What a whirlwind year it’s been! Like many of you, my world of teaching embroidery went from bustling classrooms and travel adventures to the quiet hum of my home studio. While I cherish the newfound peace and the joy of connecting with students through the digital sphere, there’s no denying the challenges of endless video recordings and the occasional struggle to wrangle my North London accent into submission!
These past few months have been a whirlwind of filming five – yes, you read that right, five! – workshops for QuiltCon Together, tutorials for The Thread House Virtual Retreat and Club BOM blocks, and even a live workshop for the Beyond Festival of Quilts. It’s been an incredible journey, albeit one that’s left my sewing table overflowing and my to-do list longer than my last trip to the fabric store!
Sharing the Joy of Stitching: A Peek into My Recent Virtual Embroidery Classes
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching virtual embroidery classes is seeing the incredible projects my students bring to life. From the intricate hand-sewn stitches of the Avery Garland Class to the playful whimsy of the Embellished Folk Embroidery, each class is a testament to the power of creativity and the joy of learning new skills.
Avery Garland Class: A Vintage Design with a Modern Twist
This class holds a special place in my heart. The Avery Garland block, a beautiful fusion of English Paper Piecing (EPP) and needle-turn appliqué, is a true labor of love – one that I began working on last summer!
To give this vintage-inspired quilt a fresh, modern feel, I opted for a vibrant palette of solid fabrics and challenged myself to start three different blocks throughout the course. (One is still whispering my name from the depths of my WIP pile!)
Pro Tip: For those eager to recreate this stunning design, I’ve partnered with Paper Pieces to create pre-cut paper templates for the garland, making the process even more enjoyable and accessible!
Modern Crewelwork & Embellished Folk Embroidery: A Celebration of Texture and Stitch
My half-day hand sewing classes were a delightful deep dive into the world of texture and embellishment. While the Pebbles Sampler is patiently waiting its turn on my embroidery hoop, I couldn’t resist finishing two charming pieces for the Folk Embroidery class: a sweet felt pouch and a revamped version of the giant pincushion featured in the original class sample.
Confession: I have a newfound love affair with felt. Its forgiving nature and tactile quality make it an absolute dream to work with!
Freehand Curves Landscape: Finding Inspiration in Nature’s Embrace
This class presented a unique opportunity – the chance to teach both virtually and in person! After months of lockdown, I had the pleasure of teaching a socially distanced Freehand Curves Landscape class at my old shop, myBearpaw. The joy of connecting with students face-to-face (albeit behind masks) was truly revitalizing.
Inspired by the experience, I created two new landscapes for the virtual version of the class, bringing my total to 15. Just one more to go until I can piece them together into a magnificent crazy quilt top!
Journey to the Center of the Earth: A Whirlwind Adventure in Live Teaching
This advanced version of my Dandelion Clock Block class pushed me far beyond my comfort zone – in the best way possible. Not only did I film the class for QuiltCon Together, but I also had the honor of teaching it live for a Beyond the Festival of Quilts Masterclass.
Imagine this: torrential rain, road closures, and me, trying to navigate my way to a studio in Edinburgh for the first time in months. Despite the stress, the class was an absolute blast. For 90 minutes straight, I talked, sewed, answered questions from a screen – it was an experience I won’t soon forget!
The Gift That Keeps on Giving: Sharing the Love of Handmade
As I wrap up this whirlwind year of teaching, filming, and stitching, I’m reminded of the profound impact that handmade gifts can have. They’re a tangible expression of love, care, and creativity – a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially during these uncertain times.
Whether it’s a beautifully embroidered tea towel, a cozy quilted blanket, or a hand-stitched piece of art, handmade gifts possess a unique ability to warm hearts and create lasting memories.
So, tell me, what handmade treasures will you be gifting this year? Share your thoughts, ideas, and creative endeavors in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you!
And don’t forget to browse the exquisite selection of handmade gifts available on Robert Kline Art – perfect for spreading joy to your loved ones (and perhaps even treating yourself!).