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Why do you enjoy hand embroidery?
I studied Multi media textiles for my degree, and at the time I was really into knitting with the finest linen yarn and the finest needles, it would take me a week to work a small square! So I guess I've always been interested in delicate, meticulous work and that's why I was drawn to hand embroidery. I love the attention to detail and the enjoyment of creating pattern and texture with the tiniest of stitches.
What’s the first thing you can remember stitching?
This would have been a small hedgehog pincushion made of felt which had embroidery for the spines and a little sain stitched nose! After that I probably didn't do any embroidery until I was in my early 20's when I worked a cross stitched pattern to take to an interview from an old DMC book entitled 'Encyclopedia of Needlework' by TH. De Dillmont.
What are you currently working on?
I'm currently teaching a beginners Jacobean crewelwork workshop in my local town; Hastings. It's a 4 weekly course focusing on a professional approach to embroidery and bringing together all those expressive stitches and characterful designs from the 17th century.
I'm also excited to be working on a new kit design in my specialist technique of metal thread embroidery, so watch this space!
What is on your wishlist of stitching projects?
As the Bayeux Tapestry is coming to the British Museum this year I'd love to create a Hastings inspired embroidery in the style of the tapestry, using the original stitches. After all, my hometown of Hastings plays an important part in the story!
How long have you been teaching?
26 years
What types of embroidery do you like teaching?
Crewelwork/Freestyle Stitches
Goldwork
What else can you tell us about yourself?
After my textile degree I trained in Hand embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework then, after graduating spent 9yrs in the commercial studio at Hampton court Palace.
Since moving out of London to the south coast I now work as an embroidery kit designer and tutor. I really love working from my own studio mixed in with my daily beach walk with our rescue dog Carla.
Teaching at the Stitch Sanctuary
What do you enjoy about teaching online?
I am so glad that I took the plunge into teaching online after being forced to because of covid, as before I was always sceptical. Now, I would say it's my preferred method of teaching as I have all the tech to create the best learning experience for the student.
It's so easy to share images/videos and get really great zoomed in live camara footage of each stitch in a given project. It's also fantastic that students from all over the world can come together in one place to learn and share ideas and knowledge.
It's also great to be able to split the classes up into say 3hrs once a week, as this gives the students valuable time in between the lessons to catch up if they need to.
What do you think are the drawbacks of online learning and how do you overcome them as a teacher?
The main drawback is not being able to see the students work in progress and observing what pace they are working at.
To overcome this I always set up a WhatsApp group and encourage everyone to join, then if a student needs feedback on their work they can easily send me an image. It's also a great way for students to connect and share information, for example, suppliers of materials and exhibitions they've been to or recommend.
What would you say to someone thinking of booking onto a Stitch Sanctuary online class for the first time?
Stitch Sanctuary online classes are the perfect way to learn in the comfort of your own space. Connect with likeminded stitchers and learn something new.
Each class is paced in a way that you have time to really enjoy and appreciate your embroidery with no deadlines or pressure!
A Unique Gallery of Work
Below is a glimpse of Becky’s work—enjoy a virtual tour of her one-woman show, and let inspiration meet you at every turn.
