To find out more about the RSN Future Tutors Programme, book your place on the forthcoming Open Day at Hampton Court Palace at 2pm on Saturday 23 April.

We spoke to Future Tutor Student ,Sally Randle, to find out what brought her to the course, all the way from Australia!

Third year RSN Future Tutor Student, Sally Randle, moved 16,500KMs from her hometown of Brisbane, Australia, in 2019 to pursue her love of hand embroidery and shares with us her passion for teaching the beautiful art to the next generation, as well as her year so far in the RSN Embroidery Studio.

Why did you apply to the Future Tutors Programme?

My first embroidery lessons were on my grandmother’s knee and I have continued to embroider ever since. The more I explored techniques and read about embroidery, the more I realised that the Royal School of Needlework was the most widely respected embroidery school in the world.

In 2018, I decided that I wanted to learn from the best, so I took a break from work and flew to the UK for the RSN’s Summer Intensive Certificate & Diploma Course. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was while I was at the RSN that I learnt about the Future Tutors Programme. On my return home to Australia I made up my mind and planned to apply for a place to start in 2019.

What were you doing before?

Embroidery has always been my primary way to relax from the pressures of work. Before joining the course, I was a senior manager with the Australian Taxation Office, responsible for the introduction of technology to simplify the collection of data and reporting requirements for personal income taxation. Prior to that, I worked for the Department of Defence and was an Army Officer with the Australian Defence Forces. I have two adult children, and five grandchildren.

Having completed the majority of your embroidery techniques, what is your favourite?

I find it very difficult to identify one favourite technique; looking back at my completed pieces gives rise to emotions far different from those experienced during their working. I do find that the three dimensional requirements of Stumpwork and Appliqué allow for great personal expression. My Stumpwork piece represents a common sight in the everyday work-life at Hampton Court Palace; a gardener tending one of the Palace walled gardens. It will always remind me of my time here!

You will graduate in summer 2022, how do you feel about this?

There are always two major emotions experienced at a graduation; the relief that “it’s all over” and the fresh anticipation of the opportunities that lie ahead. In addition to the embroidery skills I have acquired, I have made many friends and professional contacts during the Future Tutors Programme. It has ensured that I have confidence in my technical skills, and have gained valuable teaching experience. I will always look back fondly on my time in the UK on the course.

What do you hope to do in the future, following graduation?

After graduation, I will be taking a little time to travel around the UK, as this has not been possible during Covid. I then intend to return to teach embroidery in Australia, establishing an RSN satellite in Brisbane, and passing on the skills and knowledge I have honed during my time at the RSN.

I love seeing the joy and personal satisfaction in the faces of class attendees as they progress, whether it be during their first day on a project, or as they complete an extensive and personal piece. I look forward to welcoming students to my Studio to further develop their technical embroidery skills.

We wish Sally and the other Future Tutor third year students the very best of luck in the final months of the course!

Follow Sally on Instagram

Book onto the Future Tutors Programme Open Day here

Read more about the Future Tutors Programme Course here