Free Motion Machine Embroidery with Kathleen Laurel Sage

Explore the creative possibilities of free-motion machine embroidery in this hands-on workshop, where you will create a beautiful textile panel inspired by leaves and the natural world.
Using your sewing machine as a drawing tool, you will learn how to stitch delicate, organic leaf forms suspended by stitch over a textured background combining machine embroidery with heat manipulation. The background will be stitched and carefully heat treated to introduce texture, movement and dimension, creating the impression of leaves floating and suspended within the textile.
You will then take your design further by creating and adding dimensional leaves to introduce colour, depth and three-dimensional embellishment to your finished panel.
The workshop will cover:
- free motion machine embroidery techniques;
- creating and stitching suspended leaf shapes;
- building a textured, stitched background;
- safe heat manipulation of textile fabrics;
- creating painted dimensional leaves;
- layering and assembling elements to create depth;
- adding decorative details and finishing your textile panel.
No previous experience of free-motion embroidery is necessary. Whether you are new to machine embroidery or looking to develop your existing skills, this workshop will encourage you to experiment, play with texture and discover how fabric, thread and heat can be combined to create a unique piece of textile art.
You will leave the workshop with your own leaf-inspired embroidered panel, along with new techniques and ideas to continue exploring free-motion embroidery and textile embellishment at home.
You will need a sewing machine with drop feed dogs, fabrics and basic sewing supplies. Detailed requirements will be emailed to you in advance of the class.
Good to know:
The venue has parking. Upon arrival, park in the car park at the front of the shop. Unload your vehicle into your classroom. Staff will then advise you where to park your car for the day at the rear of the complex.
There is disabled parking and ramps allowing access to all areas. There is a disabled toilet.
Staff will help anyone in need of assistance. Shop on site selling an enormous range of goods relating to crafting: dressmaking, patchwork & quilting, knitting & crochet, sewing machines and furniture.
There is a coffee shop on site called O for Coffee. Attendees at our classes are visited by coffee shop staff regularly throughout the day to take any orders. Anything consumed during your day is sold at a 10% discount. As well as a large choice of hot and cold drinks, the menu comprises savoury choices including sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes and soups. For those with a sweet tooth, there is a selection of cakes and scones made in-house with gluten-free and vegan options.