Amanda!! I'm like you in that I've always been facinated with surface embroidery, but too intimidated to start anything. Perhaps one of these days I'll give it a try. Thanks for making this video and I look forward to seeing you again.
Fantastic discussion and advice. I tend to learn from other stitchers. I would like to go to a class but the cost is beyond me. I have always wanted to do something at a local college in the evening. Sadly there are no classes near me. Besides all those experts put me off. I prefer the ordinary ladies on you tube or floss tube.
Thanks Lyn! There are a lot of fantastic, but down to earth, qualified experts on CZcams thankfully and I’m really appreciative that they share their skills and talents with others on a platform such as CZcams so that we can all access it!
Loved this video - I could get lost for days in your threadwork library. Thanks to you, I will be purchasing the new RSN Book of Embroidery when I'm at RSN this month. I'm so excited to try my hand at surface embroidery, and watching this fired my excitement higher...especially excited to try stumpwork and goldwork. I'll look for some of the other books you showed too - gorgeous work in them. I think I will try one of the online courses when I get back home, see how they compare to the in-person classes - I'm hoping they are good, as I want to try both the Jacobean Crewelwork and the new Intro to Goldwork courses. I will let you know what I think once I've tried both. My goal is to be able to create my own designs, eventually. Ha. You never know, could happen.
Linette you will love any and all of the RSN publications, but the Book of Embroidery is really mouthwatering and full of inspiration! I'll be interested to hear back from you if you do take any RSN online courses. My hesitation stems from knowing how easy talented people make something look on a video 😂. I have no doubt that the tuition and quality of the videos will be excellent, but I would rather dabble a bit first myself before parting with my cash, to see how difficult I find it in real life!
I really enjoyed this video because I do Many types of needlework. I have Hazel Blomkamps books and have completed Midnight Meander. I have the kits to begin Inflorescence and Dancing Threads so I was thrilled to see you specifically point them out. I have all of Trish Burr's books and have done several of her projects. I have taken an online class from Alison Cole and thoroughly enjoyed it. I also have purchased Ribbonwork kits from Di Van Niekerk. I would also recommend the Berlin Embroidery website. I have purchased 3 of her kits so far. I encourage you to pursue surface embroidery. It is very rewarding!
Wow Tracie, your needlework projects sound beautiful and I am thrilled to hear from someone who has stitched some of Hazel Blomkamp’s projects - especially the ones I admire so much! It sounds as though you really enjoy your needlework, I find passion such as yours really inspiring, thank you so much for taking the time to comment 💜!
Lovely video as ever Amanda. Full disclosure - I volunteer with the Marketing team at the RSN one day a week, so I can’t really give unbiased views...but here goes. I have done a few Day Classes at Hampton Court over the years, mostly before I started working there as it’s now a tiny bit weird to go for classes when you are there every week! I found the teaching great and that there were all abilities in the class - although you need to pick a class at the right level. There is almost always someone in a beginner class who isn’t a beginner at all and they motor ahead but you just ignore them! A few ladies are notorious for this! I haven’t yet plucked up courage to start the Certificate course but I am sorely tempted. Maybe try an Exeter Day class to dip your toe. The Goldwork online class is now available but I haven’t tried any of them. I do know that a lot of effort went into video quality and one lady has posted her completed crewel piece. I am tempted to try one of those out to see how it compares.
The Bead Embroidery RSN book inspired me to do a counted canvas box top as a gift for a friend - fun and easily within your capabilities- you have done so many pieces with speciality stitches.
Re Jenny Adin- Christie’s Owl & the Pussy Cat - she does kits and her instructions are fabulous. I am very lucky to have been on two holidays in the Alps with her tutoring so I completed one of her designs - an alpine chalet scene. It was very challenging and there is loads I could improve upon but it’s the most beautiful thing I have ever done. I am now working on one of her whitework designs which is a whole new level of tricky! There is nowhere to hide when you are doing white on white...Jenny has a studio about an hour from me so very occasionally when she has a slot free I go over to get some hands-on tutoring. My experience is that all the RSN trained tutors, whether they are still at the RSN or not, are really interested in sharing their knowledge - as you have seen from Sarah Homfray’s videos.
I am increasingly dabbling in all sorts of needlework, including counted canvas, silk shading, blackwork, goldwork, needlepoint, whitework etc etc. Still love a bit of cross stitch though - it’s so much easier when you know that you have done it right!
Really interested to hear what other people have to say re options for learning surface stitching.
Alison, thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Your experience with the RSN sounds wonderful to me, thank you for sharing. If the Alpine scene is the one you have shared on Instagram, you have every reason to be so proud of it as it is beautiful! I think it is very clear to see that everyone that has trained as an RSN tutor has a real love and passion not only for their art, but for instilling that love in others by sharing their amazing skill and talent. How wonderful that you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in that environment! I hope that you get to the Certificate course one day, what an achievement that would be!
I saw the gold work class is now available online with Becky Hogg and I like the project for the class. I love her work and think her own designs that she kits and sells are fantastic and I’d love to do one. I don’t know if I’m brave enough to ever attend a day class, as much as I would love to.
Since pouring over the new RSN book, I can’t get counted canvas and bead embroidery out of my mind! I feel so encouraged after making this video to start some sort of surface embroidery. I am going to think about how I really want to spend my free/stitching time and limit the number of counted work projects I do so that I have the time (and head space!) to put the desire I have to learn surface embroidery in to action!
Omg 😮 I had to watch this video 3 times lol! You so enabled me - needless to say I have been shopping on amazon 😱. I already have a beginners guide to silk shading by Clare hanham which I really want to have a try at, but those hazel block amp books 📚 I had to have. Always fancied trying crewel work. As for your ability you had me do my first ever x stitch being a haed. So never say never mrs lol 😆. I think you could do whatever you turn your hand to and as always practise makes perfect right 😉. I look forward to your next video x
You (or your bank balance 😂) are going to curse the day I reappeared on CZcams Teresa 😂💜!
Do you remember when you said you didn’t ever think you w lid do hardanger and you sat and stared at the piece for ages before cutting? Eventually you just had to start. Maybe it is the same way with surface embroidery? Just start! Funnily enough, my 15 year old daughter wanted to start stitching, but not cross stitch as that is my thing, so she just started doodling on fabric as she calls it. She reads my threads and tools and is loving it.
That is brilliant Mary that your daughter is dabbling in needlework of her own making! You're right - I just need to get on and start 😂!
Hi! I live in rural Australia and own a lot of the books you showed. I would dearly love to be proficient at crewel embroidery and thread painting, as well as black work. I have dabbled in all of them and enjoyed the techniques but like you find that it takes a lot more concentration and mental energy than my counted pieces. I have participated in an Alison Cole online class and produced a beautiful butterfly. I found the course videos and photos to be excellent and easy to follow. I did that course a couple of years ago but unfortunately I haven’t retained any of the knowledge from it and no longer have access to the videos. I’ve been contemplating the Jacobean crewel work course from RSN as well but I think your right.....it is a lot of money when we have books and CZcams videos that would guide as through a project just as well. I know from experience that I struggle in classes that I actually attend. I became overwhelmed by the people around me and the speed with which the tutor expects me to stitch, as well as, the fact that I am physically uncomfortable sitting at a table with often insufficient lighting. I always go home and unpick whatever I have managed to stitch and re-stitch in at my own speed whilst sitting in my stitch spot with my light and magnifier. Online classes, youtube, and embroidery books are definitely better options for me 😊
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Michelle! How fabulous that you were able to take one of Alison Cole’s classes, I love her work. It’s funny how counted work seems to much easier than surface work for us both, when for others there is no difference in the difficulty and mental energy required for either! Wish I knew the answer, but I think like you, for the moment at least, I will stick to books and CZcams to dabble in embroidery!
No one in my very large family does any kind of needlework, I have been interested all my life (64 years). The first thing I learned from a neighbor was crochet. Because I live in Puerto Rico and it is warm, most of what I crochet is done in cotton because yarn can be hot for me. But I have a niece and nephew who have moved to the US Mainland so I've learned to set aside this mental block and crochet in yarn. I learned crewel embroidery from kits and it was great fun. My parents particularly liked most of what I did and had them framed and placed on the walls. Unfortunately, my sister did not feel the same and after my parents passed and she moved into the house she threw them all away (if I sound bitter, it's only because I am. A little). When I went to university in New York one of my roommates was from Lebanon and did a lot of needlepoint. I loved the idea of cushions but didn't really want to stitch with yarn (the mental block of it being too hot). Then I discovered counted cross stitch. I learned by purchasing a kit (there are no needlework stores in Puerto Rico, nor are there Public Libraries). I subscribed to magazines but didn't really like the patterns - they seemed too cute for me (it was the early 80's). So I purchased needlepoint books and adapted the patterns to cross stitch. I also purchased a series of VHS videos from The Spirit of Cross Stitch by Jean Farish and increased my knowledge of cross stitch (there was no youtube way back then). I wish these videos were transferred to CD because I can no longer watch them. I also derive a great deal of pleasure from seeing the work of others. In fact, I'm subscribed to Vogue Knitting and also watch knitting videos on CZcams although I don't know how to knit. Maybe in my next life. I once became a member of the Embroidery Guild of America but I realized that I could not afford the cost of classes or travel but the magazine was "mouth watering". I traveled in 2014 to New York to take a knitting course from Vogue Knitting. I paid good money to increase my knowledge of Tunisian Crochet from an expert in the field. Unhappily she actually told me that she couldn't teach me because I was left-handed. She really, really wanted to but she couldn't. So, it's all a gamble. Sometimes you get a good instructor - like the right-handed neighbor who actually taught me to crochet and never mentioned the fact that I was left-handed - and sometimes you don't.
I really enjoyed your video. Like I said, we have no Public Libraries here so when someone does a book review I find it very valuable,.
Thank you so much Millie for taking the time to share your needlework story! You sound like you have a real love for it and throughout your life have looked to increase your knowledge and embrace all the different types, I find that really encouraging! What a shame not everyone appreciates the skill and love that goes in to our work, fortunately my sister does - even though our tastes differ! Knitting is the one thing I really wish I could do, I have several friends and family members that are excellent knitters. All of them have tried at various points in my life to teach me, but it’s never clicked. I’ve still got time, so you never know one day..........! I’d just love to be able to create something beautiful yet practical, all the lovely shawls and socks I see! But for now I just admire the work of others, which like you br8ngs me great joy!
Give it ago you make mistakes but that's how you learn. Keep your money and have a go.
That was a lovely thought provoking video. I live in Australia and am English by birth. I have travelled three times to the RSN to do the certificate courses in canvaswork, Jacobean and silk shading. I couldn’t recommend anything more highly. The courses are two weeks in duration and the support and guidance you receive from the tutors could not be replaced by a video or online support by peers imho. I think if I were to undertake a course of online study it would need to be one where you could submit your work and receive feedback...it really is the best way to learn and improve. I would suggest you try a day class and I think you would absolutely love it and eventually your schedule might permit more....I have gone the opposite way with family commitments preventing me doing the final module in goldwork. The very best of luck I urge you to give it a try.
Thank you so much for commenting and sharing your experience, how fabulous that you have completed several RSN certificate courses! Like you, I strongly feel that face to face tuition cannot be replaced by videos. I would want someone to confirm that I am on the right track and completing the work correctly. I hope one day you get to complete the Goldwork module and thank you for your encouragement 💜!
Hi! I just discovered you. Are you still posting stuff? I’m a man that’s been stitching for over 30 years. I’m in the US
The craftsy classes are excellent. I bought quite a few but only used the goldwork class so far. They do have one on Crewel. Alison Coles classes are excellent. I've taken one of her cyber classes and the coursework material is very clear with great high res pictures. She is also available to answer questions on a forum she sets up for students.
I thought you had done a cyber class from her, thanks for the feedback, her pieces are beautiful and I like the fact that she makes herself available to answer any questions during the class. Of course not the same as being taught by her in person, as I'm sure you'll agree after your last embroidery excursion!
Alison Cole
Thank you for this video. I have in the past attempted surface embroidery, and intend to do again. Also I’ve been looking at crazy patchwork as I can include all sorts of needlecraft within the design, i.e. lacemaking, tatting, cross stitch and general embroidery stitches. There are a lot of images on Pinterest I’ve been looking at lately.
Thank you for your comment, there are some amazing crazy quilters out there and so much inspiration to be found - so glad that people share their skills and talent with everyone!
In terms of the people on the course - all were new to blackwork. There were a couple of cross stitchers like me and ten others were more sewing clothes type people. This was a beginners course.
No one in my family sews, stitches or anything of the like. I had a friend years ago that introduced me to cross stitching and I finished a chart. Had it framed. I have a scroll stand and scrolls. A Jan Lynn project chart, 18 ct Aida fabric. 1/4 of it stitched at this time. I have several HEAD charts, they’re a dream of mine to finish one of those. Two friends bought charts from HAED for me Elenor of Aquitaine ( looks difficult ). Another friend gifted me the Lady Godiva chart. I really like the French Coat of Arms chart by HAED. I have both the pdf and hard copy of that chart. I like you love silk threads.
Thank Cheryl, I think HAEDs are more about stamina, endurance and patience more than anything! I have several full sized designs in my stash which I will never stitch as I can’t imagine working on the same design for years and years, which is why I chicken out and stick with the mini versions 😂!
love your work. New friend Ruthie
I agree re the online course. I thought there would be a forum you could post progress in and get direct advice and support. I am still thinking about it but I am not sure. I did a one day black work course and having the tutor there with juts six of us was fabulous.
I remember you mentioning to me Mary that you were doing the black work day course a while back. What a fabulous opportunity and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Seems we are of the same mind about the online courses, I'll wait and see what the feedback is like...........
I learnt to do knitting and surface embroidery from the age of 5 from my Great-Grandma. I did not know that cross stitching existed till I was 35. Over the years I have learned from books and gone to Adult Education classes. Now I can do most needle crafts. Stop saying that you would not be able to do these things; just try, you will surprised at what you will be able to do.
Thanks a Helen, I am my own worst enemy! How wonderful that you were taught needlearts by your great grandma at such a young age. I think skills taught at that age always stay with you and set you up for life. My mum started to teach me how to bake and cook at around the same age, something that I am eternally grateful for!
I couldn't have said it better myself. It was like being in a Surface Embroidery anonymous meeting lol. I've done goldwork and now I'm doing Japanese Embroidery but I still tremble in fear of surface embroidery. I have 5 of Hazel's kits including midnight meander and every year I put off starting one. I collect books for inspiration as well for the day I start designing my own pieces. If I can get over my fear of color >.
Dima! You have been such an inspiration to me, I remember having conversations with you four years ago about this topic and now you are out there and doing it, beautifully I might add! I am actively trying to clear the counted WIPs I have so that I can make time for other embroidery. Any new counted thread projects I start will have to really justify their place in my stitching schedule 😂!
Have you watched Malina GM Embroidery on YT ? She is Russian and does very beautiful work very good videos. It is great to see an old face again starting my videos from beginning due to a troll. Nice to have you back, and like I said 5yrs ago you can do any of these types of work ;0)) give it a go love and hugs Maureen xx
Maureen! How fantastic to read a comment from you! On my return I looked up your channel, but thought I had the wrong one as there was only one video, then read your comment about the troll 😡 - seriously what is wrong with people! I feel in a better place with my stitching now, so I will be making some time to include playing with new techniques. Thanks for the other channel recommendation, I will definately look her up 😊.
Your welcome sweetie glad to have you back, can't wait to see what you make next xxx
Thanks for the video.Yeah, I thought the sewandso classes were too much. Have you looked at craftsy.com. There's a goldwork essentials class on there for £22 taught by Lucy Barter, an RSN tutor. Also does your area have an Embroiders Guild, they might run day classes more locally to you.
Yes, I took advantage of an offer Craftsy had a few years ago where I binged on a few needlework classes for free - it’s definately a good option and like you mention, taught by people qualified in their field for a fraction of the price!
I like you don’t think I would do a online class if there is no contact - I would want questions answered. I think with the resources online and by book are the way to go unless you go to a class - obviously working in London I looked at the classes at Hampton court, but like you I was not brave enough to go lol
It would be a total dream to go to Hampton Court - but like you I would chicken out, I’d be petrified 😂!
I too will add a link to aid you in your quest...
pintangle.com/
I had the pleasure of meeting Sharon many years ago and seeing her beautiful and inspiring embroidery "in the flesh" so to speak... Well worth a visit and a browse...
Take care...
Ooooo yes I'd forgotten about Pintange! I remember TAST from years ago - thanks for the reminder!
Hi,
Please treat yourself to an RSN day class - they are more than worth the money. The tutors do not assume any prior knowledge but adjust their teaching to your level of experience. The tutor to student ratio is excellent (about 1:6).
I am currently working on a Crewelwork course as part of the RSN Certificate Course. This course includes 8 days of face-to-face tuition and takes you from creating your own design to finishing your piece. You do not have to complete the eight days in a block, they are reasonably flexible.
Regards,
Allison
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