SS25HCP14 Heritage Embroidered & Embellished Victorian Crazy Patchwork
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£656.00
This class is part of the RSN International Summer School 2025
When the RSN was established in 1872 during the Victorian era, the tradition of creating items by embellishing and embroidering patchwork was at its height. Quilts and coverlets were made, not for warmth as much as for display purposes, cushions, pelmets, bags and even tea cosies displaying the makers abilities and recording events and personal milestones. They were often made of scraps from clothing, usually velvets, silk, brocades and heavy cottons and were both rich in texture and colour.
This class is a blend of fabric application and embroidery. It covers a mix of techniques from foundation piecing to surface stitching, ribbon embroidery, Applique and various beading technique, all common to those Victorian quilts.
Using these techniques students will create a small panel exploring the original ethos of crazy patchwork motifs and designs but with your own personal perspective.
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 £40 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. Fabric selection should include patchwork cotton, medium to heavyweight silk, damask, brocades, and medium weight non stretch 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.
You will also need to bring a sewing kit with a selection of needles, fabric scissors, pins and paper scissors along with a selection of embroidery threads that you may have at home to complement your fabric choices. Stranded cottons, perle numbers 8 and 12 and do bring along any beads, sequins, charms, old buttons, ribbons, braids and lace. Remember the idea is to use materials you have already rather than buy new, particularly if these have personal meaning.
This class is open to all abilities and interests as each panel created will be individual and reflective of each person. Panels will have a Victorian feel following a traditional theme, full of personal memories; 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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SUMMER SCHOOL BOOKINGS:
- If using a non-UK credit-card we very strongly recommend that you inform your bank or card provider of your intention to book with us in advance of booking to ensure a smooth international transaction.
- If you wish to book multiple places then please note that all places on one booking will be for the same session and classes. If you require places for different classes then separate a booking MUST be made.
- All bookings are non-refundable.
- All times given are UK BST. To check the class time in your local time zone please visit TimeAndDate.com.
- Please refer to the RSN International Summer School 2025 Important Information page for full details.
- The cost includes all tuition, kit, lunch each day, Talks and a welcome gift.
This class is part of the RSN International Summer School 2025
When the RSN was established in 1872 during the Victorian era, the tradition of creating items by embellishing and embroidering patchwork was at its height. Quilts and coverlets were made, not for warmth as much as for display purposes, cushions, pelmets, bags and even tea cosies displaying the makers abilities and recording events and personal milestones. They were often made of scraps from clothing, usually velvets, silk, brocades and heavy cottons and were both rich in texture and colour.
This class is a blend of fabric application and embroidery. It covers a mix of techniques from foundation piecing to surface stitching, ribbon embroidery, Applique and various beading technique, all common to those Victorian quilts.
Using these techniques students will create a small panel exploring the original ethos of crazy patchwork motifs and designs but with your own personal perspective.
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 £40 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. Fabric selection should include patchwork cotton, medium to heavyweight silk, damask, brocades, and medium weight non stretch 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.
You will also need to bring a sewing kit with a selection of needles, fabric scissors, pins and paper scissors along with a selection of embroidery threads that you may have at home to complement your fabric choices. Stranded cottons, perle numbers 8 and 12 and do bring along any beads, sequins, charms, old buttons, ribbons, braids and lace. Remember the idea is to use materials you have already rather than buy new, particularly if these have personal meaning.
This class is open to all abilities and interests as each panel created will be individual and reflective of each person. Panels will have a Victorian feel following a traditional theme, full of personal memories; 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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SUMMER SCHOOL BOOKINGS:
- If using a non-UK credit-card we very strongly recommend that you inform your bank or card provider of your intention to book with us in advance of booking to ensure a smooth international transaction.
- If you wish to book multiple places then please note that all places on one booking will be for the same session and classes. If you require places for different classes then separate a booking MUST be made.
- All bookings are non-refundable.
- All times given are UK BST. To check the class time in your local time zone please visit TimeAndDate.com.
- Please refer to the RSN International Summer School 2025 Important Information page for full details.
- The cost includes all tuition, kit, lunch each day, Talks and a welcome gift.
Booking
4 in stock