A Day By The Sea – Helen Keenan

I began ‘slow stitching’ some years ago, and this gentle workshop has evolved from my experiences.
During the day you will prepare a number of little ‘scenes’ to handstitch, some of which you can print using my simple techniques. 
The interesting transformation begins as you hand stitch to add interest and develop the tactile nature of the cloth.
 
Requirements List 

Sewing notions, needles, pins, threads, scissors etc
Rotary cutter, board and ruler if you have them
Hand stitching threads – machine cottons for initial making, then embroidery threads, sheens, variegated, stranded cottons – all those threads you’ve bought and never used!
You will need to bring a selection of fabrics which remind you of being by the sea. Obviously blues and greys, sands, aquas and corals, but add your own ideas too – gentle prints, linens, cottons.  As this is a hand stitching day, the fabrics work better if they have been well laundered to get rid of any stiffness or finishes. Initially I suggest we are working towards a piece of work no bigger than 18” square
Wadding and backing