I have been a fan of Christine of Gentlework for more than 12 years. She has the most lovely style in beautiful muted colours. Her stitches are precise, some that you can barely see, in colours that are so gentle on the eye.
These are some previous workshops I attended with her -
So much gorgeous fabric inspiration & choice
Our gentlework is all complete
Gently picking up pieces of fabric
I'm finished picking up pieces of fabric
Some weeks ago, I saw that Christine was running a Saturday workshop on stitching pocket treasures.
I was not sure what to expect but I did some random stitching to get an idea of what I might want to do.
My friend Ellie & I both booked - we had attended one in 2014 together in Shrewsbury & we do regular workshops together.
Christine was setting up the lovely old hall for our workshop when we arrived & hot tea was soon made & passed around - along with cakes & biscuits available all day. Bliss.
13 of us soon browsed her beautiful hand sewing items on the tables to inspire us for the day. It is simply bliss to have an entire day to fill as we wish.
Everyone popped their thread selections & needlebooks we had brought with us on their table space & looked expectantly at Christine.
Christine gave us each a most beautiful inspiration pack - presented in book pages with carefully selected fabrics, lace, beads, buttons & little items.
It was like Christmas in October as we opened our packages & mulled over the choice.
It is these really thoughtful details that make the day feel special - a carefully considered package is inspirational & makes you want to thread up your needle & make a start.
Some of the most beautiful examples of Christine's work to inspire us ...
After Christine inspired us through her work & explained the processes, the next 5+ hours was ours to fill. What bliss.
The creative thoughts I had before went out the window & I decided I must start or analysis paralysis sets in & you over think it all.
Christine had a lovely 'nature finds' little stitched treasure holder & that appealed to me because I always return from a walk with some little bits. I know 6 hours for a workshop seems like a lot of time but it really is not if you want to get something stitched.
I drew the word 'FINDS' on the front of mine with a frixion heat erasable pen & used just 2 threads which gave a neat stitch. I have been working on neatening my lettering & it is paying off because I was pleased with it. The variegated threads are a favourite of mine.
I love little pockets so stitched one on the front then turned my attention to the double inside section. Pockets were needed so I wandered the fabric table to find something I liked & was soon back, threading needles, chatting to the lovely neighbours around me & having tea & cake.
It was busy chatter - some had come alone, as I have done previously, others with friends (as I was today with Ellie)
Christine circulated, checking on everyone, offering suggestions & helping with stitches etc It is always a busy but calm environment as everyone did their own thing.
A pause for our packed lunches with more tea to warm us up as rain lashed the windows outside, most of us ate at the table where we were working, keen to keep the momentum that had built up.
I finished off the little pockets in side the holder then used a single strand of thread to baste the edges to keep everything together, making sure I wasn't missing the 3 layers of fabrics. I do love a blanket stitch edge with mercer cottons. I used a double thread & soon the meditative stitch was working its way around the edges. I have been working on the technique needed for ending & restarting blanket stitch & was rewarded with a great join midway that you would be hard pressed to find.
It is done but there is more I want to add to it, especially some beadwork & some flowers that I will stitch on a fabric layer then attach to the back of it.
Christine took us to her nearby studio space & what a joy. I have seen it online several times but it is beautifully laid out with her intricate & delicate stitched work all about. She really has a distinct style & is true to that style. Each & every detail is considered & gentle on the eye. I could have spent hours there but our work called & we reluctantly took leave of her space & went back to the little hall to continue with our own efforts.
A friend of hers set up some of her vintage fabrics, threads, buttons, lace etc for us to peruse & buy any we liked. I found some lovely little things, including some beautiful buckles that can be used in pocket treasures.
Time passed so quickly & it was soon time to put the treasures on a table together.
I know I say this all the time when I attend various workshops, but we all started off with a very similar welcome pack, had access to exactly the same threads, fabrics, buttons & bits in the workroom yet at the end everyone had done a unique item, all different, all beautiful. This part of creativity is fascinating - everyone brings something different to the day, their experience with hand stitching, their vision, their work.
These workshop days are so vital for creativity because you are inspired by others & the work around you. The blocked time is without distractions or commitments & you can fully relax in to the rhythmic nature of hand stitching. There is no expectations & right or wrong way.
We reluctantly packed up our messy table with threads, buttons, beads, needles (I use many as I change needles not threads) & set off again through the persistent rain in the beautiful Welsh countryside. The trees are just changing their colours & the stone villages look just right with sheep grazing & lights flickering on in homes.
I will be doing lots more pocket treasure stitching, it has been an inspiring time with really lovely ladies.
I hope you have enjoyed the images, thank you for stopping by, it is always appreciated.
Dee 🧵🪡📍☕️🍰🥮
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