Stories in stitch with Jessie Chorley

Sewing, embroidery and accessories

Ref: S3D32304

Location: West Dean
£479
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About this course

Create your own stitched and patched story. Work on a flat and layered panel, or construct and work into a simple folded fabric book, using appliqué and hand stitch as your main techniques.

Course Description

This workshop focuses on the tutor’s signature style of hand embroidered illustration.

You will explore several of Jessie’s signature stitch techniques, including couching, running, stem and back stitch, as well as the use of hand stitched text. You will also learn how to get started with simple appliqué and patching techniques.

During the course, there will be time to explore any questions you might have about the tutor’s techniques. Jessie will show and share with you a selection of her original artworks and samples, and will direct you both as a group and also individually as you embark on your journey of creating your own stitched story in her signature style.

You will choose to work either on a flat, layered fabric panel, or to construct and then work on a simple, fabric book, using appliqué and hand stitching as your main techniques. The natural fabric for both options will be part of the kit that you will be given at the start of the course. This kit will also contain a selection of pre-cut fabric motifs, ready for you to appliqué directly onto your work.

You should approach this course as an explorative and peaceful slow-stitching experience, while being inspired by Jessie’s original artwork and materials that will surround you. She will encourage you to enjoy this creative experience without focusing too much on finishing your work. Allow yourself to embrace and learn new techniques. And finally, do remember to bring a sketchbook and make any notes to help you finish your work, if you still need to, at home.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • The tutor will supply a hand-crafted kit that you will receive inside a hand printed fabric bag, which includes a natural base fabric and use of her specialist embroidery threads. However, to ensure you as the maker can create your own story, please also bring items on the list below.

What students need to bring

  • Your favourite hand sewing tools, needles, pins, scissors, thimble etc.
  • An assortment of your favourite embroidery threads
  • An assortment of your favourite fabric scraps – small pieces in soft shades, colours or pattern are ideal
  • A cherished vintage piece of plain linen/cotton, if you would like to work with a more personal base fabric – vintage tablecltohs, tray cloths,and linen mapkins are all perfect material
  • Other items of personal interest, such as old charms, buttons, lace, small keys, vintage ribbons, small keys etc. all of which can be stitched into your work
  • Any small paper scraps, old postcards, letters, book pages and/or drawings. These can be cut and stitched directly in and onto your fabric construction.
  • A favourite poem, quote or perhaps just a single word (for inspiration)
  • This personal memorabilia is suggested to enable you the maker to personalize your work. It can be physically incorporated into your work or used as direct inspiration. Enjoy selecting items that evoke a personal narrative for you.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Tutors

Jessie Chorley

Jessie Chorley is a London-based textile artist, specialising in contemporary illustrative embroidery and simple patching techniques. Born in Kent in1980, she spent her childhood in North Wales. The traditional technical skills and hands-on approach that she celebrates in her work today were passed down to her from her own family of makers. 

While still a student – studying for the BA in Fine Art Textile Practice at Goldsmiths College, London – she chose to dedicate her life to making beautiful things and, shortly after graduating, she set up her own business as a full-time artist, designer and maker. Over time she has also become a tutor, social artist and author as well as running a shop/studio selling her work in East London from 2007 to 2021. 

Jessie now runs her business from her private South London studio. She regularly delivers masterclasses from there, as well as at venues worldwide. 

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.