WHAT IS AN "INTERMEDIATE COURSE"?

An Intermediate course is a series of classes designed to move you beyond the beginner stage. It develops your skills in a particular technique, as well as your confidence in general. Different techniques are offered from year to year.

Each course runs for six sessions. You’ll learn much more about the particular technique, complete some samplers, and produce at least one finished item. There will be homework after each session, and at the end you’ll hand in a small folder of notes and your finished work for assessment.

Tutors often start with the absolute basics, but it is helpful to have completed “Basic Stitches” or its equivalent.

If you successfully complete three Intermediate courses within five years, and take part in the Intermediate Final Display, you will receive your Intermediate Certificate. Or you can simply take individual subjects from time to time.

Many members find these courses so valuable that they complete many more than three courses, learning a wide variety of techniques.

COURSES OFFERED IN 2011
at Embroidery House:

Hardanger - Crewel - Surface Stitchery - Blackwork

Also - by correspondence - Intermediate Stumpwork

Cost: $250.00 for members.
If non-members would like to apply, they must join the EGV
(paying a membership and joining fee is a cheaper option
than paying the standard non-member's fee).

BOOKINGS ARE OPEN - APPLY NOW

INTERMEDIATE HARDANGER
Tutor: Rosemary Tonkin.
Dates: Saturdays February 19 and 26, March 19, April 2, 16, 30. Assessment day: May 28

Hardanger is named after the Hardanger area in western Norway, where this counted thread embroidery embellishes traditional costumes and household linen. Traditionally, white thread was worked on white fabric. The designs are geometric, with satin stitch blocks worked in groups to enclose an area of fabric. Threads are then cut and withdrawn, leaving a loose grid inside the blocks, This loose grid forms the base for various decorative filling stitches, creating a lacy look. Additional surface stitches in traditional motifs may also be worked.

Download application form

INTERMEDIATE CREWEL EMBROIDERY
Tutor: Shelagh Amor.
Dates: Sundays. July 3, 10 and 24,and August 14 and 28. Assessment day: October 2.

Crewel embroidery is a form of embroidery based on surface stitches and their variations, stitched in a two-ply worsted yarn known as crewel wool. This particular style of embroidery, which started to evolve in the sixteenth century, remains popular to this day. The designs come from nature and encompass trees, flowers, animals and insects sometimes in realistic form, often in a fantasy style. This course will enable the more experienced embroiderer to acquire greater skill in design and creativity while exploring this technique further. For further information re eligibility, please contact Shelagh, via Embroidery House.

Download application form

INTERMEDIATE SURFACE STITCHERY
Tutor: Julie de Napoli
Dates: Saturdays May 21 and 28, August 4 and 18, July 2 and 16. Assessment day August 27.

This course will develop your skills in surface stitchery. You will experiment, learn new variations and discover new techniques. Students will be encouraged to use surface stitches in both traditional and creative ways.

Download application form

INTERMEDIATE BLACKWORK

Class dates and details will be announced early in 2011.

INTERMEDIATE STUMPWORK BY CORRESPONDENCE
Alison Cole

Wherever you live, and whatever your hours of work,
a correspondence course gives you the opportunity to learn.

Anyone wishing to undertake the Stumpwork Masterclass (beginning late in 2011) should be of Intermediate standard before starting the course. This Intermediate Stumpwork course by correspondence, with the Masterclass tutor, will give you the skills you need. Alison provides individual assistance and encouragement throughout the course.

WHAT IS STUMPWORK?

Stumpwork uses a variety of basic stitches worked around wire to create individual forms such as leaves, insect wings or flower petals. They are applied to the base fabric to create a three-dimensional effect. Other shapes are created using padding under the stitches. Berries and other fruits, insects and animal bodies can be created using beads covered in thread and applied to the background fabric. Alison Cole used stumpwork to create her design of clematis flowers and leaves pictured right.