Embroidery Workshops and Embroidery Talks

While at home with small children I took a City and Guilds course in Creative Studies: Embroidery at, the then, North Cheshire Art College, obtaining Part I and Part II. Following this I taught embroidery in Adult Education in the town. I became a member of the Warrington Craft Workers Guild, taking on the responsibility of organising and running workshops for the members, as well as holding the role of Chairman of the guild for two years before moving to the North East.

On moving to the North East of England I joined the Darlington Branch of the Embroiderer's Guild where I have been heavily involved in the organisation of meetings and projects.

I have been teaching classes and workshops both here and for other groups such as Womens' Institutes and Embroiderer's Guilds since 1993. The people participating have come with a wide range of experience, from those with little or no knowledge to those a little more experienced.

I set up Dinsdale Embroideries in 1999, after leaving full time teaching. Apart from designing kits and selling embroidery threads and supplies, I work embroidery to commission, mainly ecclesiastical pieces. I have a variety of talks, workshops and weekly classes that are suitable for both individuals and groups, details of which follow.

Embroidery Talks

1.	A Journey through Embroidery
	Looking at how embroidery has changed through the centuries, comparing historic pieces with my own embroideries, with the help of slides and a display of work.
2.	Christmas Traditions
	A look at traditions and how they relate to our typical Christmas decorations, particularly in textiles, accompanied by a hands-on time of making a Christmas bauble with a difference

To book a talk telephone Helen on 01325 332592

Embroidery Workshops

1.	Goldwork
	During the workshop we will learning a variety of goldwork techniques and use threads such as pearl, check, smooth and rough purls, jap, twists and rococco. All the techniques learnt will be worked into a design that can be mounted and framed when finished
2.	Pulled work.
	'Lacy' patterns are created by the arrangement of stitches on a loose weave fabric.
3.	Broderie Anglaise
	This form of embroidery consists of eyelets, varying in shape and size, which are cut or punched with a stiletto and then overcast. Traditionally, the designs are of a floral nature, with modern work incorporating some surface stitchery
4.	Shadow quilting
	Shadow effects are formed from two layer quilting with transparent fabric
5.	Papermaking
	The technique of making sheet paper from pulp. How to use plant fibres in paper. This needs access to a water supply
6.	Dyeing from plants and berries.
	This needs access to water and some means of heating up saucepans. It is best late done in late Autumn
7.	Dyeing techniques
	Including space-dyeing, shibori and using a diffuser. This needs access to a water supply.
8.	Wrapped Thread Pictures
	Abstract pictures are created by the use of threads and card. The technique can also be used as an integral part of an embroidery or as a mount or frame to a design.
9.	Designing for the non-artist
	You do not need to be a great artist in order to produce a unique design for an embroidery etc. There are a number of techniques that can be utilised and adapted that do not involve skilled drawing. During the day we try a number of techniques and produce a range of designs that can then be used in embroidery etc.
10.	Getting Started in Machine Embroidery
	This is a chance for students to get to grips with free machine embroidery on their own machine. Starting from scratch, we learn how to control the movement of the fabric without the feed-dog/teeth of the machine, ending with making a small herbaceous scene.
11.	Machine Embroidery on Disappearing Fabrics
	During the day students get the opportunity to work on a variety of disappearing fabrics, both water soluble and heat removable, producing, amongst other things, a lacy mat and a thread 'bowl'.
12.	Laid Work
	The art of laying threads across material and stitching them down with a variety of couching stitches to produce a bold design.
13.	Carrickmacross
	Lace is created by the applique of fine cotton voile onto net.

To book a workshop telephone Helen on 01325 332592

Embroidery Workshop dates

Time:	Saturdays: 10.00am - 4.00pm, Weekdays: 9.30am - 3.30pm
Place:	13 Castle Close, Middleton St George, Darlington DL2 1DE
Cost:	£20.00 per day, payable in advance. This includes a sandwich lunch, and tea or coffee and biscuits morning and afternoon. Cost of materials is extra and varies for the individual workshops.

Saturday	September 22nd	Rouleau Work II
Saturday	October 20th	Sashiko
Saturday	November 17th	Mountmellick for a waistcoat
Saturday	February 9th	Pulled Thread in Gold
Saturday	March 8th	Drawn Thread Sampler

To book a place on one of the workshops listed above, or to arrange a workshop for your group, telephone Helen on 01325 332592

Weekly Classes

Classes in traditional and creative embroidery take place weekly during term times at 13 Castle Close, Middleton St George, Darlington, DL2 1DE

Thursdays	9.30am - 11.30am
Thursdays	1.30pm - 3.30pm
Thursdays	7.00pm - 9.00pm

To book a place on one of the classes, telephone Helen on 01325 332592