During the summer, we hold Intensive Courses for our Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery at Hampton Court Palace.  These courses are held over 12 days structured around tuition, homework and mounting the finished piece.  We spoke to Denise Kristof, from Pasadena in California, who attended our C&D Intensive programme in Hampton Court Palace last year.  Denise is an attorney and started the C&D course in May 2017.

How did you learn of the RSN Certificate & Diploma Intensive course?
During the summer of 1995, between my first and second year of law school, I travelled to the UK with my mother and my son.  One of our visits was to Hampton Court Palace.  In the area, just outside what is now the RSN Gift Shop, there were three ladies embroidering.  We stopped and watched them embroider.  They were so very gracious and their work was so very excitingly beautiful.  I vowed that I would study at the RSN someday.

Where are you now on the C&D student journey?
I have completed all four modules for my Certificate and only have three modules remaining of my Diploma.

What do you find are the benefits of attending the C&D intensive course?

• Learning new skills at a first rate institution with first rate Tutors
• Sense of accomplishment
• Meeting people from all over the world
• Seeing the world through new lenses

What is your favourite hand embroidery technique?
Goldwork, because it is so impressive!

How was your experience of the course?
My experience with every module has been wonderful!  Each and every Tutor has been professional, knowledgeable, patient and gracious.  The administrative staff at RSN has been wonderfully helpful.  When I study at Hampton Court Palace, I have to pinch myself that I am allowed to spend time in a building with such rich history.

What has been the highlight?
It is difficult to pinpoint just one highlight of the RSN course.  Expanding my designing skills, learning new techniques, perfecting skills are all important and the reason for enrolling on the program.  Studying at Hampton Court Palace is such an indescribable privilege.  But, without question, the people are what make the RSN special.  I have had the honour of studying with almost all the Tutors.  Every one of them has been exemplary, professional, knowledgeable and gracious.  The assessment of my work has been strict and I have not always received the marks that I anticipated.  My assessments have been rigorous and very fair, which I appreciate so that I can improve.

How do you balance the course and homework with work/home life?
I can only study during the Summer Intensive Programme, due to living outside the UK, so I am very appreciative that the RSN offers this programme.  The Intensives allow me to study needlework the same way I do everything else – at full tilt!

Has anything/anyone inspired or surprised you on the C&D course?
When I began studying at the RSN I especially wanted to study Goldwork.  I was reticent to study the three other modules before Goldwork, which is the last technique on the Certificate but was pleasantly surprised with the other techniques.  I would not have studied some of the techniques if they had not been required components, so I am really glad that the RSN required me to stretch my abilities.

Why do you choose to learn hand embroidery from the RSN rather than from another organisation?
Because of their rigorous standards.  The RSN required me to learn components that I would not have entertained otherwise.  I did not want to waste my time stitching what I could have done without their requirements and tutelage.

What makes the RSN special?
Hands down, the things that make the RSN special are the people and the surroundings!  I find myself giggling incessantly when I am there.

This year our Certificate & Diploma Summer Intensive Courses at Hampton Court Palace takes place from: 22 June – 14 August.  To find out more click here.

We also teach the C&D Intensive Courses in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA usually in April and October.

The images below are all examples of Denise’s work, completed during the Summer Intensives.

The Royal School of Needlework welcomed The Queen of Malaysia today at its base at Hampton Court Palace.

Her Majesty, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, met with RSN staff, embroiderers from the Embroidery Studio and students.  Students were from different courses: Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery, Future Tutors programme and Degree in Hand Embroidery, including third year Degree Student, Francesca Lim who was brought up in Malaysia.

Her Majesty also viewed the unique ‘Lost Dress of Elizabeth I’ exhibition, currently on display at Hampton Court Palace, and then had the opportunity to learn the traditional ‘Seeding Stitch’ which was one of the stitches used in Queen Elizabeth I’s original dress.  Her Majesty was taught the hand embroidery techniques by Royal School of Needlework Tutor, Sarah Smith.

Dr Susan Kay-Williams, Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework said: “We were delighted to welcome The Queen of Malaysia.  Her Majesty is clearly a great enthusiast of embroidery.  She was asking the students many detailed questions about their work and really enjoyed seeing the variety of techniques being taught.”

The King and Queen of Malaysia are currently on a special visit to the UK which will include a luncheon hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

Our three year Degree in Hand Embroidery is taught in dedicated studios at Hampton Court Palace.  We have been catching up with some of our graduates and you can now read all about their achievements so far!

Laura Baverstock who graduated in 2016, became a Freeman of the City of London at the official ceremony at the Guildhall in August, having been invited to be the youngest Trade Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers three years ago.  Laura has been Costume Embroiderer for several films, the latest being The Aeronauts, as well as Mary Queen of Scots and Murder on the Orient Express.

Hattie McGill, who also graduated in 2016, has become a very successful Textile Artist, receiving commissions for her metalwork pieces from all over the world, and is a columnist for Mr X Stitch.

Harriet Stiles graduated in 2014 and is Design & Product Development Manager for Turquoise Mountain, based in Riyadh, exploring traditional needlecraft in contemporary jewellery.  In July, Harriet became a Trade Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers.

Since graduating in 2018, Nina Brabbins and Abigail Frusher have been exploring their own hand embroidery practice.  Nina’s Final Major Project, ‘Sea Change’, explored the human effect on the natural world and our lack of connection towards it and has recently started teaching coil basketry Workshops around plastic beach waste and ghost gear, ‘Let’s Weave the Seas Clean’.  Meanwhile, in August, Abigail held her first solo show at the West Acre Gallery, King’s Lynn, inspired by pebble collection along the Norfolk coastline, and is now Artist in Residence at Downham Market Academy, Norfolk.

Charlie Ellis and Abigail Noronha graduated this summer having established their brand ‘ellis+noronha’ in their third year and launched in Bermondsey during the London Design Festival, in September.  Abigail enjoys working with paint and expressive drawings whilst Charlie enjoys digital design, and the combination of skills has resulted in their first collection.  They are now busy working on their next Collection to launch in May.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Degree Course, our next Open Day is on Wednesday 8 January at 11am and 2pm. Book your place here.

Our 2019 Graduates put on a fabulous display at our annual Graduate Show at Hampton Court Palace in May followed by New Designers in London in June, where we welcomed design and industry experts, including ‘living sculpture’ Daniel Lismore.

In July, Degree Students collaborated with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge to bring her ‘Back to Nature’ garden to life at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival.  For the project, we created a hand embroidered textile by only using compostable materials to complete the surround of a forest den.  The hand embroidery techniques of Appliqué, Whitework and Needlelace were a perfect combination to emulate a camouflage style netting and provide magical, dappled light into the den.  The Duchess of Cambridge created the special garden to inspire families and communities to spend time in natural environments and to help build foundations for positive physical and mental wellbeing, which hand embroidery also helps.

Also in July, the RSN Degree was invited by Fashion Roundtable to be part of the ‘Global Stories, Local Britain’ event at the V&A where pieces by Abigail Noronha were displayed, followed by taking part in the Port Eliot Festival, Cornwall.  Here, Graduates Dev Patel and Carys Atkinson displayed their final fashion pieces in the Festival’s ‘Fashion Foundation’ area, during a panel discussion, talking about their expertise and ambitions for moving hand embroidery in to new areas of practice.  Dev and Carys then led an inspiring ‘Funky Button’ workshop where the festival goers could let their creativity go wild!

Finally, throughout August, there was an exhibition of our Degree Students and Graduates work in R Space Gallery, Lisburn, Northern Ireland.  ‘Out of the Frame’ showcased a variety of projects which embodies the art of hand embroidery applied to individual creative practice, and was seen by visitors from far and wide.

We completed another successful collaboration with menswear brand E.Tautz for their Spring/Summer 2020 Collection, ‘Les Fleurs’.  You may know the Creative Director Patrick Grant from The Great British Sewing Bee, and we will be working with Patrick again on his next collection.

Two of our Degree Students recently gained valuable work experience with British couturier to royalty Catherine Walker & Co in their atelier in London’s Chelsea.  They hand-embellished Swarovski crystal ‘stardust’ on to an evening dress which was released in the House’s new Autumn/Winter 2019 Collection.  Since the Collection’s launch we have featured on People’s Magazine TV channel and in The Telegraph!

Many of our Students work for international fashion houses throughout their summer holiday, several of them for Alexander McQueen, Ralph & Russo, Jasper Conran and Zandra Rhodes.  How wonderful for them to see their hard work ‘up in lights’ at a red carpet event such as Beyoncé Knowles at the ‘Lion King’ LA première and Angelina Jolie at the ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ London première.

Congratulations to our students who were winners in the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery 2019.

Degree graduate Frances Stone won The Worshipful Company of Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers prize and £1000; Future Tutor graduate Jung Byun won the Worshipful Company of Broderers prize and £1000; Degree graduates Anna Holmes won third prize in the Fashion Student category and Carys Atkinson was a finalist in the same category.

The Hand & Lock Prize is an opportunity for new designers to showcase their finest creations.  It encourages the use of embroider in fashion and textiles and receives in excess of 500 entries annually from all around the world.

Images below show:  The winning hand embroidered peacock by Jung Byun;  Frances Stone at the Royal School of Needlework creating her winning cushion covers.

We have gift ideas for all purse sizes!  From a festive mini needle felting kit to make a Santa Bauble, Snowman or Rudolf The Reindeer Brooch to a choice of two RSN exclusive silk scarfs printed with designs from the our unique Textile Collection, we have something for everyone. And don’t forget we also have a limited edition pack of luxury Christmas Cards.   To view all our Christmas gift ideas, click here.

Happy Stitching and Gifting!

The last posting date for online orders is below, but please order online before these dates to guarantee delivery.  We will always do our best to get orders out as soon as we can.

UK – Friday 20 December

Europe – Thursday 12 December

Rest of the World – Monday 9 December

UK Special Delivery –  Monday 23 December

We are delighted to announce that our long awaited book, giving a step by step guide on how to make Embroidered Boxes, is now available to buy.

Written by RSN Tutor Heather Lewis, the book explores the intricate art of creating, embroidering and embellishing boxes for use as keepsakes and jewellery boxes.   There are three projects for you to try, featured in the book – a small treasure chest with a curved lid, embroidered dragonfly detail and a false floor; a hexagonal box with a beautiful embroidered lid depicting afternoon tea; and an intricate Stumpwork casket with a mirror in the lid and a hidden drawer. Each has a template and extensive instructions for preparation, embroidery and construction.

We were very excited to receive the books before anyone else and be able to offer them to our Friends and Supporters.   We even have a limited number of signed copies available for the first 50 purchases.  The book costs £17.99 and will make the perfect Christmas gift.

Heather Lewis said: “I hope that this book inspires you to enjoy box-making as much as I do, and helps you to develop your skills and knowledge so that you can create your own keepsake embroidered boxes.”

The new Embroidered Boxes book is part of a collection of technical and inspirational guides that we offer, including the Essential Stitch Guides for Jacobean Crewelwork, Silk Shading, Whitework and many more!

Click here to view the full range of books and magazines we offer.

For any stitch lovers who don’t live near one of our teaching venues, why not try an RSN Online Course this Christmas.

We have a wide range of techniques to choose, including a Blackwork Puffin; Silk Shaded Flower, Whitework Bee and Canvaswork Toucan. A recent addition includes a fun Contemporary Crewelwork jungle scene.

All the courses feature in-depth videos, taking you through the different stitches step by step.  They can be accessed anytime, anywhere with a computer, tablet or smart phone so perfect over the Christmas holiday season.

Visit our dedicated online courses website www.rsnonlinecourses.com for more information.

Our Embroidery Studio not only adds bespoke embroidery onto new wedding attire, it also restores precious garments that have been passed through the generations, in particular veils.   Many of the veils been worn by grandmothers and great grandmothers, but the delicate fabric often has holes or tears and has lost its colour.  The RSN’s Embroidery Studio cleans and repairs this much loved garment so it is ready to be worn by the family’s next bride-to-be.

One of our clients, Amy Lamond, brought in a much treasured wedding veil which was first worn as a shawl by a friend of Amy’s great-great-grandmother, a ‘Mrs Westbury’, when she was presented to Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) in 1890.  The daughter of Amy’s great-great-grandmother then wore it as a wedding veil later the same year (Mrs Thompstone).   Afterwards, it was loaned to Amy’s great-grandmother Kathleen Amy for her wedding in 1925, then again to her daughters, Judith (1953) and Susan (1960).

The veil was subsequently gifted to Amy’s family by Mrs Westbury’s grandson, and has been worn a further seven times so far, including for Amy’s wedding which took place in September.

Amy Lamond said: “I’ve always known I would wear the veil when I married (it is 100 years older than me!) and deliberately chose a dress that would show it off beautifully. I also displayed the photos of when the veil was worn previously in a timeline at our Wedding Reception, which was a real talking point. It was so special to wear the veil knowing so many women in my family had done so before me, especially as my grandmother Susan is sadly no longer with us.

“The RSN Embroidery Studio did a great job of spot cleaning and refreshing the veil so it looked its best on the day, as it hadn’t been worn since 1993 and had some slight staining. My mother and I had a memorable day bringing it down to the Studio at Hampton Court Palace, a great experience in itself! The advice on how to look after it was very useful – it is now safely stored in a conservation box and I hope it will last another 100 years’.”

If you have a wedding veil that needs restoring, please contact our Studio for a quote.  Our embroiderers also create new commissions, including initials embroidered onto a wedding dress, hand embellished with crystals, personalised cufflinks and bespoke ring cushions.

Email [email protected]

Our Volunteers are extremely important to us and we are lucky to have such a loyal team in place.  Are you looking for a new adventure in 2020?

The RSN Education Department, based at Hampton Court Palace, is looking for a Data Entry Volunteer to become part of the team one day per week.

If you are able to help us, please send an updated CV with why you are interested in the role to [email protected]

Join us for our Emoji Big Buttons Family Stitch Workshop on Wednesday 19 February.  Learn how to stitch one of these eye-catching Emoji Faces and make it into a wearable button.  The workshop is open to one adult and child (7+) or two children (7+) accompanied by a non-stitching parent or guardian.  Suitable for all levels, this class is inspired by our current exhibition, Faces & Figures in Stitch.

During the class, you will learn how to create a button using hand embroidery stitches including Back Stitch, Stem Stitch, Couching and Appliqué.  In addition, before you start stitching you will have a chance to view some of the pieces from our exhibition, including the amazing Blackwork portrait of our Patron, the Duchess of Cornwall.

The class will run from 10.30am-1pm at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU.

For more information and bookings