Classes 2024

Cleo is the latest butterfly in Alison’s collection. It is inspired by the Art Nouveau period and the craze for all things Egyptian at the time. It is worked in brilliant shades of green and gold on a strawberry silk background.  

This piece uses a wide variety of threads and techniques including padding with felt, padding with soft cotton, long and short stitch, brick stitch, chipping, laid work, use of pearl purl and beetle wings.

Design Size: 12.5 x 8.5 cm square

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $220.00

Kit Cost: Kit supplied AUD$120.00 (NZ price will be with your needs list)

Alison Cole has been embroidering for most of her life and her love of it has seen her try her hand at a large array of techniques – but her favourites have always been goldwork and stumpwork embroidery. She considers herself fortunate to be a freelance artist in an industry that she loves, professionally teaching and designing embroidery for the past twenty four years.  Her career has given her the opportunity to both study and teach around the world, meeting wonderful like-minded people.

Over this time, Alison has won a number of awards for her work, both in Australia and around the world – the latest being second prize in the Australian Textile Art Awards (March 2022) and second prize for Best Gold Embroidery Organisation at the International Gold Embroidery and Jewellery Festival in Bukhara, Uzbekistan (May 2022).  She has worked as an artist in residence, feature artist, guest lecturer and has contributed to many publications.  

Alison is inspired by nature, her love of period embroidery and historical art.  She is passionate about passing on her knowledge.

The arcaded band pattern features two green woodpeckers facing a central carnation, pomegranates, caterpillars, flowers, leaves and thistles. This pattern has been adapted from four known similar patterns on 17^th Century English band samplers. The motifs are embroidered in silk and metal threads in a variety of stitches in use during this time period: corded Brussels (detached needle lace), Italian two-sided cross, Gobelin and plaited Gobelin, Montenegrin, reversible cross stitch, rococo or queen, Roman, Smyrna cross, spider webs, square eyelets and tent for example. 

During the class, students will stitch a small section of each stitched area. Please do not expect to finish the pattern over two days.

Design Size: Embroidered area of the sampler measures 10.5 x 21 cm

Class Level: Intermediate – Advanced

Workshop Cost: $220.00

Kit Cost: No kit. A list of silk and metal threads and the fabric needed will be supplied in advance. The metal threads can be ordered online from Stitch Witches or Alison Cole or there is an option to purchase these threads from the tutor at the cost of $19.00.  You can indicate on your registration form whether you want to take this option.

Some preparation work is required.

Dianne’s passion for embroidery has led her to explore many different types of embroidery from many different countries over the years. Her interest in early English counted embroidery from 1200 to 1700 led to her completion of an Advanced Certificate in Research and Embroidery at the Embroiderers’ Guild of South Australia. This entailed two study trips to many collections and teaching English 16^th and 17^th century embroidery in Australia and more recently in New Zealand.

This small circular panel, inspired by a Japanese family crest featuring a stylised peony flower and bud, also contains a bumble bee with detached gauzy wings and a velvety striped abdomen. Using traditional stumpwork and surface embroidery techniques, and a variety of silk threads, organza and beads, this design may be worked on ivory silk, satin, vintage kimono silk, or the fabric of your choice.

Design Size: The design fits within a 12 cm square. 

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $220.00

Kit Cost: Kit supplied $30.00. Additional $5.00 for fabric if required

Jane Nicholas has been researching and working in the field of embroidery for over twenty years. Specialising in stumpwork and goldwork embroidery, she has written ten books and has contributed widely to journals and magazines on the subject. In 1999 Jane was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to further her studies in stumpwork in the United Kingdom and in 2005 was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), for her ‘services to hand embroidery as an artist, teacher and author’. She teaches widely in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America and continues to research and develop new techniques – particularly in stumpwork. 

Inspired by the motifs from a 1666 sampler featured in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, this little pot is lined with dupion silk and features many different stitches and techniques. Some will be well known to stitchers, and others are more unusual and not often seen on modern designs. 

During the class, we will cover all the stitches used in the design, but the project will not be fully completed within the two-day timeframe. We will use a range of different weight silk threads in plain and variegated colours on overdyed 28 count linen. These, combined with the use of different stitches, create texture and light within the motif’s structure. As part of the class, we will make the button for the lid of the pot. The construction aspect of the project will be outlined in class and full notes given. 

There will be different colour choices of linen and silks available to personalise your project.

Design Size: Diameter 80 mm;  height 70 mm

Class Level: Intermediate to Advanced but can accommodate beginners

Workshop Cost: $200.00

Kit Cost: Kit supplied $75.00. Includes linen, silk threads, comprehensive class notes and all lining and construction materials.

Jane Caroll An embroidery class at high school started a love of stitching that has spanned decades and Jane has been a member of the Otago Embroiderers’ Guild for over 30 years. She has tutored a number of counted embroidery classes including Hardanger, Colbert, drawn and cut thread, and needle weaving, as well as stumpwork. Jane especially enjoys learning about traditional techniques and finding new ways to apply them in modern and interesting projects.

In this class we are employing tambour embroidery, using a hook to produce a fine chain stitch floral silhouette on wool and embellishing the design with beads to produce this eye-catching panel on a handcrafted portfolio cover.

This is a technique that is a bit different. Learn the tambour technique and then work the panel. The class will include a demonstration of the construction techniques involved in crafting the portfolio cover. Participants will need to bring a slate frame or a finger-jointed frame with pins.

Design Size: Panel 17 x 28 cm; Portfolio 26 x 34 cm

Class Level: Suits all levels from competent beginner

Workshop Cost: $200.00

Kit Cost: Kit supplied $55.00. The kit will include the woollen fabric, with the design already transferred and edged with fabric for mounting into the frame, in a range of bright colours that can be selected in class. Threads and beads will be supplied in black only.

Julie Clemett began embroidery at an early age, taught by her mother and grandmother and inspired by household items made by her grand- and great-grandmothers.  She has a wide range of embroidery interests, mostly counted thread embroidery styles. She loves to learn more about traditional embroidery and then to use the techniques in modern ways. Julie enjoys passing on this learning, and helping students develop their own talents.

A delightful counted thread mat worked on 28 – 30 count permin linen in your colour of choice. Stitches used will include double running stitch, satin stitch and Turkish stitches, some resourced from Ottoman embroidery.

All stitches will be taught in the class and participants will complete at least 1 motif. The hem edge will be demonstrated. 

Design Size: 34 cm square

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $200.00

Kit Cost: No kit but $8.00 charge for notes.

Heather Constantine I have enjoyed teaching embroidery for 15 years, mostly counted work using my own designs with a variety of styles adapted to suit. I get a great sense of satisfaction out of showing others how to stitch and try to keep my classes light hearted and stress free.

Surface embroidery inspired by whitework, the finished project could be a table runner, cushion or chair back. The sample is worked on linen in Pearl 8, 5 and 12 threads but the design is adaptable and can be downsized and worked on finer fabric with finer threads.

Size: 30 x 33 cm – can be reduced or enlarged

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $200.00

No Kit

Instruction Booklet and Pattern:  Full instructions are provided with an instruction booklet and pattern sent in advance for students to select their options in fabric and threads. Monogram initials that fit the design area will be provided. Cost $35.00 (incl post).

Fiona Crowther-Aker is crazy about threads, stitching and designing and loves sharing what she does. Her mind is always busy with new creative ideas for homemade and handmade products.

Be inspired by the sky and explore the possibilities of long and short stitch! Bring an image of an amazing sky and translate that into a piece of long and short. This class is designed for those who have worked in long and short before and want to take the technique to another level which could include padding, multiple colours and changes of stitch direction, the sky really is the limit!

The class will cover the steps from inspiration image to a design suitable to be stitched. You will learn how to use long and short stitch in a contemporary way and how to decide on the order of work to get the best result. 

Design Size: 2 panels 5x10cm each total 20 cm square

Class Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Workshop Cost: $200.00

No Kit

Jo Dixey is a Royal School of Needlework trained embroiderer. She teaches small groups a variety of embroidery techniques, works on commissions which have included large altar cloths, university banners and work for the fashion and movie industries and repairs old embroideries. She holds exhibitions of her embroidered pieces every few years.

In 2017 Jo published her first book ‘Stitch People’, which was later re-released as ‘Creative Thread’,  a 20 project journey through embroidery techniques. Jo’s work is held in private and public collections in New Zealand and overseas.

instagram@dixeysoul

dixeysoul@gmail.com

This is an introduction to bead embroidery especially designed for beginners, but open to all. I will take you through each step and show you how to create gorgeous glistening flowers and buds with Diamond Duo beads.  Lined with silk and edged with seed beads, this spectacle case is a delight to stitch as well as being a practical item.

The student will choose the positioning and detail of their flowers, so each case will be slightly different.  It is possible to complete this project over the weekend.

Design Size: 6 x 16 cm

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $200.00

KitCost: supplied $25.00

Kim Hayes Since joining my local embroidery guild in 2000, I have loved learning numerous techniques both traditional and contemporary, and very quickly I discovered a passion for beads.  My journey of learning has been an absolute joy, from books, magazines and online videos, experimenting with each technique, discovering my own voice and increasing my stash ten-fold!  

I believe in stress free classes, passing on all the tips I have picked up over the years, teaching the basics and encouraging my students to experiment with their own designs.

Delve into the wonderful world of colour and pattern based on the elegance of the timeless paisley motif and the format of a Persian rug. Enjoy creating your Persian inspired masterpiece with surface stitches using sumptuous colours in silk and rayon threads on a rich purple background. 

Note that the background fabric will vary from that used in the sample

Design Size: The finished work will fit into a standard 8” x 10” (20 x 25 cm) frame

Class Level: Intermediate

Workshop Cost: $200.00

Kit Cost: Kit supplied $55.00

Jenny is well known throughout New Zealand as an experienced quilter, embroiderer, tutor and designer. She conducts workshops for quilting and embroidery groups and has experience in both judging and designing exhibitions. Jenny owns an embroidery and quilting supply business and enjoys sharing her extensive design experience and love for colour, texture and stitch with her students.

Dorset buttons date from the early 17th century when buttons were individually made by hand from wood, ivory, metal, or as in the case of Dorset buttons, using metal or bone rings covered with yarn. The ones you’ll be learning to make are a modern and fun twist on a very old art.

This is a relaxed class suitable for all levels of experience including those who are total beginners or younger stitchers. You will begin by learning how to make the Christmas tree button and then you choose what to do next. You will be able to choose your own colours. You are likely to complete about three over the weekend but instructions will be given for all designs.

Design Size: 5 cm diameter

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $200.00

Kit Cost: Kit supplied $20.00

Billy has been an embroiderer since she was 5 and since then has explored many types of embroidery, both traditional and contemporary. She has always enjoyed designing her own work but joining Whangarei Guild 3 years ago has certainly fertilised her ideas. There’s always one more thing to learn, one more to share!

This fusion of traditional and experimental goldwork techniques with steampunk style is stitched on hand-dyed grey linen. Embellished leather, lace and metal cogs are incorporated with net applique, pearl purl, twist couching and purl laid work. Kitty has a mixed media wing and wears a black velveteen hat with goggles. The student will choose how to place and layer their individual selection of cogs, so each piece will be individualised. Familiarity with basic goldwork techniques is advised. The design will not be completed in the 2 days, but students will have all they need to complete it at home.

A companion piece to Barty the Steampunk Owl. 

Design Size: Width 11 cm; height 18 cm

Class Level: Intermediate

Workshop Cost: $200.00

Kit Cost: $55.00

 Shirley Pygott has tutored embroidery classes for more than 17 years in Guilds and events throughout  New Zealand, on 3 international cruises and was the ANZEG traveling tutor in 2019.  Goldwork is one of her specialty techniques, and she enjoys applying traditional methods in modern applications such as in Steampunk style. She has completed the ANZEG Diploma of Embroidery Teaching and has won many regional and national awards. She is known for her low stress approach in her classes.

In this workshop, you will make a fabulous fabric cover, stitched and embellished to your own design, and then we’ll build the pages into the book with a simple and elegant binding. The pages can be created from any papers you like. Sort through your stash and bring along drawing paper, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, old envelopes, printed matter …anything you find interesting. During the workshop, we’ll trim them to suit your book.

I will provide all the necessary equipment and the stuff that will form the base for the cover of your book. You can bring along your favourite fabrics and papers, and transform them into a beautiful journal.

Design Size: 15 x15 cm

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $200.00

Kit Cost: Tutor will supply some materials and equipment at a cost of $15.00

Ailie Snow I have been working in the field of textiles for more than 40 years now, regularly exhibiting and teaching all around New Zealand, and in Australia, England, and America.  In my obsessively stitched work, I combine a wide range of cloth, as well as paper, print, and found objects, to assist in telling the story.

I’m never happier than with a pencil, or a needle and thread in my hand, and some sort of experimental work challenging me to find a new way to communicate.  With heaps of enthusiasm and encouragement, I hope to convey this sense of discovery and enjoyment to every class I teach.

The inspiration for this piece was drawn from the Native American cultures of the Southwestern United States. The Kokopelli is a fertility deity usually depicted as a humpbacked flute player.  He also represents the spirit of music. The quirky, stylised figures and the colours of the desert are reflected in the design of this piece. Worked on silk paper, dyed in the colours of the desert, personality and texture are added with surface stitching selected to complement the design.

In this class you will have the opportunity to:

• Design your own rock band
• Learn how to applique with silk paper
• Learn how to use oil sticks, and
• Select stitches to complement the design

There will also be an opportunity to learn how to make your own silk paper for future projects. By the end of this class, you will have laid out your piece and completed a significant amount of the stitching so that you are able to finish in your own time.

Design Size: 27 x 22 cm

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $200.00

Kit Cost: $50.00.  Includes the background fabric, the silk paper and the threads required to complete the project, plus comprehensive notes.

Susan Swann I have always enjoyed working with my hands and have dabbled in a variety of different crafts over the years, finally finding my niche in embroidery. For the last 20 years, I have been exploring the different techniques and styles, initially by taking classes in different techniques until I reached the point where I wanted to design my own pieces. At this point, I began my journey through City and Guilds Design and Craft. I enjoy the challenge of designing a piece and then translating the design into a piece of art. In recent years, I have also enjoyed working with fellow embroiderers and watching them work my designs.

A fun three-dimensional project. The class will construct a bowl using a flat rolled circle, made from felt and silk and embellished with surface stitching. There will be a focus on a variety of surface stitching and on construction. Students will stitch and partially construct the bowl within the 2 days and be confident to complete the project on their own. 

Design Size: 5cm high x 12 cm diameter

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $200.00

Kit Cost: Part kit supplied $25.00. Participants will bring their own thread

Jill Wilson I have been embroidering and patchworking since the mid 1980s and have been tutoring for the last 8 years. I am always thinking of ideas for my next projects and find that many ideas involve construction. I have a passion for using pattern and colour to create pieces of embroidery, whether it be in counted work or surface stitching, and I like to share that passion with others.

By popular request, we are offering this class – an opportunity for you to work on any of your UFOs (Unfinished pieces of embroidery) with a group of fellow stitchers while enjoying the friendship and social activities of the Great Escape weekend.  

This class will not be tutor led.

Workshop Cost: $100.00

This iridescent beetle brooch uses actual beetle wings alongside gilt and coloured metal threads to create the three dimensional little beetle.  He is embroidered in gold and jewel green tones on silk organza and uses a range of materials including English gilt metal threads, English coloured couching threads, Indian sadi threads, Mill Hill beads and beetle wings to give that extra flash of green! 

Design Size: 5.5 x 6 cm

Class Level: Suits all levels

Workshop Cost: $170.00

Kit Cost: Kit supplied AUD$80.00 (NZ price will be provided with your needs list).

Alison Cole has been embroidering for most of her life and her love of it has seen her try her hand at a large array of techniques – but her favourites have always been goldwork and stumpwork embroidery. She considers herself fortunate to be a freelance artist in an industry which she loves, professionally teaching and designing embroidery for the past twenty four years.  Her career has given her the opportunity to both study and teach around the world, meeting wonderful like-minded people.

Over this time, Alison has won a number of awards for her work, both in Australia and around the world – the latest being second prize in the Australian Textile Art Awards (March 2022) and second prize for Best Gold Embroidery Organisation at the International Gold Embroidery and Jewellery Festival in Bukhara, Uzbekistan (May 2022).  She has worked as artist in residence, feature artist, guest lecturer and has contributed in many publications.  

Alison is inspired by nature, her love of period embroidery and historical art.  She is passionate about passing on her knowledge.

A blackwork panel featuring 16^th and 17^th century floral slip motifs and small creatures sourced from historical records and samplers. These are stitched in berry colours and are interspersed with a sprinkling of interesting stitches of the same period, embroidered in gold. 

Students will partially stitch the motifs in the class and will create a stitch record for the gold stitches for later use as the blackwork motifs are completed.

Design Size:
Embroidered area is 14.7 cm wide and 13.5 cm long

Class Level: Advanced

Workshop Cost: $170.00

Kit Cost: No Kit. A list of silk and metal threads and the fabric needed will be supplied in advance. The metal threads can be purchased from the tutor at a cost of $10.00. You can indicate on your registration form whether you want to do this.

Some preparation work required.

Dianne’s passion for embroidery has led her to explore many different types of embroidery from many different countries over the years. Her interest in early English counted embroidery from 1200 to 1700 led to her completion of an Advanced Certificate in Research and Embroidery at the Embroiderers’ Guild of South Australia. This entailed two study trips to many collections and teaching English 16^th and 17^th century embroidery in Australia and more recently in New Zealand.

This panel was inspired by a Japanese family crest showing a stylised lotus plant motif. It features the leaves, flowers and seed pods of the lotus plant, Nelumbo nucifera, and a praying mantis, Mantis religiosa, with detached wings and wrapped-wire legs. Using traditional stumpwork and surface embroidery techniques, and a variety of silk and metallic threads, this small circular embroidery may be worked on ivory silk or satin or a small square of vintage kimono silk

Design Size: 12 x 12 cm

Class Level: Intermediate – Advanced

Workshop Cost: $220.00

Kit Cost: Kit supplied $48.00. Additional $5.00 for fabric if required.

Jane Nicholas has been researching and working in the field of embroidery for over twenty years. Specialising in stumpwork and goldwork embroidery, she has written ten books and has contributed widely to journals and magazines on the subject. In 1999 Jane was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to further her studies in stumpwork in the United Kingdom and in 2005 was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), for her ‘services to hand embroidery as an artist, teacher and author’. She teaches widely in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America and continues to research and develop new techniques – particularly in stumpwork.