Workshops

Below are the workshops I am currently offering. Please see "Forthcoming workshops" for details of dates, locations and costs.

Suggestions and requests for other workshops would be welcomed.

I can offer special rates for group bookings for maximum 12 people. Please contact me to discuss details if you are interested in booking a workshop for your group. I also give talks at evening meetings of groups such as quilting groups or Embroiderer's Guilds.

Please contact me for any further information.

An Introduction to Free Machine Embroidery - One or two day workshop Often described as 'drawing with the sewing machine', free machine embroidery allows you to stitch outlines, add shading and build up texture exactly where you want it without the usual constraints of 'steering' the sewing machine and using only straight stitch and zig-zag. On the first day we will cover basic techniques of steering, stretching the fabric and creating effects using different stitch and thread combinations. On two day workshops the second day offers a chance to work on a design of your own with support and guidance. Participants need their own sewing machine and should know (or find out in advance) how to drop or cover the teeth. A small amount of other equipment is also necessary. Please contact me if you would like to know more about this.

An Introduction to Silk Painting In silk painting, the designs are created by drawing onto the silk with an outliner, creating an effect similar to stained glass designs. As well as learning how to use the gutta outliner and different ways to apply the paints, you will learn how to create the most effective designs on natural themes such as flowers, landscapes and animals. There will be tips and even cheats, though do bring any ideas you already have if you like. Please bring a hairdryer if you can, to maximise the length of time which can be spent painting. You may like to wear an apron or overall as splashes of silk paints tend to be permanent. I will provide all essential equipment but if you already have nylon paintbrushes in larger sizes, mixing palettes, etc that you like to use, you may like to bring them with you. Whether you use this workshop as a springboard to taking up silk painting or a one-off experience trying something new, a day spent silk painting is relaxing, rewarding, inspirational and fun!

Further Silk Painting - One-day workshop This workshop is ideally for those who have already done a small amount of silk painting (though beginners can also be accommodated.) Although you can use this workshop for further experimentation, the day provides an ideal opportunity to focus on a particular project. Silk-painted panels can be used as pictures or hangings, as a base for stitching, for insertion into cushions, bags, garments and many other items and introductory workshops usually spark off lots of ideas for "what next." For those who have 'got the bug' last time round but don't feel ready to buy equipment and paints, occasional "further" workshops are a good chance to tackle new projects. The maximum size of frame I have is 20" x 14" but if you wish to work on something larger please contact me so we can discuss whether I can provide a larger frame or if you have something suitable to use as a frame yourself. You can buy lightweight silk habutai from me as usual but if you would like to experiment with any other fabrics do bring some along. (If the fabric pieces are smaller than about 12" square, you will also need to bring some kind of frame, e.g. an embroidery frame, on which to stretch the fabric. An apron or overall is probably advisable and please bring a hairdryer if you can. Also, please bring any pictures, sketches or other resources for ideas which you may already have.

Further Silk Painting - Two-day workshop This workshop is ideally for those who have already done a small amount of silk painting (though beginners can also be accommodated.) It is planned as a two-day workshop to allow time to design and work on a larger project than is possible during one day. Design books will be available (with a photocopy/enlarging facility built in towards the end of the morning) but I can also help you develop your own designs and make detailed plans for your chosen project. In particular we will look at planning colour to avoid those "why did I put that colour there?" moments. Silk-painted panels can be used as pictures or hangings, as a base for stitching, for insertion into cushions, bags, garments and many other items and consideration of the end product will be built into the planning. The maximum size of frame I have is 20" x 14" but if you wish to work on something larger please contact me so we can discuss whether I can provide a larger frame or if you have something suitable to use as a frame yourself. You can buy lightweight silk habutai from me as usual but if you would like to experiment with any other fabrics do bring some along. (If the fabric pieces are smaller than about 12" square, you will also need to bring some kind of frame, e.g. an embroidery frame, on which to stretch the fabric. An apron or overall is probably advisable and please bring a hairdryer if you can. Also, please bring any pictures, sketches or other resources for ideas which you may already have.

Why Did I Put That Colour There? - a half-day workshop This is a half day design workshop. This workshop is a natural preparation for the one-day further silk painting workshop but it is completely self-contained and may also be of interest to embroiderers, quilters and others. We look at how to plan colour use, designing for a specific medium (particularly silk painting) or project and cheats' techniques for producing designs. If you've ever said any of the following, this workshop is for you: "I've got a picture, but I don't know how to turn it into a design." "What colour should I put here?" "I've spoilt it now!" "What should I do to it next?" "I wish I'd done it differently." The workshop will include time for supported work on your own design projects, particularly silk painting, but can also be tailored to suit other media. Please let me know when booking if your interest is in designing for something other than silk painting so that I can prepare accordingly.