After almost four years of studying, I have finally completed my City and Guilds courses.
Almost four years ago, I took the plunge and decided to enrol on Hand Embroidery Level 3 with School of Stitched Textiles. I was excited about all the things I would learn, but when I started I could never have imagined all the work I would have completed four years later (after doing both level 3 and level 4) and how far I would have been pushed in so many different ways. It really has been an incredible experience.
I've enhanced my love for stumpwork, and pushed myself to achieve this using this technique that I would never have dreamt of four years ago. I have learnt that goldwork, really is not the technique for me! I have tried all sorts of experimental techniques, that were fun to try, but may never do again. I have studied the history of English embroidery and embroidery techniques from different parts of the world. I've fallen in love with traditional Italian embroidery. I've been introduced to so many techniques and styles that I couldn't possibly remember them all and would never have time to try out, even if I were to live to 100! But I think the most important thing I've learnt is how to approach every new project. The method I have been using on the course, I know is how I will continue to work for many years to come.
Finishing the course has given me mixed feelings. As well as being happy to have completed the courses, I am also rather sad. I shall really miss the course. I'll miss being pushed to try things, I would never have tried and I'll miss the discipline of having a task set and having to stick to a timeframe to get everything completed by. I'm definitely going to have to set myself some tasks and timeframes, so that I can keep stretching myself.
In addition to all the embroidery and design techniques I've learnt, I've also learnt about the business side of embroidery. The final modules of both levels of the course cover a lot of these aspects. As I have learnt so much, and had even planned a product range, I have now opened up my own Etsy shop to sell some digital patterns. I'm starting very small, but I have so many designs and ideas, that I'll just keep adding to it. And maybe even move on to different products in the future.....
All in all, I owe a huge thanks to everyone at School of Stitched Textiles for a wonderful experience. Here are the course videos that School of Stitched Textiles produced for each of my courses, I think they've done a fantastic job of them.
My level 3 video:
My level 4 video:
To find out about the next part in my embroidery journey, please read on: What Next? (claireharveyembroidery.com)