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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 also is avalable to teach at your events, click here for more information.

This year the event starts with dinner on Tuesday 7th September and continues through to Friday 10th. The main event features two new projects, the Sarah Drafgate Sampler, led by Sue Blomley and a Miao Style Border by Ruth Smith.. There are separately charged extensions during the day of Tuesday 7th when there will be opportunity to stitch two previously worked projects presented as half day classes. These will be the Elizabeth Smith Sampler, first presented in 2009, and The Dong Folded Book.

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The Sarah Drafgate Sampler - Sue's New Project

The sampler by Sarah Drafgate dated 1688 is the oldest in the Winchester archives. It is a lovely sampler using a variety of stitches including Holbein, Algerian eye and Montenegrin to name but a few, and the colours are just beautiful, even today. The original measures 40 cms by 15.5 cms approx. and is stitched on a delightful (for our eyes!) 28 count linen. During the course all the stitches will be taught with time for practise in a constructive way and we shall be looking at the history behind the piece too. With a name as unusual as Drafgate we might even be able to find out more about her. We shall as always be seeing the original up very close!

Picture reproduced by kind permission of Hampshire County Museums and Archives Service.

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Stitch A Border Miao Style - Ruth Smith

Based on a version made by Ruth Smith

Many Miao groups work their embroidery on narrow strips of stiffened cloth and apply them to their garments with bands of decorative weaving and wax resist. In a few villages the fabric is ‘framed’ with strips of split bamboo sewn along the 2 long edges. I have improvised with coffee stirrers! Designs are very often worked over paper cut patterns or motifs which are either pasted or tacked to the cloth, the stitches are worked over the top and the paper remains a permanent part of the textile. You will be able to try out some new techniques.
Such borders can be applied to a background to make a small bag, spectacles case, book cover or special greetings card

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The seminar will be limited to 20 participants on a first come first served basis. It begins with dinner on the evening of Tuesday 7th September.

THE COST FOR THIS EXTRAORDINARY EVENT
£265 €288 $418 for the three days and preceding dinner.

This cost includes:

Your kit and teaching of the Sarah Drafgate sampler
Your kit and teaching of the Miao Panel
You will see the original of the Sarah Drafgate sampler
You will see the archives at the museum to view other artefacts
John Cunningham from Pearsall’s silks will be talking to us again and giving us the oportunity to buy some of his georgous kits and silks
Your visit to Parnham House to see their extensive collection of embroideries
An evening dinner and two lunches.
Transport to the teaching venue each day

Travel to Parnam House will be by shared transport

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Final details will be sent out at the beginning of July to the 20 fortunate participants.

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