The Basics:

Name:

Sonia Lee

My Story:

Why do you enjoy hand embroidery?

What I love are the endless possibilities of hand embroidery. Once you have learnt a stitch and how to do it, the ways in which it can be adapted are really exciting. Just by changing the thread type, the colours, the tension.. and the list goes on...

What’s the first thing you can remember stitching?

I think it was a black and red tartan outfit for one of my dolls. There was a coat involved and I have a feeling I may have had some help with it.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently making a new Super Frontal for a church, which will be paired with a 120 year old Altar Frontal I conserved.

What is on your wishlist of stitching projects?

I would like to allow myself some time to experiment with techniques and to mix them up and to see what comes out the other side.

How long have you been teaching?

7 years

What types of embroidery do you like teaching?

Crewelwork/Freestyle Stitches
Canvaswork
Blackwork
Goldwork
Whitework
Stumpwork

What else can you tell us about yourself?

I love all things to do with stitching and making. I started out with a tailoring and dressmaking evening class run by the local adult education centre, and they told us to start with a skirt and not a jacket, so I started with a jacket. And from then on I've taken many classes in various subjects and I was an intern at a small fashion atelier which I absolutely loved. From that point I wanted to see how I could make a living out of this and it was then that I stumbled across the Royal School of Needlework and the Future Tutors Programme.

Teaching at the Stitch Sanctuary

What do you enjoy about teaching online?

Teaching online opens up the chance for anyone in any part of the world to learn hand embroidery, and what's not to like about that. You can stitch with your own materials that you already have at home or with a kit that can be sent out to you. And the technology we use allows you to be able to see the demonstrations in great detail, even maybe more detail than in an in person class. The classes are also recorded which gives you the chance to watch in back in your own time.

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

I think the main drawback is not being able to see the students work and to catch if any stitches might be going awry. I continuingly check in with everyone to see how they are getting on, and I ask for photos if anyone is comfortable sending them over. I remember what it's like to be a beginner and for me the most important part of any class is ensuring that everyone is comfortable and they know that they are in a safe space to ask anything they want or need.

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

I would say give it a go. This is a great way to test the waters and I'm pretty sure you'll want to take another class soon.

A Unique Gallery of Work from Sonia

Below is a glimpse of Sonia’s work; enjoy a virtual tour of her one-woman show, and let inspiration meet you at every turn.