Workshops

***New workshop dates to be announced soon. However, if you are a private sewing group and are interested in a lesson, please get in touch***

Fancy joining me in the Dear Emma Designs workshop for a day? I've been busy sprucing up my workshop and designing some projects especially for you. I'm looking forward to teaching you to sew in my cosy nook. All you need to bring is your lovely self and your sewing machine. Please see my FAQ's and Minimum Requirements near the end of this page. 

 I have over seven years experience teaching workshops from Embroiderers' Guilds, small independent craft groups and on a one-to one basis.

Because we are a small group (up to four attendees per session only) I am able to offer very focused, individual tuition in any area of my process. I can offer help with drawing, composition and layout of your chosen project. You will return home with a piece of art work to be very proud of. 

Location. You are invited to join me at Dear Emma Designs in my garden workshop located in Hellifield, BD23 4HL. Hellifield is situated on the A65 between the market towns of Skipton and Settle. I live opposite a train station so it may be possible for you to travel to me by train. 

To book a workshop, please go to my "Shop" and select "Book A Workshop" from the drop down box. If you have any questions about a workshop please call me on 07751 125 129 or drop me a line via my "Get In Touch" button.  

Booking Policy

If you are unable to attend the workshop and it is more than 21 days in advance I can either, offer you a full refund or transfer your booking to another date. If you cancel within 21 days I am afraid that I can only offer you a refund if I am able to re-book your space. If your space is filled I can either refund you in full or transfer your booking to another date.

Workshop structure.

On arrival, I will help you carry your sewing machine and any bags down my garden path to my workshop. Whilst settling in we’ll have a nice cuppa and chat about the project of the day. I will show you around my workshop so that you can find everything that you will need for the day.  Throughout the day we may have visits from my very nosy cats (Indie and Kip) both of whom are very friendly and affectionate, however please say if you’re not a cat lover - it’s fine.

I will show you how to achieve free-motion machine embroidery and applique and provide you with prepared sample pieces for you to practice on. You are free to work at your own pace with as much help from me as you require.

We will pause at around 11am for refreshments and, weather permitting, can sit outside and enjoy the view.  

Lunch break will be around 1pm or whenever suits you. Light refreshments will be provided but please bring your own lunch. I live directly opposite a train station where there is a lovely station cafe selling various hot and cold sandwiches which can be pre-ordered for eating in or take away.  You may also be lucky enough to see a steam train which, throughout the summer, pass-through or take-on water at the station. 

The remainder of the day we will be busy working on your chosen projects. Once the embroidery is complete, the lampshade and fabric bowl projects require approximately 1 hour to make up into their final structures. Ideally this is completed as a group. 

We will aim to finish at 16:00-16:30 and I will provide you with detailed printed instructions and supplier information to enable you to repeat the project at home.

Minimum requirements

Sewing machine. All attendees must provide their own, fully functioning sewing machine capable of free-motion machine embroidery, including the appropriate darning foot, regular foot and spare needles (size 90). I will not be able to mend or assist in mending any faulty sewing machines. Please check and familiarise yourself with this aspect of your sewing machine in plenty of time prior to the workshop.

If you would like to book a place on any of my workshops please go to my "Shop" and select "Book A Workshop." Alternatively, if you have any questions about my workshops please call me on 07751 125 129 or drop me a line via my "Get In Touch" button.  

FAQ's

What techniques are used on this course?

I will teach you the techniques of free-motion machine embroidery and raw edge applique. Initially, I will show you how to use a hoop to prepare your fabric to make the process smoother. Whilst it does take practice, your first attempts will have a certain charm about them. I often look back at my early pieces with a warm heart. I will also teach you how to use everything around this practice e.g. bond-a web, stiffening papers as well as the creative side to my work. 

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. This technique is great for beginners and whilst your first few attempts may be, shall we say, charming, you will soon begin to see improvements. We spend a few hours in the morning practicing before you're let loose on your project piece and of course, I'm always here to lend a hand.

Do I have to be good at drawing to do this course?

No. Whilst my work relies heavily on an artist skill, you can produce gorgeous pieces using very limited art skills. I use colourful, textured fabrics which when combined and stitched over make some of my most favourite work.

Do I need to bring my own sewing machine?

Yes. This is the only requirement for my courses. I DO NOT provide sewing machines. Sewing machines differ from brand to brand and therefore it is better for you to learn on your own machines. My Hooped Picture course can be done without a sewing machine if you prefer to hand sew. 

I can't drop the feed-dogs on my machine.

Ideally, your machine will allow you to do this, however, some entry level machines don't have this function. Sometimes you are able to buy a cover which attaches over your feed-dogs. If this is not possible it may be possible to tape over your feed-dogs. Please ensure that you are happy that your machine will allow you to perform free-motion machine embroidery before booking a course.

Do I need a special foot attachment to achieve free-motion machine embroidery?

I always use a darning foot for free-motion. There are two types - an open foot (which is like a horse shoe shape) and a closed foot (which is a complete circle). I prefer an open foot mainly because it allows you to see your stitches clearer.  Please check with your sewing machine brand as to which to buy.

Booking Policy

If you are unable to attend the workshop and it is more than 21 days in advance I can either, offer you a full refund or transfer your booking to another date. If you cancel within 21 days I am afraid that I can only offer you a refund if I am able to re-book your space. If your space is filled I can either refund you in full or transfer your booking to another date.

If you have any questions about my course, please feel free to call for a chat or email me.

Tel 07751 125 129 

Email: dearemma@hotmail.co.uk

Photos courteously supplied by Needle & Thread Workshops, Anne Brooke Textiles and Boston Embroiderers' Guild.