This will be a two-day workshop based at the stunning and World renowned West Dean College near Chichester, West Sussex on the 8th and 9th June 2024.

The aim is that you learn the skills to leave feeling confident enough to design your own needlepoint pieces for fun, or to start your own business. This course has been run before at Monks House, East Sussex and was a great success.

DAY 1

An introduction of what we will achieve in the two days.

A walk around West Dean’s stunning gardens for inspiration - sketch or take photos. You are not obliged to design a piece based on something you see in the garden, but it’s worth the walk! You may also bring your own ideas or choose to work on a self portrait or manmade object.

Back to the studio for a talk on scale and shape

A practical session of drawing and/or collage

DAY 2

A talk on colour choices and colour theory, plus a few design ‘tricks’ and advice about what to avoid when designing.

Working out how your design will fit onto your canvas.

Methods of transferring your design onto the canvas.

A short talk on stitch techniques and stitch choice.

Making the magic happen as you start to stitch!

I will also cover some of the basics of converting designs to print ready artwork for those that are interested.

Do you need great drawing skills? No

Do you need prior knowledge of how to stitch? No

Can you also work in cross stitch? Yes

A buffet lunch will be provided. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available for morning and afternoon break.

All materials will be provided including wools, canvas, scissors, needles and needlepoint frame - all to take home.

Please bring reading glasses if needed, a sketch pad and sketching pencils or ink pens of your choice.

Overnight accommodation is NOT provided. If you wish to stay at the college, please contact them at: bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk

Regrettably bookings are non refundable, although they are transferable.