Demystify the art of free machine embroidery. The tutor will guide you through all aspects of creating a design, placing imagery, incorporating a background and a foreground into your design and how to finish and present your work to its full and deserved potential.

You will learn how to use a sumptuous array of machine embroidery threads in a variety of colours and thicknesses, and you can work with your own sewing machine or opt to use a college sewing machine to translate your original designs into a picture of stitches, a jewellery item or an embroidery piece.

Working at your own pace, you will gain further knowledge and confidence in learning and developing numerous free machine embroidery techniques and textures, created by threads and stitch, not to mention the delight of sewing and working with colour in this inspiring medium.

The workshop is designed for both the novice and more experienced stitcher.

The tutor will demonstrate machine embroidery, before you begin work on individual projects on a subject theme of your own choice.

Included

Some threads and calico are provided to be shared amongst the group.

What students need to bring

• Please bring along a design, drawing or any reference material (photographs, drawings, pictures from magazines, greetings cards, postcards and books e.g. of gardens, the seaside, patterning) that you wish to work from. Themes can range from gardens, the seashore and the landscape etc.
• Sewing materials, e.g. sharp embroidery scissors, 20-25 cm wooden embroidery hoop (can also be borrowed), plus any hand and machine embroidery threads, stitch and tear and stabilising fabric, plus calico you have.
• A sewing machine – if bringing your own sewing machine, please ensure it is in good working order and with the ability to drop its feed dog teeth. Don't forget spare bobbins, needles and a darning/embroidery foot for the sewing machine (circle-shaped foot). If you do not have a darning/embroidery foot, you can use spring needles (No. 80). Alternatively you may use a College sewing machine. To reserve one please email: [email protected]
• Your sewing machine manual/sewing machine accessories (oil, screwdriver, etc.).
• No. 80 machine needles

Available to buy

Available from shop: A small selection of machine embroidery and hand embroidery threads Pencils/pens and paper Calico (medium/heavyweight) - 0.5 metre will be plenty 20 or 25cm (8–10”) wooden embroidery hoop (can also be borrowed in the studio) Embroidery/sharp scissors Sewing machine needles

Available from tutor: The tutor will bring a selection of threads, calico and accessories that you are welcome to use, at a small cost.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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