Stitched Stories, Drawings and Marks

This group masterclass focuses on Jessie Chorley’s signature style of hand embroidered illustration. Under Jessie’s guidance, you will be mark making and playing intuitively with a mix of new and vintage threads and a selection of new and time worn fabrics.

Jessie will help you get started with a variety of applique techniques, which she encourages you to use as a form of drawing. You will also explore several embroidery stitches including satin, running, seed, cross and couching. Incorporating found object and personal ephemera into your embroidery is another exciting part of this class. for example, Jessi will show you how a pearl button may become the centre of a flower, or a piece of blue silk ribbon a detail in a densely stitched sky.

You will be working directly onto a piece of natural fabric. This base fabric is included in the kit provided at the start of the class. Your kit also contains a selection of pre-cut fabric motifs ready for you to applique directly onto your work, plus many other treats from Jessie’s London studio.

If you would like to work with a more personal base fabric, then vintage tablecloths, linen napkins, or a time worn garment are all perfect. Clothing can be unpicked and then pieced back together later if necessary, and creates a unique canvas on which to experiment with. Perhaps you have something tucked away that belonged to a beloved family member or friend? Jessi suggests bringing items made solely from natural fabrics (cotton, linen or silk), as they are easier to embellish.

Finally, take a look at Jessie’s suggested materials list, and gather together a few items of personal inspiration in advance of your class. You may have something which could act as a starting point for your persona stitch project!