Silk Shading Dewdrop Ladybird with Victoria Matthewson

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

How do you give flat, surface embroidery the illusion of depth? In this workshop, we will explore how to create a rounded ladybird using fine silk floss thread. You will learn how the direction of your stitching can create the appearance of a curve, and how subtle shading can add depth so your ladybird looks as if it is lifting off the fabric.

Once we have covered the techniques to create the curve of the ladybird’s shell, we will look at how a water droplet reflects light and how this can be translated into thread.

You will work on a design created exclusively for Hand and Lock: a ladybird covered in dewdrops. Using a needlepainting technique, you will put into practice the principles that create flow, movement and depth in silk shading embroidery. The slow nature of needlepainting means the embroidery will not be completed in class, but you will leave with all the guidance and skills you need to finish it at home at your own pace.

- Please check that 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.

- How to plan and follow stitch direction 

- Hot to use a shading guide to blend thread colours

- Long and short stitch

- Split stitch

- All materials 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. 

- 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.

Victoria Matthewson is a self-taught hand embroidery artist specialising in fine silk shading embroidery.

She won ‘Needlecrafter of the Year 2018’ at the Knitting and Stitching Show with her seven-spot ladybird and has since developed her needlepainting skills further, gaining a reputation for detailed, lifelike embroideries of native invertebrates and wild flowers.

Victoria works from her small garden studio in South Wales, where she lives with her husband, two children and Mabel the Pugapoo. Her work is inspired by the nature that surrounds her. She has a particular interest in combining embroidery with education and conservation, which led to the publication of her book, Needlepainted Plants and Pollinators: an insect lover’s guide to silk shading embroidery, in November 2021. The book highlights the decline of pollinators beyond honeybees and encourages a respect for these unsung heroes through the gentle focus that embroidery brings.

Since publishing her book, Victoria has been focused on sharing her knowledge through workshops and embroidery kits, helping others develop their skills and explore the natural world through silk shading embroidery.