About the workshop
Over the two days, I will be guiding you to create an imagined embroidered landscape (as shown in the example images). Whilst some prior sewing knowledge will be helpful, I will first spend some time introducing you to the basics of embroidery and a couple of core stitches. We will then go onto to colour theory and selecting colour palettes, for both the embroidery and the hand-painted frame you will design. By the end of the first day we will each have chosen a colour palette, painted the base coats on the frame and created a design.
The second day will then be focused on starting to stitch your design, choosing which stitches to use where and how to translate the design elements to the fabric. Eppie will guide you through various sources of inspiration and methodologies for how to use that inspiration in your own work, so you don’t need to come with any prior ideas of what you want to create before the session. No drawing or painting skills are required as Eppie will be on hand to guide through all the stages.
At the end of the workshop, you will have a full design to carry on stitching at home, as well as having hand painted the frame to accompany your piece.
What's Included
The cost of your ticket includes all the materials you will need for the session, which is a piece of fabric, needles, embroidery hoop and all the coloured threads for your embroidery design, a mounting kit for your finished piece and all the materials to paint your own frame. If you have some ideas for your design, you can bring these along, however we will have lots of inspiration so you do not need this.
Timings
The workshop will take place on Saturday 5th to Sunday 6th April 2024. Each day will be from 10am to 5pm and include a homemade lunch, as well as plenty of tea, coffee and cakes to power us through the day.
The location
The two day retreat will take place at my family home in Yorkshire. We are located on the hills above the town of Ilkley, in West Yorkshire (around 15 minute drive away with some narrow country lanes). We will send on the exact address details once the course has fully booked.
We will spend the days working inside the house, moving between different areas depending on the activity we are doing. Given the age of the house, there are stairs and uneven floors throughout and quite an uneven access path over cobbles, therefore unfortunately this workshop is not accessible for those unable to do stairs. I am very sorry about this.
Ilkley is easily accessible by train and then a short taxi ride to the house, or for those driving we have plenty of parking at the house. Once you have booked on, we will gather information about where people are coming from in order to try help you with arranging transport.
Accommodation
If you require accommodation for the workshop, then we recommend the two following places to stay at:
1. The Crescent Inn, Ilkley (rooms around £100 per night): Located in the centre of Ilkley, this is a nice option if you would like to be in the town and have access to bars and restaurants at night. Ilkley itself if a very popular yorkshire town with some lovely independent shops to browse (as well as the Yorkshire institution... a Betty's Tea Room).
2. The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey (rooms around £300 per night): For something a bit more special, you could look to stay at The Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey. Set in a very beautiful location in the Bolton Abbey estate, the Devonshire Hotel is known for both it's lovely restaurant and spa. So if you want to be able to sit in a sauna after an intense day of stitching, this is the option for you.
If you choose to stay in either of these locations, then we can help to organise transport to and from the house each day. Depending on the number of people, prices will range from £20 to £40 each day to include the transport. Alternatively we have ample space for you to park at the house.