In this workshop, you will explore how to use your sewing machine as a creative drawing tool.

With inspiring examples of embroidered artwork to examine, you will be introduced to techniques that transform stitching into expressive painterly designs.

You will start by learning how to set up your sewing machine for free machine embroidery, including how to adjust the tension to blend colours and how to build up layered effects with stitch. You will also get to know the qualities of water-soluble fabric and explore a variety of embroidery threads that suit this technique.

There will be plenty of time to practise and experiment. Once you feel confident with the techniques, you will begin developing your own design or drawing to stitch. You will learn how to transfer your design onto water-soluble fabric and will be guided through each stage of creating your own piece of embroidered artwork.

By the end of the workshop, you will know how to prepare your finished piece for removing the water-soluble backing fabric at home. This final stage will not take place during the class as the fabric needs time to dry and stabilise before transport.

This workshop is ideal for complete beginners but also offers fresh insights for those with some experience of free machine embroidery. You will be encouraged to work at your own pace in a supportive and creative environment.

No prior sewing machine experience is required.

On the first evening, your tutor will give a 40-minute talk about her practice, sharing how a deeply personal experience led to an award-winning career in stitched art. There will be time for questions and a chance to browse her sketchbooks and samples for further inspiration.

Included

On this course, your tutor and the College will supply all of the materials. All equipment will be available for you to use to create your free machined embroidered artwork to take home. Sewing machines, embroidery hoops, threads, tracing paper and water-soluble fabric and pens will be provided during the course.

What students need to bring

• sketchbook to take notes
• pencil, black fineliner, rubber, pencil sharpener
• not essential but could come prepared with A small drawing/image/item to inspire your own embroidered drawing. the tutor will also have some items and images available.

Additional information

Please be aware that free machine embroidery is a slow process. Expect to make a small drawing about 10cm square. The water-soluble fabric that forms the base will have to be removed at home. Full instructions will be provided on how to do that.

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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