You will be guided through a variety of appliqué techniques and encouraged to use them as a starting point for a creative form of drawing. You will also explore a range of embroidery stitches, including satin, running, seed, cross-stitch, and couching. The course will offer exciting opportunities to incorporate found objects and personal ephemera into your embroidery. For example, Jessie will show you how a pearl button can become the center of a flower or how a piece of blue silk ribbon can add detail to a richly stitched sky.
At the beginning of the course, Jessie will introduce a selection of her original artworks, providing both group and individual guidance as you embark on your own stitching journey. Whether you choose to create a stitched story or a simple drawing, you will be encouraged to approach this one-day course as a peaceful and exploratory experience. The course will not necessarily focus on creating a finished piece, but rather on the process of slow-stitching, inspired by Jessie’s artworks and the materials at hand. If you wish, you can focus on making a creative stitch sampler—this can help release your imagination and spark fresh ideas for future stitching projects.
You will work directly onto a piece of natural fabric, which will be provided in your kit at the start of the course. This kit also contains a selection of pre-cut fabric motifs, designed by Jessie, ready for appliqué. You will also receive a printed stitch guide to take home for future reference.
If you choose to work with a more personal base fabric, Jessie suggests vintage tablecloths, linen napkins, or even an old garment. These materials can be unpicked and pieced back together, offering a unique canvas for your stitching. If you have a special item that belonged to a loved one, this can add a deeply personal touch to your work. Jessie recommends using fabrics made from natural fibers (cotton, linen, or silk), as they are easier to embellish with stitches.
And finally, please take note, Jessie’s suggested materials list, and gather together a few items of personal inspiration in advance of your class. You will be provided with a handcrafted kit at the start of your masterclass, which includes the use of your tutor’s specialist embroidery threads. However, to ensure you as the maker can create your own story, please also bring items on the list below
Included
You will be provided with a handcrafted kit at the start of your course, which includes the use of your tutor’s specialist embroidery threads.
What students need to bring
- An assortment of your favourite embroidery threads
- An assortment of your favourite fabric scraps
- A cherished vintage piece of plain linen/cotton, if you would like to work with a more
- personal base fabric – vintage tablecloths, tray cloths, hankies and linen napkins are all
- perfect material
- Other items of personal interest, such as old charms, buttons, vintage lace and ribbons,
- small keys etc, all of which can be stitched into your work
- A favourite drawing, poem, quote or perhaps just a single word (for inspiration)
- Anything you are currently working on that you’d like to show me and share with your
- class
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.
Refreshments
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
