New Embroidery Classes

Hey folks, Jessica Embroidery here!

Today I just wanted to let you know that we have made a couple of changes to the embroidery class schedule. Some techniques always prove to be more popular than others so we have decided to replace a couple of our least popular classes with projects which you will hopefully love.

First off, we’re saying goodbye to floral fun (ribbonwork) and hello to monograms! Our monograms are pre-printed onto the fabric and include a combination of ribbonwork and freehand embroidery stitches. This class is suitable for beginners, you will learn a variety of stitches and we think they make the perfect personalised present for a loved one, unless of course you’d like to make a beautiful embroidery just for you.

Monogram in Ribbon Embroidery

Next up it’s farewell to canvaswork and howdy to our gorgeous Sarah Kay panels! Like the monograms these designs are pre-printed onto fabric and there are tons to choose from. This class requires a little experience of embroidery as it includes quite a wide range of embroidery techniques from trapunto padding and applique to freehand embroidery and ribbonwork.

Sarah Kay ribbon embroidery

Both of these new classes allow you to broaden your knowledge of embroidery while creating something fun and unique.  You can pick and choose your own threads, ribbons and stitches and really let your creativity run wild. The beauty of working on printed panels is that you don’t have to cover the piece in embroidery, although of course you can if you want to. So book now to avoid disappointment! Full details on our website at www.mycraftland.com.

And last but not least if you wish to take either of the discontinued classes or learn any other techniques don’t forget we offer private tuition. Pop into the shop or email our class coordinator for more information- sue@mycraftland.com.

Embroidery at Craftland

Today I'd like to introduce myself to you all, I'm Jessica Aldred, the embroidery teacher and general embroidery guru at Craftland.

Canvaswork class sample

I trained to be a professional designer and embroiderer at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) in the UK, and over three years I learnt 30 different hand embroidery techniques as well as restoration and conservation and art and design. After graduating I went to work in costume at the Royal Opera House in London where I bought and maintained the materials used to make the costumes. I worked on operas such as Madame Butterfly and Tosca and also for The Royal Ballet . After three years there I returned to the RSN where I spent four years working as the education coordinator. During that time I was hugely honoured to be a member of the team who produced the embroidery for the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress and veil. In 2011 my first book was published- Adventures in Needlework- which I co-authored with Emily Peacock who is well known in the UK for her bright, contemporary needlepoint kits.

Last year my husband and I moved to Dubai as a result of his job, but it was a timely move for me- I was ready for a fresh start. I soon discovered Craftland and was very impressed with their shop, classroom and team of experts, so I was thrilled when they offered me a job! Since I started I've been busy teaching, helping to select new stock for the shop, developing classes, designing and making samples and preparing for the embroidery clubs. In addition to the photograph above here are some of the new class samples I've created;

Goldwork class sample

Stumpwork class sample

Our classes start up again on 15th September and for embroidery there's now a clear path of progression from classes for complete beginners up to more complex and advanced techniques. If you're not sure where to start or what the different techniques are pop in to the shop, give us a call or email our class coordinator iman@mycraftland.com.

Our embroidery club resumes on 2nd October and for those of you who don't know about our clubs they're held once a month and bring together groups who like to share their enthusiasm for a particular form of craft. During the clubs there's a 'make and take'- we provide you with a kit for a small project which introduces you to a new technique or product. There's also guest speakers and a show and tell- we love to see what you're creating at home too!

And last but not least embroidery clinics are on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9:30pm and Tuesday mornings from 9:30am to 12noon. The clinics are for you to bring your own project and get expert help and advice, although if you just fancy hanging out and stitching with like minded people you're always welcome.

You can see our class descriptions, prices and full schedule here. If you'd like to know more about me and my work you can visit my website here. Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you at Craftland soon.

Book a Craft Land Summer Class!

Keep cool this summer with a Craft Land class!

We have lots of great projects to choose from - like this Crazy Patchwork Bag. Learn new skills or take your talents to the next level. There's an exciting class for everyone - knitting, sewing, quilting, embroidery and crochet. Don't miss out - book asap!

Just download the schedule from our classes page for full details:
http://www.mycraftland.com/classes.html

CL x

Special Embroidery Clinic

Calling all embroiderers:
By special request; at next Monday’s clinic (23rd Jan) Christine will be showing a couple of embroiderers a different stumpwork technique called needle lace.

She will show them how to set up the work and create a detached lace leaf using perlé cotton.

If you would like to come and learn this wonderfully versatile technique, bring along two pieces of plain cotton or calico to fit into your hoop, perlé cotton and your needles.

As a bonus, Christine will also demonstrate and teach how to make simple and beautiful delicate beadwork embellishments to add to her embroidery from our new collection of Mill Hill beads now available for purchase at Craft Land.

To join this clinic, simply drop in Monday at 9:30am and sign in for the clinic. The cost is 50dhs as always.
 
Looking forward to seeing you on Monday!

Happy Birthday to Craft Land!

Cupcake anyone?

We're celebrating our first year anniversary the last week of January with a cupcake extravaganza! Join us all week for demos, classes, a cupcake parade and even some edible cupcakes.

On Sunday, we will Embroider a Cupcake -  On Monday, we will Knit a Cupcake -  On Wednesday, we will Cross-stitch a Cupcake -  And on Thursday we will Felt a Cupcake! Demos in each technique will be running all week from 11 am to 2 pm, and the class will be given from 4pm to 6:30 pm.  The class is free; the materials kit is 50 Dhs and includes everything needed to make a number of Cupcakes.  

how cute is this cross-stitch cupcake?

Anyone who completes their Cupcake is invited to enter it in the Cupcake Parade, a display of crafty Cupcakes on display all day Saturday.  Shoppers will be given voting slips, and the Cupcake with the most votes will win a Viewer’s Choice prize!  Participants may collect their Cupcakes after the prize has been awarded at 4:30 pm.

From 3-5 on Saturday, we will be singing Happy Birthday, admiring the lovely crafty cupcakes and toasting Craft Land's first birthday with edible cupcakes - All Are Welcome!

See our website for specific class information & sign up in the shop.

New in Ebroidery

Sweet felt needle cases

Our resident embriodery queen, Riana Auret-Dubois, has been even busier than usual! Some of the great new projects she's been working on are in the shop now; look for them to appear on our class schedule throughout the fall.

Ribbon embroidered monogram

The embroidered monograms come printed on fabric, ready for you to add ribbons and embellish with your handiwork. All of these projects use our exquisite European ribbons woven on antique ribbon looms.

Shadow embroidery sachet

Good news! The Harganger materials are here, and books too. We have kits and also materials for making your own project. We stock the traditional white floss on white background, but we also carry some other tone-on-tone combinations, like you see above. Stop in for a peek anytime, and come to one of our embroidery clinics or classes if you want to learn how to do it. For schedule, go to our website: http://mycraftland.com/

All our staff (even the boys in the office!) have tried out the technique. No one would agree to have their picture taken though...

For more about Hardanger:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardanger_embroidery

Hope to see you soon!