The Basics:

Name:

Sonia Lee

My Story:

Why do you enjoy hand embroidery?

I love hand embroidery because it helps me slow down and focus. There’s something really satisfying about turning simple thread and fabric into something beautiful, one stitch at a time. It’s creative, calming, and gives me a real sense of accomplishment.

What’s the first thing you can remember stitching?

I did bits and pieces at school on binca, but I didn’t truly fall in love with stitching until I was 23. After a foot operation, my mum bought me a magazine with a small cross stitch kit in it to pass the time — and I was completely hooked from that moment on.

What are you currently working on?

I’m always designing new day classes, which I absolutely love, but right now I’m especially busy stitching samples for the RSN Skills and Studies course. I’m also working on samples for my children’s classes and stitching pieces to help my Jacobean group better understand their stitch directions — so there’s lots of exciting stitching happening!

What is on your wishlist of stitching projects?

On my wishlist is a piece featuring two magpies stitched onto cherry blossom printed fabric. It’s a design that really reminds me of my mum, so it would feel very personal and special to create.

How long have you been teaching?

3 years

What types of embroidery do you like teaching?

Crewelwork/Freestyle Stitches
Canvaswork
Blackwork
Goldwork
Appliqué
Beading

What else can you tell us about yourself?

I came to teaching embroidery as a second career, having trained and worked as a graphic designer for many years. I’m deeply passionate about the benefits of stitching and would one day love to pursue a PhD to help establish embroidery as a recognised therapy. I strongly believe creativity should be accessible to everyone, and I’m passionate about building supportive, encouraging communities through stitching.

I’m a mum to two wonderful children who both have their own challenges and have taught me more than I could ever put into words. My eldest is wonderfully creative, especially in art and fashion, while my son — although very proud of us — insists he hates art! I love that they are both so different. At home, there’s always music playing — my son and I lean towards loud rock, while my daughter prefers Florence and the Machine and Adele. When I’m stitching, though, I usually have an audiobook or podcast on in the background.

Teaching, designing and stitching bring me so much joy, but the greatest and most unexpected pleasure has been seeing my students’ finished pieces. Watching their confidence grow through their work is truly my favourite part of it all.

Teaching at the Stitch Sanctuary

What do you enjoy about teaching online?

I love that teaching online makes embroidery accessible to so many more people. It allows me to reach students who might not be able to attend in person and helps build supportive, creative communities beyond geographical boundaries. The WhatsApp groups we create often continue long after the course finishes, keeping people connected and encouraging one another. Many of them have truly found their people — just like I did when I began my own embroidery journey.

What do you think are the drawbacks of online learning and how do you overcome them as a teacher?

One of the main drawbacks of online learning is missing the subtle energy of being in the same room — I genuinely love meeting people in person. It can be harder to instinctively know when to keep talking and when it’s perfectly right to let everyone settle into quiet stitching. There are also the practical challenges, like internet connections, not being able to thread everyone’s needles for them, and relying on students to send clear photos so I can properly see their work.

To overcome this, I’m very intentional about creating space for both conversation and comfortable silence, and I check in regularly so sessions feel natural and supportive. I demonstrate stitches clearly and from multiple angles, encourage good lighting for photos, and focus on building confidence and independence so students feel capable — even when I’m not physically beside them.

What would you say to someone thinking of booking onto a Stitch Sanctuary online class for the first time?

If you’re thinking about booking onto a Stitch Sanctuary online class for the first time, I’d say — come exactly as you are. It’s a space to gently set aside everyday worries and give yourself time to focus on something creative and restorative.

You won’t just learn stitching from me; you’ll learn all sorts of things from everyone else too. The community is full of generous, encouraging people who share ideas, tips and plenty of laughter. Most importantly, you’ll realise you’re not alone in your love (or slight obsession!) with thread and fabric.