Adventures with Needle and Thread: Goldwork
Goldwork is a technique of embroidering with metal threads historically reserved for the church and aristocratic households, ceremonial dresses and court costumes. With metal threads being very expensive and the techniques requiring years of training, goldwork was out of reach for anyone but the wealthiest.
Today, with access to cheaper versions of traditional metal threads, anyone interested in embroidery can try to create their own lavish works.
Elisa is not a traditional, formally-trained embroiderer. She has acquired her skills through reading, trial and error and many years of practice. While her work builds on the traditional understanding and knowledge of the materials and techniques, it focuses on how these could be used to achieve the effect she's after.
In this workshop Elisa will introduce you to commonly used metal threads and other materials used in goldwork. She will explain how to handle the threads and how to apply them. Taking her own embroidered artworks as an example, she will show you how you can add that special spark to your work. During the workshop you will have the opportunity to try your hand at goldwork. A selection of metal threads is included in the price of the workshop and you will use them to practice basic goldwork stitches and create samplers.
Please bring with you:
- an embroidery hoop
- embroidery scissors
- small pliers
- a piercing tool
- if you use thimbles when embroidering please bring one with you
- a selection of fabrics
- your lunch
A wide variety of fabrics can be used for goldwork - fine linen, heavy calico, silk, velvet etc. For your first experiments, chose fabric that is not too fine and not too heavy. Plain fabric will be best, but if you have a favourite patterned fabric you'd like to experiment with - it will do just fine. Make sure that the fabric is big enough to be stretched on your hoop.
If you have the following materials, please bring them with you as well:
- embroidery or crewel needles of various sizes
- a curved needle
- golden coloured sewing thread and some embroidery threads (stranded cotton, silk floss or fine twisted embroidery yarn) in different colours
Participants: This workshop is suited both for people with basic embroidery skills as well as more advanced practitioners.
Age: 18+
Duration: 2 × 3 hours of tutorage and a break for lunch (Intensive)
Prices: Start from AUD 170pp (includes some materials)
Facilitator: Elisa Markes-Young
Notes
Food is not included although we can cater for an extra fee.
