The Basics:
My Story:
Why do you enjoy hand embroidery?
I love the tactile nature of embroidery, anything where I use my hands to create something makes me happy. I love the nature of something evolving in front of me slowly then looking at the end to see how much has gone into it. Seeing textures and colours play together to make something luscious and vibrant especially if its sparkly too brings me a lot of joy
What’s the first thing you can remember stitching?
I can remember, at the age of 7, seeing my godmother stitching hexagons together for paper piece quilting. I asked if I could have a go and she patiently showed me how to do it and I was hooked! She then bought me cross stitch kits and I never looked back
What are you currently working on?
I always have multiple projects on the go depending on how I'm feeling. There are many visible mending projects around for easy stitching in the evening. I have a church banner restoration underway as a paid commission and I'm always playing with some textile art pieces that I hope to exhibit and display when I'm feeling creative. There is also a few new kit ideas partly worked that need refining
What is on your wishlist of stitching projects?
I have a large 3D abstract piece in my head that I hope to realise soon. There is dragon kit partially worked and a jellyfish still in design phase and many more mystical beasts in my head. I want to do some experimental canvas samples and more mixed technique work
How long have you been teaching?
10 years
What types of embroidery do you like teaching?
Crewelwork/Freestyle Stitches
Canvaswork
Goldwork
Stumpwork
Thread Painting
Appliqué
Textiles
Mixed Media
experimental embroidery, beadwork, visible mending
What else can you tell us about yourself?
Although I have trained at the RSN I'm not a traditional embroiderer by nature. I love to work with colour and form and texture and I am passionate about seeing embroidery evolve into its next stage. I embrace anyone who wants to learn and happy to spend time with beginners to start them on their stitching journey in whatever capacity they are at, enthusiasm and effort is all that is needed, everything else can be overcome. I want to see what others can create and learn from my students too.
Teaching at the Stitch Sanctuary
What do you enjoy about teaching online?
I love the flexibility of teaching online and reaching people all over the world. Having shorter sessions over several weeks means the students can practice during the week and feedback their discoveries each time. also the close up camera means everyone can see what's happening clearly instead of crowding around a ring frame in a class setting. Sometimes when I teach experimental classes you are seeing and hearing my thought process as I play in real time.
What do you think are the drawbacks of online learning and how do you overcome them as a teacher?
The hard bit is not being able to see the students work clearly unless they send good quality images for feedback so encouraging them to send pictures is vital. The other tendency is for people to mute themselves and or have their screens off so they don't engage directly with me and the other students. I make a point of getting people to answer individual questions and invite them to speak with each other to get the group experience more in line with a physical class so there is a more social aspect not just a one way tutorial.
What would you say to someone thinking of booking onto a Stitch Sanctuary online class for the first time?
Have a go! We are all lovely people and understand your fears and anxieties of stepping into the unknown but we will do everything we can to make it fun and welcoming. Also choose a design that inspires you so it will give you an incentive to complete it. I'm sure you will come back for more and maybe make some new friends along the way.
A Unique Gallery of Work (Pending)
Below is a glimpse of Sonja’s work—enjoy a virtual tour of her one-woman show, and let inspiration meet you at every turn.
