Class
Goldwork Master Class: Embroidered Heart Brooch
$39.99
$10.00
At a Glance:
- In-depth Instruction; over 172 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Item:
W0646E
Description
This project allows you to create a unique and beautiful brooch while learning a broad range of stitch techniques fundamental to the art of metal thread or ‘goldwork’ embroidery. Buy the class + make at home kit combination here.
The project is inspired by Italian ‘Millefiori’ glass. This name translates as ‘a thousand flowers’, which is the beautiful technique of drawing multiple glass colors out into long canes, then slicing to reveal tiny floral patterns. These are combined to create the impression of a flower garden. My grandmother’s millefiori paperweight collection inspired me to create this design, which I much admired as a child.
The project introduces you to a stunning range of traditional gilt metal threads such as ‘check thread,’ ‘passing,’ and ‘pearl purl,’ combined with beads, sequins, and colored smooth purls. You will learn how to work confidently with these beautiful threads while mastering the most fundamental techniques of this type of embroidery. The embroidery is worked over a domed base of wool felt and padding and is backed with wool baize and brooch pin, creating a highly professional finish and an heirloom treasure.
The completed design makes a wonderful gift to a loved one or oneself!
Want to learn more about goldwork embroidery? Explore all kits, classes & more from Toye Academy of Craft.
Class Sessions
Introduction
7:17
Introducing your tutor, the art of goldwork embroidery, and the project you are about to stitch.
Preparation
3:00
Learn how to work with an embroidery hoop with a stand, and how to prepare the base fabric in readiness for embroidery.
Padding the Heart Brooch Shape
18:29
Learn how to form the domed padded base of the brooch by applying a felt shape which is then filled with sheep wool padding.
Working the Outer Edging Band of the Brooch
45:43
Learn to identify passing and check thread, and how to work multiple rows of these, couched together to create the outer edge of the brooch.
Outlining the Outer Edging Band Using Pearl Purl
24:31
Learn to identify pearl purl, how to prepare it for work, and how to couch it with invisible stitches to form the crisply finished outer edge of the brooch.
Outlining the Central Circle
7:16
Learn how to form the circular central cartouche which will contain your rose design, using couched pearl purl.
Decorating the Outer Edge of the Central Circle
17:55
Learn how to cut and stitch tubular smooth purls, combined with beads, to form tiny mosaic-like patterns.
Working the Central Rose Motif
16:49
Extend your skills in working with cut pieces of tubular smooth purl to form the central rose motif with coordinating leaves.
Filling in the Background
9:16
Learn how to identify and use bright check purl and the ‘chipping’ technique to fill the remaining areas of the background, hiding the exposed felt.
Final Embellishments
2:42
Add further interest by applying sequins with beads to the outer band of the brooch.
Plunging and Neatening the Tails of Metal Thread
6:34
Learn how to take the tails of metal passing and check threads through to the reverse of the work and how to seal them in place using oversewing.
Making up Your Completed Brooch
12:26
A gathering thread is worked around the completed panel of embroidery before removing form the hoop, trimming, and drawing the excess fabric to the reverse. The brooch pin is applied to the baize backing, which is then applied to the reverse of the brooch to finish and neaten.
Your Instructor
Jenny Adin-Christie
Jenny’s career stemmed from a rich family heritage of craftsmanship, being taught to stitch and make from an early age by her mother, a teacher specializing in textiles, and her father, a master gunsmith and fishing rod builder. Fine hand embroidery became her true passion and Jenny was encouraged to apply for a sought-after place on the rigorous three-year Apprenticeship course then offered at the Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court. Here she learned to work a hugely diverse range of traditional and more contemporary techniques to a professional standard, training simultaneously in art and design. Graduating in 1996 with distinction and awards in goldwork and silk shading, she was honored with full-time employment at the RSN. This role allowed her the enviable opportunity to practice her skills on the enormously varied commissions of the commercial studio, such as playing a key role in the production of the applied lace panels for the wedding dress of HRH the Princess of Wales, and designing and working new altar frontals for Canterbury Cathedral. She also tutored on the extremely broad range of courses offered by the RSN, including the Degree program. Jenny thus became internationally recognized as a specialist in the fields of whitework, metal thread, raised embroidery/stumpwork and for her unique style of embroidery design which combines these techniques together. Ten years of invaluable experience as a senior tutor and studio embroiderer, eventually becoming Assistant Head of the Studio at the RSN, allowed Jenny to branch out as a freelance embroiderer when her daughter was born in 2008. Jenny now works full time as a freelance professional hand embroiderer, running her own business from her home studio in Surrey, UK, working as a designer maker, embroidery artist and tutor, frequently taking her teaching out to students around the world.
Bonus Material
Embroidered Heart Brooch - Resources
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.