If there is one thing that makes me thankful for lockdown, it is the volume of e-courses, talks and clubs that have become accessible on the internet. I love going to workshops in real life; meeting new people and soaking up the atmosphere but you cannot beat the sheer indulgence of joining a workshop from your kitchen table in your own sweet time. I can’t always justify a whole day out to sit and stitch but when those classes are broken down into hour-long sessions that I can do each day after dinner? Perfection. I’m there!
I have found SO many artists over the pond who I want to visit and learn from one day but whilst I find the money (and the dog sitter) for those trips I am delighted to be able to join their classes and paint with them at home, in my slippers, with the puppy at my feet and dark chocolate Bounty bars on tap.
Stitchery customers have often told me that they would love to join a workshop but I’m too far away or they work during the week (when I typically hold classes) so I thought I’d look into a suitable platform to host online courses. I am really excited to have found just the thing and whilst I am working on subscription video classes for the new year, I thought I’d kick off with a little Christmas stitching for December.
And so I have launched my first online class, which talks you through how to embroider and make an heirloom Christmas stocking. I am really keen to make the course as pretty, festive and fun as possible so we won’t just be making one stocking, I have lots of ideas and mini projects to share at the end of the course too. There will be a live stitchalong and there is a community page where we can hang out and be social.
I know it isn’t quite the same as getting together in real life but it does have some really useful benefits that you don’t get from a ‘real life’ workshop:
Lifetime access means you can join the class whenever you like as many times as you like.
You are a lifelong member of the Christmas Stitching community and will meet other stitchers sharing projects from future Christmas e-courses.
There is no long and stressful journey to and from class. You can join in your PJs.
The videos are downloadable so you can download to your device and access them whenever and wherever you like. Join from a cafe or campsite, on a long train journey or in the wee hours when sleep eludes you.
The videos show stitches and projects really close up to help you master the stitches. Pause and rewind to your heart’s content!
It’s a safe and convenient way of learning. An easy way to add a bit of cheer and feel connected when you are convalescing from an operation or isolating for health reasons.
If you fancy giving it a go you can read about it here and sign up here. When you join, you’ll automatically receive an email with a video from me to help you gather materials for class. You will also be granted free access to the Christmas Stitching community. I haven’t quite got around to stitching my designs for class yet but I will share sneak peeks here and on my social media pages if you’d rather get a taster before you sign up. I can promise you, however, the projects will be beautiful and achievable for all stitcher levels.
Really hope to see you there.
Nicki xx