Sunday 17 September 2017

Crewel Embroidery Sessions With The Needlewoman's Studio



Brenda known on the internet as "The Needlewoman's Studio', has started a Crewel Embroidery sessions at The Old Art Room Studio. On the second Friday of each month, 10am until 2pm and it costs £18 for the day. (See the dates below).

You can purchase a starter kit at the session for around £6 and you can join on any Friday as a beginner or to share your love of embroidery. Brenda shows you how to create a beautiful Crewel Embroidery from start to finish, giving lots of hints and tips on how to get the best results especially if you find sewing difficult but really want to do it or continue. If you have a particular image or theme you have always wanted to do, Brenda helps you design, plan and stitch so you can achieve your stitched project.

Liz wanted to continue her theme of 'Game of Thrones' and so they designed this piece so it could be stitched onto a collar that is forming part of a costume which Liz is wearing to 'Comicon'. Those that follow the series can see it is 'The House of Stark' Lion.

I had to stitch some Crewel Embroidery Samples for my Embroidery City and Guilds so had a basic understanding on the stitches and techniques but Brenda made the stitching how to and the history come alive. A wonderful session and everyone enjoyed stitching to the extent we didn't want to go home:))

 I made mine very contemporary, inspired by Blackwork and Steampunk. (Will show step by step photos:)

I like using a sit on frame because it leaves my hands free to get on with the embroidery:) find them here on Amazon. I recommend a 8" diameter one (21cms) because I am able to use it for a variety of




This video is by Phillipa Turnbull, a renowned English Embroiderer, who works alongside The Royal School of Needlework.




When sewing, craft making or reading you need a good light and I have one of these in my home studio, easy to move around and great sewing light, especially when working on dark projects.



  • This Daylight Simulating Desk Lamp / Bed Lamp closely mimics natural light to be kinder to your eyes.
  • High flicker-rate helps reduce the risk of headaches and eye-strain.
  • Concentrate for longer and enjoy clearer vision for hobbies like crafts and sewing.
  • Economical light bulbs have an average life span of 8000 hours.
  • Includes SPARE BULB. Shop with confidence as the Andrew James Desk Lamp is covered by a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.


Brenda recommends Jane Rainbow's book for anyone interest in Crewel Embroidery, we had a look at copies in the session and there where so many great tips and beautiful pictures and projects.



Starting with just four of these stitches, Jane clearly demonstrates, with detailed step-by-step photographs, how to work up a complete project. Instructions follow on showing how to stretch and mount your first embroidery. Using further projects she helps you build up skills, introducing new stitches in each section. Line drawings accompany each design and are used as a guide for the stitches. The designs and colours used are traditional - reminiscent of the embroidery worked by embroiderers during the Tudor period, wonderful floral pictures worked in wool and soft colours. The book is a comprehensive introduction to this lovely technique and at the same time it offers embroiderers practical help with presentation and finishing.


This post contains Amazon links for the items we use and recommend in the studio. By clicking on the link and purchasing on Amazon you are helping the studio, as a small percentage of your purchase goes to the studio with no extra cost to yourself:)))

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