Hand Embroidery with Richard McVetis

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Maximum Class Size: 8

(Part 1 and Part 2 can be taken in sequence or separately at any time)

Richard's workshops explore the potential of stitching as a method of mark-making, using stitch, process, and materials as a form of expression. Explore the slowness and rhythms of hand stitching, the versatility and strengths of embroidery for drawing and mark-making, and the pleasure of having time to make.

Create textures and patterns, work a stitch in different threads changing its scale and spacing, work freely, and combine stitches to mark, make and draw. Richard will demonstrate how this can be achieved using the simplest hand embroidery techniques. This workshop is for all levels of hand embroiderers.

Good ideas need well and nourished minds; this workshop inspires moments of mindfulness and conditions for creativity, to pause, think, and re-energise.

Part 1 and Part 2 Workshops can be taken in any order!

Part 1 - Running, Whipped and Threaded Running, Couching, Fly Stitch.

Part 2 - Seeding, Stem, Blanket, and Chain Stitch

All materials and equipment is supplied.

Objective:

  • To develop traditional hand embroidery skills
  • To translate your own your thoughts and inspiration into stitch
  • To develop an understanding of embroidery as a contemporary art medium

Examples of Richards work will be on show along with artist and book references.

About the artist

Richard McVetis graduated in Constructed Textiles from the Royal College of Art in 2008. Since completing his BA in Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2005, he has been shortlisted for several distinguished prizes, including the Jerwood Drawing Prize, UK, 2011 and 2017; and the international Loewe Craft Prize, 2018. In addition, McVetis has shown work nationally and internationally at several exhibitions, including The British Textile Biennial, Rossendale, UK, 2021; RENEW at Kettles Yard, UK, 2019; Loewe Craft Prize, The Design Museum, London, UK, 2018; Collect Open, Saatchi Gallery, UK, 2017; ‘Form + Motion’ – a major exhibition with British Council and Crafts Council for the Cheongju Craft Biennale, South Korea, 2017. In 2022 he had his first solo show at the Craft Study Centre, Farnham. Richard is a visiting lecturer in Textiles at the Royal College of Art, London.

Refreshments: Hot drinks, cold drinks and snacks will be available throughout the day. There will be a break for lunch during which time you are welcome to bring in and eat a packed lunch in the workshop or have a wander and buy food from various places nearby.

*Taking a class at Ray Stitch entitles you to 10% off in the shop within one week of finishing this workshop.

Please take a moment to read our cancellation policy before booking. 

Unfortunately our classes are non refundable. Due to our small class sizes it is also very difficult to transfer your booking to a different date. If you cannot attend a class and are able to notify us at least two weeks before the class starts, it may be possible to fit you in on another date but this is not guaranteed so please give us as much notice as possible to increase your chances.