This form of stitching was very popular during Victorian times, around the time the RSN was set up. It is the original upcycling technique with used or leftover pieces of fabric, thread ends from previous projects, odd buttons and scraps of ribbon and lace all given new life creating a beautiful, useful textile, full of personal meaning.
The first day will involve discussions about colour, pattern, and fabric texture before your choice of fabrics are applied to calico using the Running Stitch, Flip &Slip process.
The remaining four days will see you embroidering your panel with a variety of stitches using different types of thread, silk ribbons and beads all of which will be available in the classroom for you to choose from; an allowance of £35 is included to cover these to get you started but you are encouraged to bring your own and in addition any lace, braid or special buttons and charms as this will be a very personal piece.
In the true spirit of this technique you will need to bring around 15 pieces of fabric (we encourage you to use what you have rather than buy) so you have enough choice to create your panel. You will be able to choose the shape of your panel – heart, square or octagon. Your fabrics should be the weight of patchwork cotton – dupion, taffeta silk, damask, cottons, and lightweight velvet for example. No sheer, upholstery weight or stretch fabric….apart from these the world is your oyster! Don’t bring anything too small i.e. less than 4” square.
This class is open to all abilities and interests as each panel created will be individual and reflective of each person. Panels can be colour themed, subject themed or just full of personal memories; whichever route you choose the resulting panel will be unique and very special and can be used as a cushion, added to a bag or displayed in a frame.
You can explore many more stitches on the RSN Stitch Bank.
