Percy the Puffin: Turning Rubbish into Embroidery with Jenna Riddell

Location: Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE
Duration: 2 Day Workshop (10am - 4:30pm each day) 

Do you ever take note of everything you throw away everyday? In this 2 day workshop, we will use manipulated rubbish to create a little puffin friend. Manipulating what is first seen as waste and rubbish, into textile threads and fabrics. You are encouraged to bring in clean white, clear, black, red, yellow, grey, blue and orange rubbish from home for us to manipulate into threads to embroider the puffin. Leaving the class, you will have a new outlook of the materials we use in everyday life and the effect they have on the wildlife around us. You will learn traditional embroidery techniques whilst using these untraditional threads. No prior embroidery knowledge is needed, just a passion for the environment and learning a new skill.

- Please check your email address is correct before ordering.

- Read all of the course description information above and the “How the Course Works” information below before booking.

- All courses are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to move you to another course.

If you have any questions, please check our FAQs page here.

- Creating your own threads and materials out of waste products

- Stem Stitch

- Applique 

- French Knots

- Couching

- Padding

- Plate

- All materials and tools will be provided. You will be able to choose your own colours for the design and work with whichever materials you prefer during the course. 

- Feel free to bring your own small sharp scissors for accurate precision. We will provide embroidery scissors if you do not have any.

- If you wish you are welcome to bring your own mug for refreshments and your own embroidery kit, though this is completely optional and not required.

Jenna Riddell is a freelance hand embroidery designer working across fashion and film in London. Having graduated from the Royal School of Needlework in 2023, she has been refining the technique of manipulating rubbish into threads to create endangered animal profiles. The mix of waste and animals is an act of craftivism and protest, challenging the audience to see the effect of their own actions in their everyday life. Working with her collection of curated rubbish, waste materials and found items, Jenna has created multiple animal placards using embroidery techniques rooted in the traditional craft. Her Instagram is @Riddellembroidery