This week we meet RSN Scotland student Caroline Buchanan who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 and, through her passion and determination, she is about to start the final technique of her RSN Certificate, Goldwork.

“When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the spring of 2017, I didn’t imagine the effect that embarking on  the RSN Certificate Course would have on my life, I simply felt I needed a challenge which has surpassed all of my expectations.

Brought up in the Scottish Borders, my mother was a talented embroiderer, and I have a fantastic sampler she did as a design and craft student at Edinburgh College of Art in the 1930s. Both of my parents created wonderful and imaginative Canvaswork, and I was accustomed to parcels arriving from the RSN…that was where wools and canvas came from. So stitching has always been part of my life. Until fairly recently, I did mostly Canvaswork that I could enjoy whilst ‘watching’ the telly or work on a plane or train.

Twelve years or so ago, I went to an exhibition in Dunblane, Scotland, organised by Maud Crawford who has taught and inspired literally hundreds of people in Scotland to do Crewel embroidery. It was a complete revelation, and I came away dazzled by the prospects of colour and design, and just absolutely knew I had to learn how to do this. From there have come years of enjoyable stitching with our varied group across Central Scotland, and inspiring work on The Great Tapestry of Scotland. Stitching has such potential for friendship and I always look forward to the shared enthusiasms.

The path through life took me from an architectural training at Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) , through many years as a camp following army wife and occasional architect, all over the world, and a subsequent career as a watercolour painter. Not surprisingly, buildings were a favourite subject and I have always loved colour and how it is made. Embroidery to me is painting.

Now I live near Stirling, Scotland, and attend my RSN Certificate Course in Glasgow. I started the Course in the autumn of 2017 and, as I work slowly, the flexible pattern suits me very well and I find that one class a month gives me time for plenty of homework at my own pace.

So far, I have completed the first two techniques, Jacobean Crewelwork and Canvaswork, inspired by one of my paintings. I have completed a wonderfully coloured hellebore for my Silk Shading technique but this is on hold for the moment as it needs a final inspection before mounting. The basic design for my Goldwork project has been approved, but I think it needs quite a bit of adjustment. I knew nothing at all about Goldwork and have used the enforced break to familiarise myself with threads and techniques which, rather to my surprise, I have really enjoyed!

I don’t know which technique I would choose as a favourite. I really enjoyed Crewelwork; the research, design and choice of stitches and colours. Canvaswork could also be a potential as it was a revelation and hugely exciting. I struggled with the Silk Shading knowing what I wanted to do and trying to get my fingers to do it, although I sort of got there in the end! I suspect I am going to love Goldwork, I find the approach quite architectural.

The whole RSN Certificate Course has been a wonderful experience for me (apart from taking the slate frame on rush hour trains!). It has really stretched my limits, kept me saying, “I did this yesterday so…I can jolly well do it today”, and I don’t know how I would have remained so focused without it. I try and dedicate ‘homework’ time every day which is proper stitching time, and not to be interrupted by the demands of everyday life.

RSN Tutor, Helen McCook, has been endlessly patient, and wonderful at explaining, teaching and encouraging. I have not yet been to Hampton Court Palace, but the small scale atmosphere at RSN Scotland, in The Glasgow Arts Club, is lovely with inspiration every time from the students at different stages of wonderful projects. And, of course, the delight of giving a whole day to stitching! Last Friday, I had my first Online Certificate Class with RSN Tutor, Tracy A Franklin, which was a great success, and has really fired me up again!

I will perhaps not formally go on to complete the Diploma, but I certainly hope to continue learning and trying new techniques as long as I can.”