White Threads

I’ve scheduled two classes during May, here in Walcha (NSW, Australia). I’m sorry that makes them inaccessible to people who are a long way away (like outside Australia). Certainly within Australia, all borders are finally open now, which is great!

Whenever I post about classes, people lament the fact that they are in-person, and that they’d love to be able to do them as online classes. I’d love to be able to offer them as online classes too, but these things take time. I am working to develop more online classes though, in addition to the one I already offer, which is listed below and is available for new students at any time.

Sardinian Knotted Embroidery for Beginners Workshop with Yvette Stanton

Dates: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May 2022, 9am-4pm
Location: Walcha Handmade, 6N Derby Street, Walcha

As the name suggests, this is a class designed for beginners to the technique. Sardinian knotted embroidery, also known as punt ‘e nù, is a unique embroidery technique, which some people struggle to grasp. A class situation gives the opportunity to have it demonstrated, and assistance given as you are learning. I often say that the stitch itself is easy, but putting it in the right place can be hard!

Sardinian knotted embroidery comes from the town of Teulada in southern Sardinia. It is an extremely unusual style of embroidery, worked almost entirely from the front of the fabric. This workshop takes you through the basics, building skills from straight lines until you can create wiggly lines with lots of detail.

Morning tea and class supplies are included in the price of the workshop. The project is worked on 28 count linen, with pearl cotton. You will need to supply scissors. We highly recommend magnification and lighting.

More information and bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/BXNQP

Frisian Whitework Tree of Life Workshop with Yvette Stanton

Dates: Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May 2022, 9am-4pm
Location: Walcha Handmade, 6N Derby Street, Walcha

Frisian whitework, which comes from Friesland in the Netherlands, is counted embroidery, where the placement of the stitches is determined by counting the fabric’s threads. This panel, which could be used as a cushion front, features a large tree of life and two initials of your choice.

This class is a counted thread class, meaning that the stitches are positioned by counting the threads of the fabric. It requires careful concentration. You will learn the following stitches: satin stitch, diagonal satin stitch, reverse cable stitch, single eyelets and clustered eyelets, topwinder stitch, whipped back stitch.

Morning tea and class supplies are included in the price of the workshop. The project is worked on 36 count linen, with linen thread. You will need to supply scissors, and a 7 or 8 inch hoop. We highly recommend magnification and lighting.

More information and bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/BXNEG

Frisian Whitework Silk Sampler Self-Paced Online Video Course

Dates: Sign up ANY time, and receive 6 months access. There are no set dates for this class. Start whenever is convenient for you, and progress at a pace that is convenient for you!
Location: Wherever you are!

This course is designed as a self-paced video online learning course. After you enrol, the supplies pack, step-by-step stitch instructions, project instructions and chart will be posted to you. You will, however, have immediate access to the videos, so that you can start learning while you wait for your supplies to arrive.

The project supplies pack contains Gumnut Yarns Buds silk threads, tea-dyed 28 count linen, and needles. You will need to supply scissors, a very small amount of sewing machine thread, and a 7 or 8 inch hoop. We highly recommend magnification and lighting.

As soon as your package arrives you can make a start. Progress through the videos at your own pace, in conjunction with the project instructions. The step-by-step stitch instructions are provided as support for the videos.

If you get stuck and need help, you can post in the “Discuss” section, and Yvette will be able to assist you. And you might even find someone has asked the same question previously, and the answer to their question may help you also.

More information and bookings: https://onlinelearning.vettycreations.com.au/course/frisian-silk-sampler-self-paced

Classes in Walcha

Walcha is a small, creative town, with wonderful attractions including the beautiful Apsley Falls, just 15 minutes drive from Walcha. https://walchansw.com.au/explore/

Accommodation in Walcha: There are a number of accommodation options including B&Bs, hotels, motels, guest house and caravan park. We recommend booking any accommodation as soon as possible, so that you don’t miss out. Rural NSW has many visitors at the moment, and accommodation can be hard to book at times. https://walchansw.com.au/where-to-stay/

Getting to Walcha: https://walchansw.com.au/local-transport-services-in-walcha/
Walcha is about 5.5 hours by road from Sydney and about 7 hours from Brisbane. The closest airport is Armidale, which is about 45 minutes away. There are direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane (and probably other places too!). Walcha is serviced by a train from Sydney to Walcha Road, but if you book right through to Walcha, a bus will pick you up at Walcha Road station and bring you in to Walcha, which is about 20 minutes away.

Our venue, Walcha Handmade, is a small creative co-operative, with quality gifts and souvenirs available. We will be holding our class in the studio at the back of the shop. The room is heated with a combustion stove in colder weather. Walcha can be very cold at times, so we recommend dressing warmly with layers so that you can be comfortable whether in class or outside.

On the Saturday night of the class, you and any travelling companions are welcome to join me and my husband for dinner at a local eatery. This is always an enjoyable part of the weekend.

If you have any questions about any of the classes, please don’t hesitate to ask.