Stories in stitch with Jessie Chorley

Sewing, embroidery and accessories

Ref: S3D12572

Suitable for all £415
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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 her signature stitch techniques, including couching, running, stem and back stitch, and learn how to use simple appliqué and patching techniques. Hand stitched text will also be explored during this workshop.

The workshop will start with a short talk. The tutor will show and share with you a selection of her original art work samples and will direct you both as a group and also individually in starting to create your own stitched and patched story in her signature style.

You will be working on a natural fabric as your base layer/canvas. This fabric will be part of the kit that you will be given at the start of the workshop. Your personal kit will also contain a selection of pre-cut fabric motifs, ready for you to appliqué directly onto your work.

The main focus of this workshop is to either work on a flat and layered panel, or to construct and work into a simple folded fabric book, using appliqué and hand stitch as your main techniques. You can choose early on if you want to make a flat panel or a fabric book. Once complete, your work in either style can be framed and placed in your home. The tutor will discuss simple framing, mounting and finishing options with you during this workshop. You will embrace and learn new techniques while being inspired by the tutor’s original artwork and materials. Bring your sketchbook and make notes and marks.

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

  • You will get a hand crafted kit that comes inside a hand printed fabric bag and contains the following items:
  • A natural base fabric
  • Assorted, hand cut, appliqué, fabric shapes
  • Assorted fabric scraps
  • A printed instruction card of my favourite stitch techniques
  • Full use of the tutor's specialist embroidery threads collection and fabrics and workshop materials kit

What students need to bring

  • Your favourite sewing tools
  • Assorted favourite embroidery threads
  • Odd charms, buttons, lace, small keys, vintage ribbons, etc.
  • A poem, a word, a favourite quote, your sketch books
  • Please feel free to bring larger pieces of fabric. Let’s make this personal! Bring anything you love, cherish and want to work with during the course.
  • Please bring in any assorted, favourite, fabric scraps. These can be small scraps in soft shades or in various colours and patterns.
  • Please bring in any assorted, small paper scraps, old postcards, letters, book pages and/or drawings. These can be cut and stitched directly in and onto your fabric construction.
  • This personal memorabilia is intended as direct inspiration. Many of the items above are suggested so they can be physically incorporated into your work. Enjoy selecting items that evoke a personal narrative for you.
  • The tutor suggests bringing a selection of the items from above, and then enjoy being inspired by her original artwork and the hand crafted kit that she will be providing you with at the start of your creative experience.
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 grew up high in the hills of North Wales, close to the foot of Mount Snowdon. Today, she considers herself a Londoner. She moved from Wales to London in summer 2002, just before starting a BA in Fine Art Textile Practice at Goldsmiths College, University of the Arts London. Whilst studying, she chose to dedicate her life to making beautiful things by hand and, shortly after graduating from university in 2005, she established her business, committing in earnest to being a full-time artist, designer and maker. Over time, she has also become an author, social artist and tutor and running an independent shop was her life between 2007-2021.

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.

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