20th May - Casalguidi Workshop with Angela Teago

 

Angela explained a little of the history of Casalguidi-style embroidery.  It is a style and not a technique and it came from a small Tuscan village where the embroidered motifs reflect the architecture of the churches.  It is an interesting mix of counted thread work and free-form stitching. We were shown the basic stitches which make the style recognisable as Casalguidi. For example, the background four-sided stitch, the Venetian rosette and bars of padded stem stitch.  Angela also demonstrated a couple of other stitches characteristic of Casalguidi, so that we can build on our samples later.  Angela brought along lots of finished pieces, in both coloured thread and the more traditional white on white.  The workshop was very well organised and informative and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day and learnt a lot.

 

 

 

And finally what was achieved - for such intricate work, ladies did very well in the time and it is to be hoped that some pieces will be completed for display at the Royal Show!

 

                                        

Another beautiful brooch.

This one completed by Celia Kay.

Millefiore - update

 

 

Just in -  what beautiful brooches. Well done to the anonymous ladies.

28th-30th April Visiting tutor, Jenny Adin

Those attending the Friday evening meeting were greeted by a wonderful display of the exquisite work produced by Jenny  and we knew we were in for a treat. Jenny's talk, "Preserving the Past and Creating the Future" didn't disappoint.

Knowing from primary school days that all she wanted to do was stitch, Jenny obtained one of only 6 coveted places for a 3-year apprenticeship with the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court.

 The RSN was founded by Lady Victoria Welby to give genteel employment to "ladies", who had fallen on hard times. The organisation flourished and expanded. Well-known designers were brought in and items were created for great State occasions like the coffin cover for Queen Victoria's funeral and Queen Elizabeth's Coronation train.

Having completed her apprenticeship, Jenny spent 10 years in the Studio at RSN working to their exacting standards of perfection. We were fascinated to learn that she was the one working on Catherine Middleton's wedding dress up until 2am on the morning of the wedding!

The arrival of Jenny's baby daughter brought a change of direction. She decided to go free-lance and, with her own home-studio, she now divides her time 50/50 between commissioned work and teaching.

Her teaching skills were experienced by those on the very enjoyable, two day workshop at which they learnt the intricate methods to create their own millefiore brooch.

Unfortunately there are no photos of these available, just one of the happy group who took part!