Embroidery classes in Walcha

I have now organised three embroidery workshops in the NSW town of Walcha (where I live!). Each class is a two day class, from 9am – 4pm daily, with a 1 hour break for lunch.

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.

The class cost includes the project kit. For each of these projects you will need to bring equipment such as a hoop (size etc will be specified), scissors, and we highly recommend that you bring magnification and lighting. It is better to have magnification and lighting with you and not need it, than need it and not have it with you.

I will have a selection of my books, kits and embroidery supplies available for purchase during break times. If there are products that I sell (e.g. hoop and stand, laying tool, scissors etc) that you would like to order ahead of time and pick up at the class, please contact me well ahead of the class to organise this.

If you book into any of these classes, in these uncertain times, we recommend you have an appropriate travel insurance policy.

Mountmellick embroidery is a style of floral whitework embroidery from Ireland. It uses white thread on white fabric and a range of knotted and padded stitches to create rich and sumptuous embroidery.

In this class, two projects will be offered: Pomegranate Biscornu and Wildflower Cushion. Both are worked with Mountmellick thread on cotton satin jean fabric. The stitches will be learned and the project started in class. There will also be a demonstration of the knitted fringe. All skill levels are welcome!

More information on the Mountmellick Embroidery Workshop can be found here.

Smøyg is pattern darning from Norway. Pattern darning is worked in running stitch, where the placement of the stitches is guided by counting the threads of the fabric. All skill levels are welcome!

The project is a small square panel (approx 13x13cm) which could be framed, mounted into a cushion, onto a box top or onto a bag. It is worked in Au ver a Soie Soie d’Alger threads on 28 count linen.

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 two layered pattern darning, worked with a base colour, then highlighted with other colours. As the project is worked with two strands of silk thread, you will learn how to use a laying tool to precisely place the threads.

More information on the Smøyg Pattern Darning Workshop can be found here.

Frisian whitework comes from Friesland in the Netherlands. This sampler is in the style of Frisian whitework samplers that were often worked in colour to provide interest for the young girls making them. The sampler measures 12.5 x 26.5cm. It is worked in Gumnut Yarns Buds silk threads on pre-dyed 28 count linen.

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 specialty stitches used on this sampler, such as satin stitch, reverse cable stitch, chain stitch, and more complex techniques including ways to work the traditional satin stitch bird motifs, how to work clustered eyelets, and special ways to finish eyelets. All skill levels are welcome!

More information on the Frisian Whitework Workshop can be found here.

Covid note

When it comes time for the class, if you are not feeling well, please stay home. Please do not travel or attend this workshop if you or a member of your household has cold/flu symptoms, has been to a recent hotspot or are isolating following a COVID test. Because of the uncertain times we live in, we highly recommend travel insurance, to cover the unfortunate possibility that you may not be able to attend the class due to unforseen circumstances.

How to book and find more information

You can see the full listing of classes here, and from there you can go to each individual listing for the details of that class. There are links to information about accommodation options and getting to Walcha. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!