Embroidery Made Easy

Date: Saturday 12th July, 9:00AM - 4:00PM 

Have you ever wanted to learn embroidery but didn’t know how to get started? Not sure which needles or fabric to buy? Unsure if you can do embroidery on your sewing machine?

Have all these questions answered and more. Either using your sewing machine, sewing by hand, or a combination of both, join tutor Lisa Floris for an amazing day creating doodle cloths, embroidered cards and blinged-out bags.

Learn all the tips of the trade including technical embroidery techniques and how to think sustainably when sourcing your fabric. This fun-filled workshop will be packed with insider knowledge, creative exploration and the most positive energy.

What You’ll Learn:

• 6 essential embroidery stitches
• How to use a hoop correctly and binding
• Money-saving tips – and a list of suppliers 
• How to use water soluble items to create your own designs (for hand & machine embroidery)
• Handout with stitch & process information
  
  

What You’ll Walk Away With: 

• A Doodle Cloth
• Finished Card with embroidery
• Needle Book or Drawstring bag (time permitting)
• New embroidery knowledge & skills
• Handout with stitch & process information
• A sense of achievement
  
  

Why Join This Workshop?

This workshop offers a welcoming and encouraging space to explore the art of embroidery, from foundational stitches to clever tips and personal expression. With expert guidance, you'll create meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces and gain the confidence to continue your creative journey beyond the class.

Detailed Class Information: 

Morning

• Discuss supplies, types of embroidery and keeping a sketchbook
• Introduction to the “Sharing Pile” - give a piece of fabric/take a piece of fabric
• To Hoop or Not To Hoop…that is the question
• Learn Backstitch, Stem, Chain, French Knot and Eyelet
• Fabric collage and stitch
• Bling - attach beads and sequins
• Transfer designs onto clothing or fabric
• Complete embroidered gift card
  
  

Afternoon

• Stitch design for cover of needle book
• Work on project such as stitched storybooks, book covers or drawstring bags
• Show and tell
  
  

Meet Your Tutor

With a lifelong interest in art, Lisa Floris has spent more than 25 years exploring patchwork, quilting, embroidery, crocheting and mark-making.

She is a qualified textile designer and spent time teaching wet felt, dry felt, wire armature, 3D, machine knit and weave (to name a few!). Like many creatives she takes inspiration from life; be that a beautiful flower, watching Tui feasting on Kowhai or spending time with her grandson. Lisa’s work comes from her heart and she thrives on guiding her students on their journey of discovery.

What to Bring:

• Pencil / Pen & Paper
• Needles – Embroidery-crewel (Size 7) / straw-milliners (Size 10) 
• Hoop – one that fits tightly (recommend plastic hoop)
• Pins 
• Scissors (sharp enough to cut fabric & thread)
• Embroidery & Sewing Thread – cotton & polyester. (Recommend DMC stranded threads & Perle Size 8)
• Water soluble pen, fabric marker or chalk.
• Ruler
• Fabric from your stash (your finished book will be about 11cm x 25cm)
• Any lace, buttons, trims, beads, sequins, doilies etc. that you would like to incorporate into your piece(s)
• Felt or old blankets (these are the ‘pages’ of your needle book)

Optional:

• Your Sewing Machine (if you want to learn with it!)
• Rotary Cutter & Mat 
• Fabric Glue 
• Pincushion 
• Needle Threader 
• Thimble
  
  

Do I Need Experience?

Nope! This class is absolutely beginner-friendly. No stress, no embroidery police... just a friendly environment to learn new skills and create a personal piece of you.