Your chance to make an original piece of textile art , using simple machine embroidery techniques and a range of materials.
You’ll start by creating a background from old linens, lace, and even old book pages, stitched together with easy machine embroidery.
You’ll then use your own fabric scraps – and combine them with Becky’s wonderful melting pot of offcuts from the studio – to prepare your own unique fabric to make appliqué shapes. You can use the design templates provided, based on flowers and leaves, or bring your own ideas. It doesn’t need to be complicated: simple designs are the most effective.
Embroider your design with a little free motion embroidery, embellish with a few touches of hand embroidery, and finish off with a few sequins or beads.
The result will be a beautiful piece of art, completely personal to you, mounted and ready for framing.
What you’ll need
Background fabric: cotton, linen and lace scraps in neutral/off-white colours – plain or patterned is fine, but keep them pale for maximum contrast with the appliqué.
Old book pages and recycled papers
Appliqué fabric: all your dressmaking offcuts! Anything goes as long as they’re colourful and lightweight (no felt or velvet). – These only need to be tiny!
Calico and stitch-n-tear or another firm stabiliser for the base
Bondaweb – two pieces, one for the base and one for the appliqué fabric
Machine threads: neutral or white plus colourful threads to suit your appliqué colour scheme
Hand embroidery threads/stranded cottons – just a few
Seed beads and sequins – optional
Design idea for appliqué – simple shapes with clearly defined edges work best for appliqué
Most of these items can be purchased in the studio on the day but if you’re anything like me then you may have a stash of pretty bits and bobs just waiting to be used!
