Stitching Through Winter: Highlights from Our January and February Workshops
- JulieLeggettArt
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Winter can be a challenging time to stay creative and connected, but our recent stitching workshops proved that a cold season is no barrier to warmth and inspiration. The January and February sessions brought together passionate stitchers eager to explore seasonal themes and create unique textile art. Despite some weather setbacks, the workshops offered rich experiences filled with creativity, community, and beautiful handmade pieces. Here’s a detailed look at what unfolded during these chilly months.
January Workshop: A Stitched Winter Garden
The January workshop was designed to kick off the year with a fresh and cozy theme: a stitched winter garden. Participants were invited to explore the textures and colors of winter through fabric and thread, creating pieces that captured the quiet beauty of the season.
Workshop Experience
The morning stitching session was a delight. Everyone worked on individual projects, each interpreting the winter garden theme, winter trees or a house in winter settings in their own way. Materials were provided for each choice, colours for each ranged from frosty blues and silvers, while the winter garden incorporated earthy browns and greens to represent evergreen plants. The variety of stitches used—from simple running stitches to more complex embroidery techniques—added depth and character to each piece.
Highlights from Participants’ Work
Textural contrasts: Many participants experimented with layering fabrics to mimic snow-covered branches and frosted leaves.
Color palettes: Cool tones dominated, but some added warm accents to suggest the glow of winter sunlight.
Creative stitching: Techniques like French knots and satin stitches brought dimension and life to the fabric scenes.
The atmosphere was relaxed and supportive, with plenty of time for sharing ideas and tips. By the end of the morning, everyone had crafted a piece that felt personal and reflective of the season.
February Workshop: Heart and Home on Wool
February’s workshop shifted focus to themes of love and comfort, perfect for the month often associated with hearts and warmth. Participants had the choice to create either a heart-shaped piece or a folk-inspired home hanging, both stitched onto wool fabric.
Setting the Scene
The workshop took place on a crisp morning, with the room filled with natural light and the scent of fresh coffee, and a open fire burned throughout to keep us warm. To complement the theme, refreshments included coffee and shortbread heart biscuits, adding a sweet touch to the creative environment.
Workshop Activities
Participants were encouraged to put their own identity onto their piece, but plenty of inspiration was provided with samples of hearts to make demonstrating decorating techniques and examples of folk art and traditional heart motif small stitched hangings. The wool fabric offered a sturdy base, ideal for detailed stitching and embellishments.
Key elements included:
Design choices: Hearts symbolized love and connection, while home hangings represented comfort and belonging.
Materials: Wool, embroidery threads in rich reds and soft neutrals, beads, and buttons.
Techniques: Appliqué, blanket stitch edging, and decorative embroidery.
Outcomes and Sharing
The morning was filled with lively conversation and creative energy. Everyone produced a bespoke piece that reflected their personal style and interpretation of the theme. At the end of the session, a show-and-tell allowed participants to share their work and the stories behind their designs.
The results were inspiring, showcasing a range of styles from minimalist hearts to intricate folk art hangings. The workshop not only fostered creativity but also built a sense of community among stitchers.
Practical Tips for Seasonal Stitching Projects
If you’re inspired to try your own winter-themed stitching, here are some practical tips based on what worked well in the workshops:
Choose your base fabric carefully: Wool works well for warmth and texture, while cotton or linen can offer a smoother surface.
Plan your color palette: Think about the mood you want to create—cool blues and greys for winter chill, or warm reds and browns for cozy feelings.
Mix stitches for texture: Combine simple stitches with decorative ones to add interest.
Layer fabrics: Use appliqué or fabric scraps to build depth.
Keep tools handy: Sharp needles, embroidery hoops, and good lighting make stitching easier and more enjoyable.
Looking Ahead
The success of these workshops shows how stitching can brighten even the coldest months. With themes that connect to the season and personal meaning, participants found joy in creating and sharing their work. Future workshops will continue to explore seasonal and thematic projects, offering opportunities to learn new skills and meet fellow stitchers.
If you missed these sessions, keep an eye out for upcoming dates. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced stitcher, these workshops provide a welcoming space to develop your craft and express your creativity.Events | Julie Leggett Art
The next event in March is fully booked, but there are a spaces on workshops from April - December and can all be pre booked.
The next workshop with availability in April is making a beautiful fabric container, suitable for using in the sewing room or anywhere in the house to store things. April Workshop - A fabric container | Julie Leggett Art
Book directly on the page under book tickets to secure your place @ £20.00 all materials provided.
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