So our first RSN Certificate programme classes started this week in Rugby and it feels great to be up and running!

Rugby town centre and Arnold house

The classes for this session are being held at Arnold house, right in the heart of Rugby town. As you can see from the picture above, it has lovely large windows! Nikki Jarvis is teaching the first two weeks and I popped along to help launch the new classes on Monday.

 We had three new starters for Jacobean, with other students popping in and out over the next two weeks to work on other projects. Both Nikki and I are especially interested in the design aspect of embroidery and it was fabulous to see all three new students diving straight into the unknown and designing their own embroidery designs. Well done Kathy, Suzanne and Jane; what a great start!!

Nikki (right) giving Kathy some pointers on her design.

We already have students signed up for weekly classes in September but there are still places available. If you are interested in joining us you can find more information on the course including dates and venues at the Royal School of Needlework website. If you would like to see what we do, come along to the festival of Quilts at the NEC (August 11th-14th) and visit us on stand I24!

Why come to Rugby?

Rugby is a small market town situated in the heart of England. It is of course, the birth place of Rugby football so why not take the 'Pathway of Fame' tour around the town and learn all about the history of the game (just follow the bronze Rugby balls in the pavement!). What you may not know is that nearby in Dunchurch, the conspiritors of the gun powder plot waited at Guy Fawkes's house for news that Westminster had been destroyed. Rugby is also where in 1937, the first jet engine ran (courtesy of the Midlands' very own Frank Whittle) and where the hologram was invented by Hungarian scientist Dennis Gabor.

Rugby has great transport links: it's 50 minutes from London and 40 minutes from Birmingham on the train, and is situated on the hub of the Midlands' motorway network with good access to the M1, M6, M40 and M42. Both Venues we will be teaching from are in the heart of Rugby town centre and the train station is within walking distance.

We have lots of exciting things planned included a day class programme and visits out (we may be able to get you where no one else can! More on this later!) so come and learn some new skills, meet some new friends and join us on our creative adventure!

Guy Fawkes is discovered under the house of Lords

Well term has finished once again (doesn't the year go quickly?) and there has been some fantastic pieces of work. But don't take my word for it, go along and have a look for yourself! Certificate and Diploma students work will be on display in the studios of the Royal School of Needlework, at Hampton Court Palace. Admission is free (enter through the East Front Gardens). For dates and opening times visit my events page here.

Alice in Wonderland box, detail. By Kei Shinano

I have taught this course at Hampton Court Palace since 2006 and have had a great time, but things must move on and it's time to leave the mothership! I'm now off to start up the classes in Rugby alongside Nicola Jarvis, so I hope to see some of you in the Midlands this September. We also have a stand at the Festival of Quilts at the NEC in Birmingham (more details on the 'Events' page) where we hope to entice more unsuspecting future embroiderers! If you are in the area come and say hello (Stand I24)

I just want to thank all my students for a great year, it's been a pleasure. I may be the one standing at the front of the class, but it's a two way dialogue: the environment is very inspiring and I have lots of ideas I want to try too! Watch this space...

Basket of end of term goodies!

Had a very enjoyable day in lovely Winchester (see picture of the door!) at the weekend teaching Indian embroidery - Shisha mirror work. Outside, It rained for most of the day, but inside the mirrors were shining!

There will be another class in this beautiful technique in November at the Royal School of Needlework. I have added more class dates also for this year so for more information on these, visit my classes page.

I have also posted a new video! See a quick guide to the silk shading long and short stitch on the 'How to...' page here. Don't forget, there is everything you need to know about the silk shading technique in my new book which is available now from my shop.

See the most famous dress of the year in person! The Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress will be on display at Buckingham Palace from July to October. Get a good look at what the RSN embroiderers were up to!

For more information and to book tickets visit the Royal collection website.

A piece of traditional Carrick Macross lace

Just in case you haven't seen it emblazoned all over the rest of my website, my new book has arrived and is available to buy now! Get your copy from my shop. Here is a little sneak preview of what's inside: