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Pilgrim Stitchers runs an annual short course in needlework taking as the subject an item of specialised nature, frequently of historical interest. In most cases the original is not available to the public but will be seen during the event. Sue is also available to teach at your events, click here for more information.

This year the event starts with dinner on Tuesday 11th September and continues through Friday September 14th. There are two main events this year, the first features two samplers. The Sisters' Samplers were stitched by Mary and Eliza Plummer in 1826. The second is the Cassandra's Reticule and the stitching smalls to go in it. There will be two separately charged extensions during the day of Tuesday 11th when there will be the opportunity to stitch last year’s projects, the Cassandra Austen Sampler and the Christmas Sampler.

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Sisters' Samplers - Sue's First New Project

These delightful samplers were stitched in 1826 by sisters Mary and Eliza. They are the same in many ways yet look so different with their choice of colours and motifs. Eliza has a skill beyond her years in many ways; in others it’s obvious that she is the younger of the two, note how she has tried to include much more in her sampler. We will be stitching on 28 count linen over 2, the finished size of the original is 11 1/4” x 15” .The girls have used cross stitch throughout but their use of colour has made very attractive and bright samplers, which are a real joy to stitch.

Pictures reproduced by kind permission of Hampshire County Museums and Archives Service

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Cassandra's Reticule - Sue's Second New Project

Cassandra’s reticule is made from gold and green stripped silk, it is 8“ high with a green and gold tassel at the lower point with matching two coloured twisted pull cords. During the class you will learn how to make the tassel and how to make the two colour twisted cord. On the second teaching day you will be learning how to stitch and finish the smalls, thimble case, scissor fob, needle-case and pin cushion. All the smalls will fit into the reticule so you have an instant sewing kit, just pick it up and go and you’ll be sure to have everything you need to travel in style.

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The seminar will be limited to 15 participants on a first come first served basis. It begins with dinner on the evening of Tuesday 11th September.

THE COST FOR THIS EXTRAORDINARY EVENT
will be £390 for the three days and preceding dinner.

To join the course visit the Registration page. Early subscription is recommended as in 2011 we had to disappoint some prospective clients because we were fully booked.

This cost includes:

Your kit and teaching of the Sister Samplers
You will see the original of the Sister samplers
A guided tour of the Chawton House Library, the original home of Jane Austen’s brother
A talk by Alison Carter on Regency Costume, bags and purses
Your kit and teaching of the Cassandra reticule at the Chawton House Library
Your kit and teaching of the smalls for the reticule
You will see originals at the Winchester archives and view other artifacts
John Cunningham from Pearsall’s will be with us again to give us the opportunity to buy some of his gorgeous kits and silk
Transport to the teaching venue each day
An evening dinner and three lunches

Transport to Chawton House Library will be by shared transport.

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Final details will be sent out at the beginning of July to the 15 fortunate participants.

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