The five senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste may at first seem to have little connection with hand embroidery but, on closer inspection, it becomes apparent that each of the senses has a part to play in the overall experience; this has become more evident during the many weeks of lockdown and social distancing.

As people look for something to do whilst at home, many have picked up old forgotten projects, starting to re-engage with them which, in turn, brings the senses into play as they remember fondly the memories surrounding a certain piece of unfinished work. The feel of the material and threads is familiar and comforting and harks back to better times and the challenge of completing it gives a sense of purpose and achievement. The temptation to touch a piece of embroidery is almost irresistible and we have to content ourselves with admiring from a distance; we are reminded of our famous Wall of Wool in the RSN Embroidery Studio and Rachel Doyle’s Canvas Stitches Sampler.

The RSN Education team is working hard to include as many of our international hand embroidery community in to our classes as possible and on Thursday Sarah de Rousset-Hall taught her ‘Bright Rainbow’ class for our North American stitchers, from 10am-4pm EST, which still allows for our UK and European friends to come along as the class is from 3-9pm BST. Due to a sold out class, we are repeating the class on 18 June and there are a few places left.

This morning, feedback came flooding in to our Inbox since last nights class! One excited lady, Brianna from Phoenix, Arizona, who took her very first class with the RSN said: “I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I enjoyed the Bright Rainbow class today! It was so nice that you were able to offer it at a time that worked for those of us in North America. The class was wonderful – Sarah was an absolute delight! The class was well-structured, Sarah’s instructions were clear and easy to follow, and she made everyone feel very comfortable. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of the upcoming online classes!”

Caroline Homfray will also be engaging students through her ‘Observational Drawing’ Online Day Class and, as participants gather up floral inspiration in readiness for the class, the beautiful scents will tantalise the olfactory senses. Whilst drawing, fingers can be used to spread colour, which in turn creates a feast for the eyes.

As we see the current world around us, there are many images of positivity being shared online and the RSN is sharing in that as we continue our online teaching journey, sharing images of work, forging friendships through Online Classes and engaging with the RSN through social media. We love to see the progress in your stitching whether a C&D module or a Day Class piece.

Listening has become a big part of lockdown as we navigate our way through this unknown territory. Here, at the RSN, we are listening; we are listening to what you want, we are listening to what you like and what you don’t like, we are listening to how you feel in these strange times. We miss the buzz of the classroom, seeing our students stitching together, listening to each other and helping, advising, and praising without judgement.

And what of taste? Even in lockdown the tea break remains a key component and the aromas and tastes of the different drinks and cakes becomes a part of the whole experience as we encourage you to take time away from your frame. We shall very much miss our overseas C&D Summer Intensive Programme students and all the delicious foods and treats they bring to share with their fellow students during the summer months.

We have launched another new teaching formula, a class by RSN Tutor Chrissie Juno-Mann which will be spread over two days to include both our Western and Eastern friends’ time zones. Chrissie will teach her two-day ‘Raised Embroidery & Ribbonwork: The Espalier Apple Tree’ class first on 7 and 8 July, 10am-12.30pm (7.30-10pm ACT) and again on 15 and 16 July, 6-8.30pm (1-3.30pm US Eastern). We look forward to welcoming new faces from across the globe through our connection of the invisible thread.

We see clearly how engaged and invested you all are and, in return, we are committed to feeding the senses with images, classes and inspiration. We continue to listen so please do keep on letting us know what you think and how you would like to engage with us as we continue to add to our Online Class offering as well as working towards a safe return to the classroom as soon as we safely can.