Hand & Lock School Testimonials

'Freya's teaching was the best part of the course. She is excellent at breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps, and always so relaxed and composed. The design itself is beautiful and incorporates a very satisfying range of techniques.'

'The accessibility of the online course was great. I enjoyed having a set time each week to participate in real time (and loved being able to send photos to get real-time feedback), and having the recordings as a back-up and now downloaded as a reference for the future is invaluable. Freya was very helpful in answering questions and providing suggestions to improve technique.'

'Amy explained everything so well, often with little diagrams, which was a great help. The finished example obviously lends itself to a far greater degree of customisation. Her enthusiasm, creativity and encouragement to experiment with the base components was wonderful. So many techniques taught, but also lots of ideas for how they could be subverted or combined to allow us to do our own thing and create truly unique pieces.'

'It was my first time in a Zoom class for an embroidery lesson & I was surprised how well it worked. The use of the WhatsApp group for reviewing work was clever and quite effective. It was interesting to have people in the class from all over the world- by the last class we were starting to chat to each other in the break which was lovely.'

'I really enjoyed the challenge of learning a new technique and although I found it much more difficult to master than I imagined it didn't matter. Much fun and laughter was had as beads were added successfully only to be pulled out again in the next wrong move. Tee hee. Freya was so helpful and encouraging. I also really enjoyed being amongst others with a common interest in embroidery. Big thanks to a fabulous tutor that looked after us all so well.'

'I was a little nervous about the Zoom aspect of the online class, but the use of the WhatsApp group during class and general friendliness was really reassuring and made me feel a lot better as the class went on. Freya was really good at making the atmosphere friendly, non judgemental and genuinely welcoming. I'm new to this hobby and am seeking community and knowing this is an actual friendly community is my fave part so far. I've signed up for another class now as my confidence has def improved since this tambour class! Thank you!'

'Great comfortable and inviting space. It was amazing to look at all the samples in the bead room, to see different examples of tambour beading. Freya was a wonderful teacher that described and demonstrated tambour excellently. It was also lovely to hear about some of her experience and all her great tips. Everything was wonderful from start to finish! Thank you for the brilliant experience!'

'I loved the course. Michelle's techniques are ingenious (or, possibly, genius) and her presentation very clear. As the week progressed her wonderful sense of humor emerged to make a lovely class even lovelier. It was a privilege to learn from her.
I was also very impressed with how quickly we received the recordings, especially helpful in a class taught over consecutive days.'

'Taking a course at Hand And Lock was a great experience. You were an instructor for all levels of embroidery skills . Directions were patiently given, and you  made sure we had a clear understanding of the techniques. The logistics of the class, materials received in a timely manner, was perfect. The kit organized and anticipated everything we needed to complete all the designs. Most importantly to me, is that what I learned will have a life after class. I cannot end without mentioning that the collegial feeling with my classmates was inspiring.'

'The whole day was a wonderful experience and the level of support from Michelle was excellent. She went out of her way to make us all feel comfortable and was happy for us to take videos of her demonstrations for future reference. The classroom is bright and airy and decorated with beautiful samples of work.'

'I am so glad I chose the class Ornamental Lettering as my prize for winning the Hand & Lock Chairman’s Choice Award 2024.
Freya Stanford’s clear and friendly instructions make it most enjoyable, for beginners and more experienced embroiderers alike. Her classes have inspired me to continue to explore the wonderful techniques of Goldwork embroidery.'

'I found the course really hard and I found it difficult to get the technique but Freya was brilliant at encouraging me to persevere and I did manage to produce some tambour embroidery by the end! My favorite part of the course was meeting the other students and having Freya helping and encouraging me to master the technique. I wouldn’t change a thing about the course'

'It was really enjoyable, materials guide list was helpful, Freya was brilliant and repeated demos multiple times with no judgement that we couldn't get the hang of things straight away.'

'Freya’s ability to demonstrate and clearly communicate the stitches and the camaraderie  that developed among a group spread oceans apart.'

'I love the vibe of H&L courses - there is a great creative, supportive atmosphere and a perfect balance between real in-depth knowledge and being friendly and accessible. The design for this course is beautiful and although not simple; it was easy to achieve something incredibly effective because of the beautiful materials and the excellent tuition. Another triumph Freya'

'Fantastic experience on my in person course. Tutor was really engaging lots of lovely explanations, materials, examples and history. On Tambour beading embroidery workshop / Luneville. Met some great people I have kept in-touch with and been inspired to do more; go to more including seeing the prize exhibition for myself and keep in touch long after the course.'

'I think this is the best course I’ve done with Hand & Lock in particular in two aspects: firstly the techniques taught were truly unique - whilst I am by no means an expert, a lot of my other course mates also echoed this. Secondly the course content was well paced and well structured such that it was possible to finish most of the pieces to form the final design during the class itself.'

'I appreciated the use of WhatsApp to provide feedback throughout the class. Freya did a great job giving quick feedback on student photos without interrupting the flow of the class. The ability to download the recording after class is a huge plus too. Overall, a  very well run and informative class. Thank you!'

'I loved learning the 3D technique as well as the advanced padding involved (blending from the 3D to the base fabric as well as onto felt padding). A new technique is always fascinating to me and I appreciate the effort that went into connecting w Michelle and creating this course.'

'My favourite part of the class was how Amy explained things in such great detail. She taught me a much better way of measuring my goldwork materials to get better precision and this to me was a eureka moment!!

The manor in which she taught made so much sense and such a difference to me, as I appreciate I may think and learn differently to others. Her teaching was crystal clear, she filled in so many gaps that was missing in my learning/understanding.'

'I am so grateful I was able to have this instruction, and I look forward to my next course. Thank you so much for making them available.

I really appreciate the instructor feedback, and I very much want to be part of an online community of stitchers sharing work, technique, triumphs and follies.'

'Freya is one of the most patient people I've ever encountered. People ask for things repeated and explained again constantly and she never once sounds frustrated and always finds another way to talk things through. This was also the first time I've had to miss some classes unfortunately and I had to rely on the recordings a lot (complications with work travel and another time I was sick). I was so relieved that she gave such good instruction on the recordings that I was able to follow along fine. Five stars!'

'Amy was really helpful and fun to talk to too. She was really patient, despite my slowness in learning the technique correctly. I really enjoyed the whole experience and learning.'

'Aside from the opportunity to learn with you, my favourite part was the diverse group and that I actually learned something new and well'

'Libby's enthusiasm was infectious. She is an excellent tutor - my favourite part was seeing all of the varieties of passementerie each student made!'

'I am in the middle of the 6 week Emerald Counted Thread class at the moment. The live classes occur early in the morning in Australia, but I am easily able to mix watching the class live or getting the full experience with the excellent recordings that arrive within 24 hours. The design is exquisite and contemporary. Freya is unwaveringly friendly! If you have been thinking of taking a class, jump right in....I predict that you will love it!'

'I LOVED every minute of it! I’ve wanted to do monogramming since I was a child, so was ecstatic when I discovered this course. It was challenging and jam packed full of technics that we only scratched the surface of as so extensive, and I really liked that, very inspiring!'

'It was a great experience - Amy has the patience of a saint and real expertise.  She was able to pinpoint where I was going wrong and offer suggestions.  Created a really relaxed class atmosphere.'

'I am currently taking my first Hand & Lock course. Freya is an excellent, friendly and very patient teacher. I’ve even learnt how to thread a needle correctly for the first time! The WhatsApp group is an excellent way to send photos and queries to Freya and share with everyone. I am enjoying this so much that I will definitely be booking a second one.'

'Freya was encouraging and realistic- you won't learn this in 10 minutes....  practice.... She would repeat instruction in case we had to chase beads or threads, and had helpful insight enabling our success!  Appreciate her patience and the video to watch multiple times'

'I love the entire class and the ability to stitch in my pjs while learning a new or improving my embroidery. I am not one to ask a lot of questions, so usually I am in the background listening to everyone's else questions and conversations. But I found the feedback wonderful.'

'In my case it was worth going to London from Spain just for this course. I really enjoyed the experience and all the techniques I have learnt in just 2 days.'

'Freya split the room in half when demonstrating techniques which worked SO much better than having all students trying to see a tutor stitching at once (great idea Freya!)I choose Hand and Lock courses because I trust the quality of tutoring but I also much prefer the designs you have created when compared to other providers. My favourite part of this course was learning a whole new technique but being able to see progress over the two days to the point where I feel comfortable continuing to practice this technique at home.'

'I’m currently taking my second online course with Hand & Lock. Lucy and Freya have a similar relaxed teaching style, which allows enough time for clear demonstration and explanation of particular techniques alongside asking questions and seeking advice. The online format with use of a WhatsApp group to share progress pictures works really well and I’ve never felt like the pace hasn’t been right. If you’re debating whether or not to take the plunge, go for it. The online courses make what can seem like quite a daunting undertaking feel a lot more achievable.'

'The reassurance that it is a tricky technique and being given encouragement to keep trying. I was very pleased with my progress by the end'

'I thought that it was great to have the WhatsApp chat to share progress and get live feedback on our work  and share tips with others. I struggled to get the chain stitch technique with the tambour hook initially so I like that the session was recorded and that I will be able to return to the 2nd technique that introduced adding beads. I definitely need to practice more with the hook. I think it was well priced for the session. Can’t think of anything that I would change or improve'

'I enjoyed the teacher’s approach demonstrating different techniques. Daisy was encouraging and patient about students getting a handle on the instructions. I felt very supported by the information Daisy delivered and her critique style.'

'It was the loveliest class, such a beautiful setting, and Freya couldn't do enough to make sure everyone had what they needed, from beads to biscuits and plenty of tea! The demonstrations were really clear and all techniques covered very thoroughly. A Sunday morning visit from Charlie the dog was the cherry on top of a wonderful weekend'

'So very lovely to have the chance to explore such unique techniques with a very talented tutor in a warm and supportive environment at H&L. Loved going home with a set of lovely samples and many new ideas and skills. The kit supplied was super and well presented. Freya was a delight, making us all feel so welcome and comfortable and providing regular cups of tea which we're exceedingly welcome. She was attentive and so friendly and enthusiastic'

'Thank you for a great course. Both Anne and Freya were lovely and I found the course very inspiring. Everyone came away with lovely work. This was my first in person course at Hand & Lock and I’m sure I’ll be back again.'

'Freya was a really good instructor, clear, patient and supportive, she made it look easy! The WhatsApp worked well and it was nice communicating with other course members as well as seeing their stitching. Thank you Freya and Hand and Lock for another enhancing steep learning curve that has expanded my stitching horizons!'

'I enjoyed the structure this course provided. The range of stitches covered was excellent and the pace was good, and I enjoyed being able to keep pace with homework in between sessions that was just the right amount of- not too onerous'

'Loved the whole course, want to do it all over again.  I learnt so much and Freya was an amazing tutor. The demonstrations were clear and easy to follow.  I would not change anything, keep doing what you are doing :)'

'I just wanted to say what a lovely afternoon I spent with Daisy yesterday.   I'm SO glad that I came to the school as it was a joy to see all the beautiful things that you do, and hopefully I might be able to set my mind to doing your Diploma - this is for me to ponder!!! Daisy was wonderful.  She is, quite clearly, extremely talented and was very good at passing on her enthusiasm.  Her demonstrating of stitches & ‘How to do’ was brilliant and the following explanation of why was equally as brilliant. My passion is for lettering & monogramming and Daisy was most encouraging about any ideas I had, which meant I left not only having had a joyous time but with renewed confidence in stitching again - this to my mind is the greatest gift that any teacher can give and Daisy did.'

'Everything was explained carefully and thoroughly, without rushing. I truly appreciated that each session focused on a specific technique that was not necessary to progress in the following class, giving students the time to progress at their own pace without feeling too much pressure. The WhatsApp group is brilliant as well, both for sharing the student's progress with the tutor and for sharing tips and suggestions with other students.
I really enjoyed the whole experience.'

'I loved working with a variety of different metals and learning so many new techniques in one class! The opportunity to learn a wide variety of techniques was one of the reasons I chose this course. This was my first H&L class, and I was very impressed with the quality of the visualizer used to stream/record the class demonstrations- it was much better than online classes I’ve taken with other organizations, and made it so easy to follow along and understand the explanations. Thank you also for sharing the recordings, as not every organization does this, and it’s so helpful for us slow stitchers to have something to reference after the course is finished.'

'I didn't really have a favourite part of the course, it was all excellent! The kit provided was like a treasure bag of loveliness and so well prepared.  All the staff were lovely and very generous with their knowledge.  I learnt a lot and the course certainly lived up to my expectations, although I was very glad I had some experience with a needle and tread.  Thank you!'

'My favourite part was seeing how, even as a beginner you can still make something beautiful with gold thread. It was also REALLY helpful to have the video recording of the sessions as I could watch back over them. As a beginner, It was great to be able to go back over things in slow time and practice them'

'Freya explained the steps well and patiently as she worked through them again for the stitchers.  It was a great format, and I appreciate the shorter taster course having the students access the supplies on their own.   This has been one of the better classes I've taken recently; there is nothing to improve at this time!  Thanks again!'

'I really enjoyed how relaxed the course was, yet somehow we learnt and did so much! Freya was a fantastic tutor, her knowledge seems endless - she is patient and provided a very well paced course'

'The feedback was invaluable. I have tried to work French knots in bullion before to no avail, but I managed it today with Freya's direct instructions and troubleshooting'

'I recently undertook their Entomology Goldwork 4 week course taught by Freya and absolutely loved it. It has really helped increase my skills and knowledge which I can now use in my textiles masters at the Royal college of art as well. Freya was the perfect teacher, friendly, thoughtful and very skilled, w definitely keep an eye out for future courses!'

'Freya’s teaching was exceptionally clear, and she also cultivated a very friendly atmosphere. (Creating a welcoming environment in this particular class was especially impressive given that one student was often demanding and even shrill.) I was delighted to make a lot of progress with techniques I’ve found challenging and to enlarge the way I view a given stitch’s possibilities. That the course proposed a selection of techniques for the final part of the design came as a wonderful surprise. While I am not a beginner with goldwork and while I would recommend the course to anyone, I think it might be especially good for beginners. The pace allows close attention to fundamental techniques and the design builds in plenty of opportunity to practice and improve each skill. I am enjoying every stitch.'

'The demonstrations were very clear and the use of WhatsApp to give tailored advice to each individual was so helpful!! I appreciated having a chunk of time for each skill so I didn’t feel rushed'

'I think being able to explore a new material with guidance but also the ability to experiment and explore the materials without wasting them because I have no clue what I'm doing. I also enjoyed the chatter and learning about different people's countries and lives'

'I loved that we were able to use all the facilities- particularly the embroidery loop and magnifier. The teacher was knowledgeable and very clear in explaining each step. Wonderful experience. Thank you'

'I loved the way Freya fostered a very supportive learning environment while still keeping the atmosphere light and cheerful. I often find that stuffy, antiquated, and/or competitive attitudes can lead to an underlying tension in group crafting atmospheres. Seeing the space facilitated with a fresh and open perspective on a historical craft.'

'Freya's teaching was excellent. I had taken a tambour course before and was frustrated and not able to get the technique. Freya explained it in a way that made it very clear and I was able to do the technique very quickly'

'An excellent instructor and introductory course! Freya asked a critical question early on- who is doing goldwork for the first time?  She had raw beginners and very experienced students, but gave both ends of the spectrum excellent instruction- that is difficult to do successfully, but Freya did it'

'Being a teacher myself I had high expectations, every single course I've done online has gone above and beyond my expectations. I'm inspired by others in the groups and online communities and the value is fantastic. So the teachers are amazing, they really understand and know their subjects, online tuition allows inclusivity, the times are flexible and most importantly it inspires you to grow and develop your knowledge skills and understanding of this amazing practice.'

'I liked it all and thought the pace was right. I never felt rushed and Freya was very supportive. I have recommended it to my friends if this runs again next year'

'Freya was wonderful! Students had very different embroidery experience, but Freya made everyone comfortable. Her teaching was extremely clear and she provided very specific feedback so that everyone could master each technique. She invited questions, too, to make sure we were getting the most out of our brief time with her'

'I was very impressed with the professional tuition on so many different stitching techniques. I also appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, promoting constructive communication between students and instructor. Also, allowing the participants to make decisions that personalized their project fostered a confidence in our ability to be creative.'

'Gaining confidence with my skills and learning from a historic atelier is such a dream I feel lucky! I had the best time and I'm so grateful for all the teamwork and planning that goes into making the class seem easy and seamless!!'

'My favourite part was I was able to feel more relaxed while I learned, and I think that was due to Freya's style. I had taken a tambour class before and was super uptight and it affected my progress. From the beginning the way Freya gently introduced tambour was like magic for me.  Some examples of this were how we could simply anchor the thread with pins and learn about tambour knots later, also thinking about how we wrap the hook as going in the direction that felt right to us vs. the prescribed rules (although I was still using those prescribed rules). It was just a far easier start for me than my usual sort of awkward panic'

'I just loved the course in general and was so happy to learn new techniques : ) The atmosphere during the course was very nice and relaxed and Freya was a fantastic teacher!'

'This class was excellent. The way the course was broken down made it easy to follow and allowed me to keep up without much difficulty. I never thought I would be able to produce such a complex project. It came out so well that I would encourage anyone to give it a try'

'I loved how Freya made it so comfortable. We could be quiet for a little while and it didn't feel awkward at all. She made it feel really welcoming. I also just loved the project and the techniques we learned.'

'A big thank you to Freya for her caring encouraging feedback.  She was very keen that we should enjoy the course and see the work as a sample mistakes and all.  She gave some excellent ideas on how to cover up imperfections! I find the courses are generally very generous with materials which is excellent. The course is well-paced and manageable even with limited time.  It would be helpful to have a printed copy of what the finished piece might look like even if this is right at the end. Favourite part is learning new techniques and revision of others covered sometime ago'

'I liked using WhatsApp to share images of progress with the teacher and others. I learned so much by seeing how the others were doing, and the constructive feedback given by the teacher. Overall, the class was great. I learned a lot, had a very fun and relaxed time, and really enjoyed the teacher. I will definitely take more classes and recommend Hand & Lock to anyone who might want to take online embroidery classes'

'I am truly, truly grateful for all the incredible opportunities and skills Hand and Lock has so kindly taught me this year, it’s been life changing for me personally and it’s fulfilling a lifetime dream as a young girl. I am so incredibly super excited about the year ahead and the new classes you are offering plus the sip and stitch meet up sessions too now being offered which is so kind and so amazing. Thank you. Being able to do this type of work is SUCH  a tremendous privilege for me personally and I say this from the bottom of my heart. I am so grateful for every opportunity now with Hand and Lock. Every class is the biggest gift imaginable to me and being able to expand my knowledge makes my heart sing and eager to learn more from you.'

'The satisfaction of learning a skill again, and Freya was very lovely to say we could contact her if we had any questions following the course - very helpful. Very nice environment to be in and a good length of day too'

'I’m so happy to have found H&L and the community. I feel so at home when I am in a class. There is always something to learn and I feel like I can really indulge in my passion! The community, the quality of the instruction and in-depth techniques'

'The courses have a more dynamic feel to them compared to other embroidery schools and are far more down to earth and enjoyable. Compared to others schools the pricing is far better value for money'

'Registration and pre course info was complete and easy. Follow up was provided. The format of Zoom, plus WhatsApp, plus a follow up video was great. The instructor was considerate, easy to understand, patient, encouraging and very knowledgeable. The package of supplies that arrived in time for the class was exquisite and elegant. I was so excited to start learning to use the materials. The paperwork included was great for notes and reference. Love the pencil and cards included. l have enough leftover supplies to repeat what l learned and improve. I didn't feel like I had to skimp with the materials if something wasn't perfect. I'm so glad l took this course through Hand and Lock because the instructions and feedback have given me confidence to try projects on my own that l would not have received doing youtube or learning from a book. Learning to use cloth of gold from an instructor who has worked on items for royalty and famous design houses and the connection to such a prestigious historical establishment was a great honor. Thank-you.'

'I came across Hand and Lock on Instagram earlier this year and have been a loyal student since! I’ve taken several courses with Freya and Lucy and both of them are just wonderful. As someone who had not embroidered before I was uncertain if I could follow along during my first course but Freya assured me the classes are structured for any experience level and she was right. I was able to follow along easily and it’s been an incredible year of courses. Looking forward to many more.'

'I just live for these classes! I feel like when I am in them they are great for my psyche-as they are a guaranteed and dedicated time reserved for not only learning, but focusing on embroidery, which brings me so much joy. It’s just priceless. Thanks so so much for it! It’s been just so much more than I ever thought would have been possible with an online platform and it has been so appreciated. You have all made such a wonderful and rich online world that is so much more than I think all of us thought was possible! Thanks so much for your hard work and just know how much it is appreciated by your customer base'

'I took the entomology in goldwork online class. Freya taught at a great pace so we learned new things each of the four weeks. We could practice and work at our own pace between classes while reviewing the week's video that was available for download. If you want to participate on Zoom by showing your progress, asking questions, and being part of the international class participants you can. If you prefer to watch silently you can do that as well. We also has a WhatsApp group to ask questions and send pictures...so it's very inclusive and accommodating. I can't say enough good things about the relaxed yet professional standard of the instructor. We were able to try many techniques and materials that were delivered in a beautiful box with a welcome card.'

'Learning new skills with the experts in the field is very exciting for me and Freya is clearly an expert! Our tutor created a really friendly & relaxed environment for our online class sessions. She was very patient, attentive and encouraging of our work in progress.. I felt comfortable participating & asking for help. All the techniques were demonstrated in a way which felt so accessible and straightforward, even the more tricky techniques like 'plating'. I'd be delighted to learn with Freya again on another course in the future. This course was fascinating to me as it has equipped me with a range of skills encapsulated in one course. In terms of future courses, it would be the perfect package, if some of your online/face to face couture courses were to incorporate elements of how to select the best techniques to emulate the original artwork/design.'

'I took several online courses with Hand & Lock, and I must say, they are fantastic! The courses are well-structured and incredibly informative. The instructors are exceptional – they are not only knowledgeable but also patient and supportive, always willing to go the extra mile to help. I learned so much, and the hands-on approach made it all the more engaging. I highly recommend Hand & Lock for anyone looking to deepen their embroidery skills. Their online lessons are top-notch, and the experience has been truly inspiring.'

'The pace of the 6 week course was fantastic for me. The sessions gave a real sense of progression through the techniques in a creative and accessible way. Very fulfilling to experience learning on this level. I could not fault the course or Freya’s teaching style, would never have guessed it was her online teaching debut unless she had told us. Bravo Hand & Lock for another amazing learning experience.'

'I think the materials you get are always really great, lovely, good quality and have enough bits for you to really try things. The teachers are always so impressive, patient, nice and very knowledgeable.'

'I'm so grateful for all of the hard work of Lucy and Freya - you have given me the opportunity and inspiration to do all of the things I wish I'd done years ago and you are inspiring others in this incredible field. I'm so excited about embarking on the Diploma to see where it takes me!'

'Loved the design. Goldwork is somewhat difficult but the results are well worth it. This is my fifth class with Hand and Lock and I feel like I'm just scratching the surface of all the possible embroidery techniques. It's great to be able to learn new things in a relaxed atmosphere and having the videos to refer back to is a plus. I intend to take more classes'

'It was fabulous that Hand & Lock developed a course about Ceremonial Goldwork. This type of work is very complex, and involves a tailoring element which I appreciate adding to my own knowledge "bank". The elements taught in this course certainly demystified the process of creating/working on military style Goldwork embellishments on traditional uniforms. I also love the historical aspect of ceremonial work and the fact that Hand & Lock have been the leaders and experts of providing the service to create such masterful works of wearable art.'

'Freya and Lucy are the most fun and positive tutors I have had and I do many courses! The supplies are very generous and the designs are fresh and offer plenty of variety of stitches and techniques, keep it coming!'

'Honestly, I think both Lucy and Freya deserve all the credit! They have managed to build such a large community and successful school (and without sounding patronising, at such an early stage in their careers!). It's really remarkable'

'Lucy and Freya - you are both amazing. Not only at what you do but you are also the loveliest people too. I love your teaching styles. It is because of the two of you that I have invested a lot of time and money into my passion and I'm so grateful that you will continue to give us the best courses'

'Learning some new skills with a lovely group of international students. I wasn't sure I'd get on with an online course but it was fab and Freya was fantastic as our teacher. Thanks H&L!'

'I have done the Contemporary Couture Embroidery with H&L, and I loved it! The design was lovely, instructions were very clear and the use of WhatsApp for instant feedback was a brilliant idea. Freya was very helpful! Can't wait for the Diploma modules to start!'

'Freya demonstrated every technique with great clarity and with a light touch. It was easy to learn from her, and even if I knew a particular stitch or technique, Freya’s attention to detail and nuance always gave me something new. Freya brought to her teaching a sense of play that has stayed with me outside of the lessons. I tend to execute embroidery designs exactly as written, so it was really fun to do a project that made me ask myself what else I could do with a given technique or supply. Freya very naturally transmits her enthusiasm! Your courses are amazing, and I feel so lucky to be taking them'

'I definitely wouldn't be where I am now without Hand & Lock. Mentioning no names, I have done courses elsewhere and they have been such a disappointment in comparison'

'The exquisite and intricate contemporary design is inspiring. Having the recordings to rewatch means I'll be able to keep learning solo. Freya was very encouraging and even though I was slow, I felt I had my head above water most of the time. Also the friendly group members, with their varying levels of experience, were all helpful. No improvements necessary from my perspective. I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity. Thank you!'

'I loved how inviting the atmosphere was. It made silk shading much less intimidating for me since I have found it a tricky technique to learn. Freya was always super bubbly and helpful throughout which made the class lively and dynamic. Additionally the space itself was beautiful and it was wonderful to see so many embroidery pieces and creations throughout the room.'

'Love the community aspect with the WhatsApp group and relaxed environment. Because I'm juggling long work hours, I'd love having the option to take a course "on demand" so it's not a burden to the instructor, but I absolutely value the live instruction and expertise of a live class with the instructor. So glad I found Hand &Lock!'

'A great course overall and wonderful teacher who was patient, kind, very skilled and passionate. Glad I could participate online and be part of the WhatsApp for connection to other learners in the group, gain encouraging feedback and share progress.'

'I enjoyed everything. Freya is a brilliant teacher. She is friendly, informative and helpful. The 2 days flew by due to the constant chat that went on and there was enough time to stitch too in between her demonstrations. I didn't feel like I had to catch up. She went around and checked everyone's work and complimented as well as said if any corrections could be made. While there wasn't a step by step guide, she made sure we all had annotated our print outs so we can carry on working on our silk shading at home. Maybe if there was a step by step guide with photos and some tips to look over as we attempt it, that could be useful. Other than that, I'm content and I've booked another course in tambour as she said she would be teaching that. It was a lovely touch to have a certificate to take away to remember the day and a whatsapp and Facebook group to ask any questions once we left.'

‘I’ll bet you hear this often, but your class was life-changing. I am 76, and not looking too far in the future. Anything I do now is not looking ahead to a career, but for my own enjoyment. And boy, did I enjoy!’

'I feel that Hand and Lock is such a unique business and find the course offerings to be amazing and fantastic opportunities that are found nowhere else. I will be participating in as many as I possibly can. Thank you for these offerings.'

'It is such a gift to be able to take the online classes you offer. There is just nowhere in the US that offers anything close to what you do. The course offerings are wide ranging and fresh, the kits are great and keep improving, and the classroom atmosphere is thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you, thank you, thank you.'

'The instructors were exceptional! Their skills are top notch and I’m thrilled to have access to their instruction. They presented the techniques in such a fresh format, it was a delight! Thank you for sharing your love of these beautiful crafting skills.'

'Keep doing what you’re doing - Lucy and Freya are such great ambassadors for hand embroidery, and have developed a brilliant network of guest tutors whose skills complement the ‘core’ embroidery techniques so well. The quality of the teaching - demonstrations, recaps and explanations - has been consistently excellent. Thank you!'

'As my first time ever playing with goldwork I just really enjoyed the new medium (and the design was a definite influence in my pulling the trigger to book...) although now that I have dipped my toe in the water I am thinking that the dragonfly would be a good one because I can see all the different techniques that design would allow me to learn (a little knowledge is a dangerous thing! :) . I also really enjoyed chatting with Freya - having a working tutor (not just a teaching tutor - if that makes sense) has really sparked my imagination about what might be possible as a hobbyist with career change dreams'

'Freya does a great job of setting the foundation for embroidery knowledge, especially in a beginner environment. Taster courses are a great idea, to try something without a giant commitment'

'Since this course was my first experience with H&L I have to say that the overall quality of your “service” was beyond my expectation. The tutor was well prepared and experienced, the quality of materials were amazing. An additional bonus was the technical background: it was like being in the same classroom with the tutor. It made the course’s atmosphere so welcoming and helped me understand the task in an instant.'

’Freya is a phenomenal instructor. She has the patience and skill required to teach. I found Tambour embroidery quite challenging and she was always checking in, and always open to demonstrate the techniques as needed. I have taken three taster courses and this 5 day course with Freya and I have finished each course with nothing but positive experiences.’

'Excellent tuition and the opportunity to see things demonstrated by more than one person. The vibe is upbeat and positive and altogether a great experience. Love the upgrade. The school is perfect for what we need and the new lighting and decoration make it even better'

'This was a lovely course, my favourite part was using printed fabric and the number of techniques covered over the 3 days, all of which complemented each other. I am able to think of several ways of incorporating the techniques into my own work'