Pictures in free machine embroidery with Linda Miller

Sewing, embroidery and accessories

Ref: S2D12027

Suitable for all £260
Print
Book now

Places available

About this course

Develop machine embroidery skills and make a picture or stitched piece. Working from your own reference material, explore the numerous techniques and textures that can be created with colour, threads and stitch.

Course Description

Demystify the art of free machine embroidery. On this course, as the tutor will guide you through all aspects of creating a design, placing imagery, incorporating a background and a foreground into your design and how to finish and present your work to its full and deserved potential.

You will learn how to use a sumptuous array of machine embroidery threads in a variety of colours and thicknesses, and work with your own sewing machine or opt to use a college sewing machine, to translate your original designs into a picture of stitches, jewellery item or embroidery piece.

Working at your own pace you will gain further knowledge and confidence in learning and developing numerous free machine embroidery techniques and textures created by threads and stitch, not to mention the delight of sewing and working with colour in this inspiring medium.

The workshop is designed for both the novice and more experienced stitcher.

The tutor will demonstrate machine embroidery before you begin work on individual projects on a subject theme of your own choice.

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

What students need to bring

  • Bring along a design, drawing or reference material that you wish to work from. Themes can range from gardens, seashore and landscape.
  • Any reference material which inspires you – photographs, drawings, pictures from magazines, greetings cards, postcards and books e.g. of gardens, seaside, patterning etc.
  • If bringing your own sewing machine, ensure it is in good working order and with the ability to drop its feed dog teeth. Don't forget spare bobbins, needles and a darning/embroidery foot, for the sewing machine (circle-shaped foot). If you do not have a darning/embroidery foot, you can use spring needles No. 80. Sewing machine manual/sewing machine accessories (oil, screwdriver, etc.)
  • You may also borrow a machine from the College but it is essential to reserve one in good time, please email: bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk
  • No. 80 machine needles
  • Sewing materials you have e.g. sharp embroidery scissors, 20-25 cm wooden embroidery hoop (can also be borrowed), plus any hand and machine embroidery threads, stitch and tear, stabilising fabric.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Machine embroidery threads
  • Hand embroidery threads
  • Pencils/pens and paper
  • Calico (medium/heavyweight) 0.5 metre will be plenty
  • 20 or 25cm (8–10”) wooden embroidery hoop
  • Embroidery/sharp scissors
  • Sewing machine needles
  • Available from tutor:
  • The tutor will bring a selection of threads, calico and accessories that you are welcome to use, at a small cost.
Please note: If you wish to use a College sewing machine, please email us to reserve one - email: bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals).

Tutors

Linda Miller

Linda Miller graduated from Winchester School of Art in1988, exhibit my machine embroideries and teach throughout Europe and the USA. I have pieces in private and public collections and my book Creative Machine Embroidery was published in 2010. I appeared on TV's channel 4 in Kirstie's Homemade Britain in 2011.

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 a Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts (10 three-day study blocks, over two years). 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.

Sign-up to be the first to know

Sign up to our Short Course enews to hear about new courses, late availability and get creative inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.