This month we are delighted to introduce you to Sharon Ross who started the RSN Certificate in Technical Hand Embroidery course in February 2018 and has already graduated on to the Diploma!  Sharon lives in Dorset, a county in the South West of England on the English channel coast, and travels over 100 miles for two hours to arrive to the calm oasis of the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace.

What motivated you to enrol on the RSN’s Certificate & Diploma course? 

I have been hooked on cross-stitch for more than 20 years and was interested in expanding my skills.  The C&D course looked perfect for this as it covers a range of techniques.  The information on the RSN website included brief details about the course so I contacted the Education Department to obtain further information.  It really helped to know that I didn’t need any prior stitching experience, the length of time allowed to complete the course meant that it would be really flexible and that the cost could be broken down by session so I could spread it to suit my finances.

When did you start the course? 

I started the Certificate in February 2018, having attended an Open Day at Hampton Court Palace the previous week!

What do you think are the benefits of attending the C&D?

For me, it’s the amazing guidance provided by the Tutors as this has increased my skills and confidence; I have learned so much already.  In addition, the flexibility to work through the modules at your own pace is great.

Which technique has been your favourite so far? 

I have thoroughly enjoyed each module, even the Silk Shading, where I was really anxious before I started, but my favourite so far has to be the Appliqué module.  This was great because you have such creative freedom and can combine a variety of techniques.

How do you balance the C&D course and homework with your work/home life? 

The flexibility of the C&D is great, as there is no pressure to complete each module.  However, saying this, I completed the Certificate in just over a year and intend to spread the Diploma over 2 years.  The homework fits easily into my life – although some weeks are busier than others so I fit whatever I can into my time available.

What do you plan to do with your newly acquired skills once you have completed the C&D? 

I am planning to set up a needlework business selling embroidery kits I have designed.

Why did you choose to learn hand embroidery from the RSN rather than from another organisation? 

I chose the RSN because I wanted to learn traditional embroidery techniques from the best!

To find out more about our Certificate & Diploma Course, book your place on one of our forthcoming Open Days or email [email protected]

We teach the Certificate & Diploma at Hampton Court Palace, around the UK in Bristol, Rugby, Durham & Glasgow and internationally in Japan and the USA.