We recently caught up with Katie Bell, one of our Professional Embroidery Tutor Programme Students! Read on to find out more about Katie and her journey.

What drew you to the course?

I applied because I wanted to combine my love of embroidery with my creative background. During Covid, I completed the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, so when I saw the Professional Embroidery Tutor Programme was open for applications, I knew it was exactly what I’d been looking for. I’m so happy I was accepted onto the course.

Do you come from a stitching background?

Loosely. My Granddad was a tailor in Hereford. My mum was a Norland Nanny (skilled in beautifully hand-making children’s clothes and repairing them – I still have her smocked dresses she intricately made), so naturally I grew up hand stitching with her, which developed over the years into making my own patchwork quilts and doing embroidery kits, so it has always been a hobby. I’ve always been artistic and had a 25-year career in graphic design, specialising in branding, working at Sky and Sotheby’s among others.

What’s been your experience of your first year?

I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone. It has been full-on, all-encompassing, and I have loved every minute. All the embroidery techniques have been completely new to me, so it has been overwhelming at times. We are so lucky to be learning from such experienced, patient, and generous Tutors. I really enjoy learning about the historical contexts of each technique and the artistic element in planning my design and stitch plan. Every time I walk through the doors into Hampton Court and the RSN classroom, I know I’m going to learn something invaluable and have a brilliant time with like-minded friends.

What has been your favourite technique you have learnt so far?

That’s a tricky one! Probably Silk Shading or Jacobean Crewelwork. I really took to Silk Shading – I loved working on my shallot piece; it just flowed for me. But I also loved Jacobean Crewelwork, despite many setbacks, because it was such a steep learning curve; and with the multitude of new stitches to learn, I am proud of what I achieved.

What are you looking forward to in your next two years?

I am looking forward to Stumpwork and the Tapestry Shaded figure—my creative brain is already buzzing with ideas! Overall, I just want to absorb as much as I can from the Tutors, my fellow students, and the environment of the RSN. This is such a special opportunity, so I don’t want the three years to fly by too fast!

We wish Katie all of the best for the next two years, and cannot wait to see all that she achieves! Follow Katie’s Instagram here