Embroidery Workshops

  1. Goldwork
    During the workshop we learn a variety of goldwork techniques and use threads such as pearl, check, smooth and rough purls, jap, twists and rococco. All the techniques learnt will be worked into a design that can be mounted and framed when finished.

  2. Pulled work
    'Lacy' patterns are created by the arrangement of stitches on a loose weave fabric.

  3. Broderie Anglaise
    This form of embroidery consists of eyelets, varying in shape and size, which are cut or punched with a stiletto and then overcast. Traditionally, the designs are of a floral nature, with modern work incorporating some surface stitchery.

  4. Shadow quilting
    Shadow effects are formed from two layer quilting with transparent fabric.

  5. Papermaking
    The technique of making sheet paper from pulp. How to use plant fibres in paper. This needs access to a water supply.

  6. Dyeing from plants and berries
    This needs access to water and some means of heating up saucepans. It is best late done in late Autumn.

  7. Dyeing techniques
    Including space-dyeing, shibori and using a diffuser. This needs access to a water supply.

  8. Wrapped Thread Pictures
    Abstract pictures are created by the use of threads and card. The technique can also be used as an integral part of an embroidery or as a mount or frame to a design.

  9. Designing for the non-artist
    You do not need to be a great artist in order to produce a unique design for an embroidery etc. There are a number of techniques that can be utilised and adapted that do not involve skilled drawing. During the day we try a number of techniques and produce a range of designs that can then be used in embroidery etc.

  10. Getting Started in Machine Embroidery
    This is a chance for students to get to grips with free machine embroidery on their own machine. Starting from scratch, we learn how to control the movement of the fabric without the feed-dog/teeth of the machine, ending with making a small herbaceous scene.

  11. Machine Embroidery on Disappearing Fabrics
    During the day students get the opportunity to work on a variety of disappearing fabrics, both water soluble and heat removable, producing, amongst other things, a lacy mat and a thread 'bowl'.

  12. Free Machine embroidery
    Bobbin thread designs.

  13. Carrickmacross
    Lace is created by the applique of fine cotton voile onto net.

  14. Laid Work
    The art of laying threads across material and stitching them down with a variety of couching stitches to produce a bold design.

  15. Mountmellick
    Characteristically, the embroidery was worked in thick white cotton yarns on course heavy cotton fabric. It consisted of surface stitchery with bold stitches and bold outlines. In this dayschool we work on a piece to create a shoulder bag.

  16. Hedebo Embroidery
    This day school explores the more recent version of hedebo which dates from around 1850, in which holes are cut into the fabric and the voids are then filled in with stitches.

  17. Cut Work
    During the day students learn the basic techniques of cutwork by stitching a small table mat. The do's and don'ts of design for cutwork are explored and students have the opportunity to put these into practice as they put together their own designs with the help of simple shapes.

  18. Mirrored Bargello
    Starting with a simple pattern we use a mirror to design further patterns and shapes, which are stitched onto canvas.

To book a workshop contact Helen through the 'Contact Me' button on the web site.