The Crewel Work Company

If you have never threaded a needle before, have no fear of a workshop. Crewel work is an ideal introduction to embroidery, and was often the first needlework taught to children in the days when it essential knowledge if a girl were to have the skills to run a household. You should feel welcome and relaxed at my workshops, and will achieve more than you expect from the day or days. Whatever your level the aim is to move forward with confidence. You will be supplied with printed linen with a ready printed design suitable in shape and scale to enjoy a variety of classic crewel stitches. My speciality is Historic British Crewel Work. I teach the techniques and uses of the stitches which are appropriate and special to this type of crewel work.

On most workshops you will learn:- Long and Short stitch as "soft shading" blending through to corners, layers and the addition of silk threads to enhance the wool shading, and Laid and Couched Work and its variations. Crewel Stem/Outline Stitch,Closed Fly, French Knots and other classic crewel embroidery stitching and finishing techniques are also normally covered. Illustrated course notes and a follow-up "help line" are also provided. I prefer a quiet workshop so that students can concentrate and so that I can work round the room as needed. I teach as a group with a flip chart, as well as individually. I demonstrate to small groups or individuals as much as possible. All involved have an intense but enjoyable day. Please read below and if you do not find a date/venue to suit you, then please email me so that I can log your interest for the future. If you are housebound then I would recommend my DVD, lots of stitchers of all levels have loved it!

Muncaster Castle, Cumbria - Thurs 25th - Sun 28th September 2008

Study, stitch and conservation course at Muncaster Castle, Cumbria. With Jacqui Hyman, Textile Restoration workshop, and Phillipa Turnbull. An in depth course for the appreciative embroiderer. Private study of the fabulous Muncaster textile collection, lectures and other delights! Choice of accommodation- the upmarket Pennington Hotel in the tiny fishing village of Ravenglass or budget accommodation in the Castle`s converted stable block.

Download more information and a booking form (PDF 540KB).

Burford Needlecraft at Shipston-on-Stour - Thurs 23rd October 2008

Join me in a fabulous well lit workroom for a day of crewel work covering the classic stitches. This workshop will also cover "Long and short soft shading" in depth, allowing you to shade around awkward shapes with confidence. All levels of experience most welcome. Burford Needlecraft at Shipston-on-Stour Tel Jan - 01993822136 email info@needlework.co.uk

Long & Short Soft Shading - Wed 5th November 2008

Back to Romy`s barn for my last workshop there for a year. We will cover "Long and short soft shading" in depth, allowing you to shade around awkward shapes with confidence. All levels of experience most welcome. Viking Loom, York. £45 including home made biscuits, real coffee but bring your own packed lunch. Tel 01904 765599/768500 email vikingloom@vikingloom.co.uk

My home, Pembroke House, Appleby, Cumbria - Fri 7th & Sat 8th November 2008

Six students only. Individual tuition and access to my crewel work collection for design, stitch and colour inspiration. Suitable for those with an interest in history and design, as well as perfecting their stitching technique.