Abstract Hand Embroidery: Exploring Stitch, Texture & Embellishments

Join textile artists Jessica Grady and Ruth Hughes for a relaxed and inspiring day of collaborative textile exploration. This collaborative workshop with textile artists Jessica Grady (Jessica Grady Embroidery) and Ruth hughes (Wild Floss Embroidery) brings together two distinctive approaches to contemporary hand embroidery, encouraging you to experiment with abstract composition, expressive stitch, layered texture and thoughtful embellishment. Throughout the day, you'll discover how our individual styles complement one another while developing your own unique embroidered artwork. With demonstrations, individual guidance and plenty of time to experiment, this workshop is suitable for confident beginners as well as those with embroidery experience. All materials are included in the ticket price, just bring yourself and your creativity! Workshop Schedule 10:00am – Welcome & Introductions We'll begin the day by welcoming everyone to the workshop and introducing ourselves, our creative practices and the inspiration behind our work. We'll discuss the aims of the workshop, introduce the materials provided and look at a selection of sample pieces to inspire your own ideas. 10:30am – Finding Inspiration & Designing Your Composition We'll explore simple ways to create an abstract composition using shape, colour and balance. Topics include: • Developing an abstract design • Choosing a harmonious colour palette • Working with positive and negative space • Building a balanced composition • Cutting embellishments/shapes using a die-cutter • Combining appliqué with embroidery Participants will begin planning and arranging their own designs before preparing their fabric base. 11:00am – Demonstration: Expressive Hand Embroidery We'll introduce a variety of hand embroidery stitches and discuss how each can be used to create different textures and visual effects. Techniques covered include: • Satin stitch • Chain stitch • Blanket stitch • French knots • Couching • Woven Picot • Bullion Knots • Needle weaving We'll also demonstrate how both of our individual stitching styles can be combined to create expressive, contemporary surfaces. Participants will spend time stitching while receiving one-to-one guidance throughout the session. 12:00pm – Lunch Break (30 mins) A relaxed break to enjoy lunch, chat with fellow makers and browse the sample pieces for further inspiration. You can choose to grab a coffee from the upstairs cafe or bring your own lunch and sit in the workshop space to eat and chat. 12:30pm – Hand Embellishments & Personal Style During the afternoon we'll introduce a range of embellishment techniques, using a wide range of mixed media materials that add depth, sparkle and individuality to your work. We'll demonstrate ways of incorporating: • Beads • Sequins • Vintage textiles • Lace and trims • Specialty threads and yarn • Layered stitching • Found textile elements We'll discuss how embellishments can be used thoughtfully to enhance rather than overpower a composition, and how texture can be added to a design with 3D embellishments that build structure and detail on an artwork. Participants will continue developing their work while experimenting with these techniques. 1:30pm – Refining Your Design This session focuses on slowing down, evaluating your composition and adding the finishing touches. We'll discuss: • Balancing colour and texture • Creating focal points • Knowing when to stop • Finishing techniques • Preparing work for display or framing Jessica and Ruth will continue offering individual support and creative advice. 2:30pm – Show & Share We'll gather together to celebrate everyone's work and reflect on the day's creative journey. This informal sharing session is an opportunity to discuss ideas, ask questions and appreciate the unique approaches each participant has taken. 3:00pm – Close We'll finish the workshop with final questions, information about further learning opportunities, and plenty of encouragement to continue exploring abstract embroidery at home. We hope you leave feeling inspired, confident in your new techniques, and excited to develop your own contemporary embroidery style. Techniques Covered Throughout the Day • Developing abstract compositions • Colour selection and balance • Layering fabrics and embellishments • Running stitch • Back stitch • Seed stitch • Satin stitch • Chain stitch • Blanket stitch • French knots • Couching • Layered embroidery • Creating texture through stitch • Incorporating beads and embellishments • Creating your own sequins and beads from sustainable materials • Combining mixed media elements • Developing your own creative style • Finishing and presentation techniques • What You'll Take Home By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with: • A unique contemporary embroidered textile piece • A collection of new embroidery and embellishment techniques • Greater confidence in creating abstract textile art • Ideas and inspiration to continue experimenting with stitch and mixed media at home