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Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course
Julie Heaton Embroidery Course

Drawn to Thread: Learn the Art of Free Machine Embroidery with Julie Heaton

By Hand & Lock School
£250.00
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Date and Time

Location: 86 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TE

Duration: 2 Days

In this workshop you will learn how to use your sewing machine as a creative drawing tool. With samples of her own work to look at and touch, Julie will guide you through the processes and techniques that she uses to create her embroidered drawings. Julie will demonstrate how to set up your machine for free machine embroidery, alter tensions to blend colours and work in layers to stitch in a painterly way. She will guide you through the qualities of water-soluble fabric and the possible choice of embroidery threads. After time to practice the processes, Julie will help you to decide on a design/drawing that can be created using the learnt techniques. The planned class is designed for beginners but is also suitable for people who have some experience and would like to gain some further insight into the process of using free machine embroidery on water soluble fabric in a painterly way. It will be an inclusive two day course, whilst processes and techniques will be taught, you will be able to work at your own pace in a relaxed and creative environment. You do not need to have any experience of using a sewing machine to enjoy the class.

All sewing machines will be provided by Bernina UK.

The workshop is an introduction to the possibilities of free machine embroidery. The first morning will be spent practising the techniques that Julie uses in her artwork. Following the experimentation, you will be guided through the process of making your own small, embroidered drawing ready to take home and remove the water-soluble fabric (it takes a little time for the washed drawings to dry).

  • Setting up a sewing machine for free motion embroidery.
  • Dissolvable fabric choices and reasons for using it.
  • How to hoop up ready to stitch.
  • How to transfer a design or drawing onto dissolvable fabric ready to embroider.
  • The various types and thicknesses of thread that can be used.
  • Styles of stitches and methods of embroidering on dissolvable fabric.
  • How to alter the tension of the top thread on the sewing machine to affect thread colour mixing on the surface of the fabric.
  • How to work in layers of coloured thread so that a painterly approach can be achieved.
  • An explanation of how the density of stitches affects the drawing.
  • How to remove water-soluble backing fabrics from stitched work.
  • Other samples, artists and books for further inspiration.

Julie will provide some small objects and images for inspiration, but please feel free to bring your own small drawing ideas to the class. It would be helpful to bring a notebook, pencil and fine liner (I will have spare). All other materials will be provided.

Location

You can find us at 86 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TE

To see the nearest tube stops and bus routes and to see a selection of our favourite places to eat, drink and stay have a look at our Useful Information page here.

Accessibility

Our in person classes are taught in our school which is located upstairs in our studio. Unfortunately the building does not have lift access, so use of the stairs would be necessary.

Tutor Profile

Julie is a Bristol based artist known for making photorealistic embroidered artworks on water-soluble fabrics. Using a process that she discovered when trying to find a way to draw where she wasn’t inhibited by preconceived ideas, Julie has developed an award-winning career. Since studying Textiles at the Royal College of Art, Julie has won the Hand and Lock Prize for Textile Art and been awarded Highly Commended at the John Ruskin Prize. Julie gives talks about her practice and provides workshops both locally and nationally.

Testimonials If you would like to hear from some of our past students you can read our testimonials here. For more information about our courses check out our FAQ page here.
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