MACHINE EMBROIDER WINTER WILDFLOWER COLLAGE with Yvonne Pratt – 12.30
Learn how to machine embroider a winter wildflower fabric collage. Yvonne will share her tips and techniques on how to create your very own fabric art collage. Learn how to create a fabric art collage piece using, hand dyed fabrics, printed fabrics, viole netting fabric, ribbon and simplistic embroidery stitches, then lastly adding embellishments to pull the scenic fabric collage together.
Booklet and all materials are included: Workshop booklet with template, prepared fabric base, hand dyed fabrics, printed fabrics, viole netting fabric, ribbon, cotton, yarn embroidery needle and handmade embellishments
Advisory Note:
This workshop is great for beginners or intermediate level sewers over the age of 16.
Meet the Tutor
Yvonne Pratt
Yvonne is a contemporary textile creator based in Suffolk, England.
Having always been a creative person with a love for drawing and using texture to create art, it was not until much later in life through taking on a degrees BA(Hon) in Textile Design and then a Masters in Contemporary Craft Practice textiles became a passion.
Having had the privileged of working within education most of her adult life this has allowed her skills to be transferred to working as a freelance workshop teacher turning her hand to hand and free-motion embroidery.
Yvonne is a truly passionate and highly motivated maker who loves to pass on her knowledge and skills in hand crafted textiles.
A WINTER’S LAKE – FREE MOTION EMBROIDERY with Anita O’Neill, Eau Brink Studio – 14.30
Join Anita for a captivating workshop, “A Winter’s Lake,” where you will learn the art of free-motion embroidery on pre-printed fabric. Under the expert guidance of Anita, you’ll explore how to skilfully stitch into the picturesque scene, enhancing and highlighting different areas of the piece. With the needle as your brush, you’ll effectively “colour in” the fabric, creating a stunning and unique masterpiece inspired by the beauty of winter landscapes. No prior embroidery experience is required – come and immerse yourself in this creative and relaxing journey!
Advisory Note:
Suitable for over 16’s only. No previous machine embroidery necessary, although experience on a sewing machine would be useful.
Meet the Tutor
Anita O’Neill
Sewing has been an integral part of Anita’s life since she was young. Growing up with a mother who was a skilled tailor, Anita didn’t particularly enjoy the structural aspects of sewing, but she eagerly lent a hand in embellishing wherever she was allowed.
Receiving her first sewing machine at 16, Anita went on to achieve Level I and II certification in Creative Studies and design, working with renowned artist Ruth Issett.
In October 2013, Anita established her own studio in Norfolk, where she could teach mixed media textiles and invite other tutors to share their expertise in the area. Today, Eau Brink Studio continues to thrive, offering a diverse range of workshops throughout the year to cater to all disciplines within the textile world.
As an exhibiting artist and proud member of the West Norfolk Artists Association, Anita’s work can be enjoyed at numerous local venues throughout the year.
Free-Machine Embroidery will be used to trap fibres and fabrics between layers of water-soluble stabiliser, to create a winter landscape with a beautiful festive tree in the foreground.
With useful tips and instructions given in the session, wash out the stabiliser at home and stitch together around the vessel.
All materials including a vessel to work around and LED Fairy lights will be included.
Advisory Note:
Suitable for over 16’s, beginners and experienced sewers.
Meet the Tutor
Ruth Parkinson-Johns
Ruth is a Mixed Media Textile Artist who works with an experimental approach in printing, dyeing, hand and machine embroidery. Her inspiration is found in nature, imagination and memory. Ruth enjoys sharing her passion for textiles with others through teaching here at the NEC Birmingham and on special request from various Textile/Art groups etc.
ORIGAMI PATCHWORK STAR with Katherine Wright, Leicestershire Craft Centre – 15.45
Make an Origami Patchwork Star in this fun workshop suitable for all levels of sewist. Learn how to fold and manipulate your fabric squares to make attractive star decorations – it’s great for using up the stash! Once you know what to do, you can make them larger for table placements, or string small ones together into garlands.
Advisory Note:
Not suitable to children under 16 years.
Meet the Tutor
Katharine Wright, Leicestershire Craft Centre
Owner and founder of the Leicestershire Craft Centre, Katharine has been crafting since she was seven and her mum taught her to knit – her first handmade gift was a knitted egg cosy for her Grandpa.
Patchwork and dressmaking are particular favourites, but Katharine also knits and crochets, makes jewellery and enjoys all kinds of other crafts including embroidery, felting, silversmithing, glass fusion and painting.
Katharine has taught workshops at a variety of national Craft Events including The Festival of Quilts, The Handmade Festival and Malvern Quilt Festival. She has also appeared as a Guest Demonstrator on Sewing Street TV.
FABULOUS FREE-MOTION STITCHING with Kerrie Padmore, Living in Loveliness – 13.45
Join Kerrie from Living In Loveliness to learn the art of basic raw edge applique and stippling quilting during this fabulous free motion workshop. Free motion can completely transform the most basic project and make any project from a simple zipper make up bag to a beautiful quilt looking absolutely stunning.
You will leave the workshop with two samples: your stippling practice-piece and your floral or Christmas Inspired free motion panel. You will be using Bosal Arcadia Batting to add a beautiful finish to your project allowing you to turn these panels into a wall hanging, cushion front or table centre – the choice is yours.
Advisory Note:
Suitable for over 16’s, beginners and experienced sewers.
Meet the Tutor
Kerrie Padmore, Living in Loveliness
Since launching ‘Living In Loveliness’ 11 years ago, Kerrie’s passion for teaching and super-cute fabrics has blossomed and grown even more. With sewing classes and sewing retreats from beginners to the more advanced sewers, plus her fabulous range of sewing kits and patterns. Kerrie’s passion lies in bringing people together in workshops through their shared joy of sewing, and she looks forward to welcoming you to her wonderful world of ‘Living in Loveliness’ at the Birmingham
REUSABLE GIFT BAG FROM TWO FAT QUARTERS with Mark Francis – 11.45
This fun project will give you a cute little bag, perfect for gifting at Christmas. Afterwards you can reuse it for your lunch or anything else you like. It’s made from two fat quarters and can be embellished as desired; there will also be enough fabric to add patch pockets too. Finished bag measures 8” x 8” x 3”, with handles.
Techniques covered include the following:
Lining a project
Turning through
Adding patch pockets
Top stitching
Turning handles
A great project for beginners or those wanting to learn some new techniques.
Just bring along yourself, all materials provided.
Advisory Note:
Not suitable for children under 16 years.
Meet the Tutor
Mark Francis
Mark’s practical sewing experiences began quite late in life, but his relationship with sewing began when he was a small child. However, needlework was not something that little boys were encouraged to do in the 1980’s.
Many years passed until he found the confidence to finally learn to use a sewing machine, and he discovered his passion for making clothes and costumes. Then, a few years ago, Mark’s husband entered him for the Great British Sewing Bee and life hasn’t been the same since!
Mark now works across the sewing industry, teaching, presenting talks and developing his growing range of sewing patterns.
MINI SHOULDER TRAVEL BAG with Clive Bruder – 09.45
Clive from @wesewtoo and @boyssewtoo shows you how to create a little mini shoulder travel bag with a secure zip fastening. It’s perfect for all your holiday essentials, such as wallet, sun cream, water bottle and phone, now you’re ready to hit the beach!
Advisory Note:
Not suitable to children under 16 years. Experience using a sewing machine preferable.
Meet the Tutor
Clive Bruder
Clive started sewing when he was around 10 years old. With the help of his Mum he made some curtains for their home on an old hand cranked Singer sewing machine that was gifted to them by a relative. Ever since Clive has been hooked on sewing.
He went on to college to study textile design, followed by The University College for the Creative Arts in Epsom, to achieve a Fashion BA Honours Degree.
Over the past few years with the support of family and friends Clive was encouraged to start his own business Bruderful Design. Unfortunately like many, his business was badly impacted by COVID, but despite the pandemic he’s been extremely lucky with new exciting opportunities. This included a regular guest slot on Sewing Street TV, the launch of @WeSewToo and along with his husband Mark he has attended many sewing shows and together with Mark’s successful brand, they have released lots of sewing patterns too.
Clive says, “Nothing makes me happier than being at my sewing machine and being creative.”
BUSY BUMBLE BEE FINE SILVER PENDANT with Tracey Spurgin – 14.30
Join Tracey Spurgin, International Metal Clay Artist, as she takes you step-by-step through the process to create an adorable yet stunning fine silver pendant using Art Clay Silver, featuring an iconic bumble bee. You will get to grips with all the essential foundation skills and will proudly walk away with your finished creations (class does not include jump ring and chain).
Advisory Note:
Aimed at the complete beginner, not suitable for children under the age of 16 due to the nature of the tools used to make the pendant.
Meet the Tutor
Tracey Spurgin
Tracey Spurgin is a qualified Senior Art Clay instructor having completed courses with Artclay World UK. She has trained to the highest level with some of the world’s leading metal clay artists & tutors. With more than 20 years’ experience, Tracey teaches in her own studio in East Yorkshire as well as travelling extensively in the UK and internationally to deliver courses, workshops and master classes in colleges, museums, galleries and shops. She has also been a guest designer on Jewellery Maker TV.
Tracey loves to challenge herself and work on projects that she considers to be almost engineering in clay. Hinges and lockets and threaded vessels are something that fascinates her. So she will spend days, weeks and months on troubleshooting problems and ideas until she finds a solution. She is passionate about sharing her discoveries and the joy of metal clay.
MONOPRINTING USING GEL PLATES with Hannah Blowes – Submerge Art – 12.30
Monoprinting using a Gel Plate is simple and fun without the need for a printing press or for any carving. The reward is immediate and each print is truly unique.
Learn how to print using gelatine (gel/gelli) plates in a friendly supportive environment. Exploring a variety of Gel Plate Printing techniques. Experiment with layering colour and texture using various plants, stamps, stencils and other household textures, which Hannah will provide. (You can bring anything you want to use to the workshop leaves, flowers, feathers, thread, plastic craft stencils or stamps etc.)
You will learn how to hand print onto paper, card or blank greetings cards ready to take home the wonderful outcomes you create at the end of the session!
There is no limit to the amazing things you can print with using gel plates, they are a fantastically versatile medium and a must have for any keen artist, painter, paper crafter, etc.
Advisory Note:
Not suitable for Children under 11 years.
Meet the Tutor
Hannah Blowes
Hannah Blowes creates hand carved and hand printed lino printed artworks and develops educational printing kits and equipment in her workshop near Bude in Cornwall.
Hannah trained as a Theatre/Film Designer and then later spent 15 years teaching Art & Design in secondary schools where it was magical to inspire students with a love of creativity and skill based learning. She still really enjoys teaching printmaking techniques and runs workshops throughout the year.
INTRODUCTION TO BEAUTIFUL BATIK with Shree Desai – 10.00
Ready to step into our time machine – which takes you back over 2000 years? This journey takes you through the incredible artisan technique of Batik, commonly used in the Far East. You will explore various tools and methods for building up multiple layers of hot wax and dyes on to cotton fabric.
The applied wax resists dyes and therefore allows the artisan to colour selectively by soaking the cloth in one colour, removing the wax with boiling water, and repeating if multiple colours are desired.
In this workshop you will:
• Stretch the cotton fabric on a wooden frame.
• Prepare the design on paper.
• Transfer the design on the fabric
• Choose two colours for the design and start applying wax for first colour.
* Dip the fabric in first dye.
• Dry the fabric and apply wax for second colour and dip it in dye-bath (if time allows).
• At home, you will remove the wax by washing it in boiling water or ironing between layers of paper.
Advisory Note:
Not suitable for children under 16 years
Meet the Tutor
Shree (Shraddha) Desai
Shree is a Textile Designer and Textile Art Workshop leader who is dedicated and passionate about teaching and connecting to the creative world. Shree’s background includes a Master’s degree in Textile Design from the National Institute of Design in India. Most recently, she has been conducting Textile art workshops around the UK and is inspired by teaching both children and adults and delivering excellent customer-focused workshops.
