Sanctuary Lights 2026

Merry Gonk

3 hr Festive Live Online Stashbusting Workshop

£65

Teacher: Amanda Rymel

Meet your festive friend…

Inspired by a winter trip to Norway, stitch your own charming Scandinavian Christmas Gonk using a wonderful mix of texture, sparkle and festive embellishment. As part of the Stitch Sanctuary Christmas Stashbuster Collection, you'll be encouraged to use your own favourite threads to personalise your gonk, making every finished decoration completely unique.
Finished as a beautiful hanging tree ornament, this joyful project celebrates creativity, texture and the cosy magic of a handmade Christmas.

Details…

aimed at:

LEVEL

This class is ideal for stitchers who are comfortable with basic embroidery stitches and would like to explore texture, metallic threads and embellishment in a relaxed, festive project. Each technique is demonstrated step-by-step, making it an enjoyable introduction to more decorative surface embroidery.

course at-a-glance:

ONE SESSION

Chain Stitch,
Turkey Rug, Raised Chain Band, Whipped Back Stitch, Couch metallic threads neatly. Attach beads and sequins securely. Finish embroidery as a hanging ornament.

FINISHED DESIGN MEASURES:

7 × 11 cm

dates/times:

DATE:

Saturday November 7

TIME (UK):

9.30am-12.30pm

requirements:

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Embroidery scissors
A 15cm embroidery hoop or small frame (or their preferred stitching frame)

SPECIFIC MATERIALS

White Appleton’s, Red Perle, Gold Pearl Purl, Gold beads, Peach stranded cotton, Forest green stranded cotton, Green sequins, Calico or  Linen, 15cm hoop, Black felt, Needles

Students are saying…

  • Excellent Artist and Teacher

    Kelley’s classes are the best. I’ve taken two classes from her over two years. Her demonstrations are clear and easy to follow. She has perfected her on-line teaching style. I’ve found her to be kind and patient and she frequently throws in a little example or historic fact to keep things interesting.  My fellow students have ranged from beginners to advanced stitchers and I believe everyone has been happy with the instructions we’ve received. 

    Sherry S

  • Wonderful Goldwork

    I took Kelleys Goldwork sampler course which covered all aspects of Goldwork and a few extras such as how to mount your work. A well designed course, very well delivered and a lot of fun. It has definitely improved my Goldwork skills! Kelley is enthusiastic and very helpful.

    Barbara

  • What a Brilliant Experience!

    I've just finished the class portion of Kelley's Goldwork Sampler and I'm really sad it's over. I have done a number of 2 day classes in this technique over the last few years, but I found working in this manner (Zoom classes at fortnightly intervals over nearly a year, with video clips of the techniques available through the portal) meant that if you found there was something that didn't make sense later, you could check back, or more importantly, ask a question at the next lesson. I've picked up on a lot of tiny things that have led to some very satisfying improvements in the quality of my work, learned some really useful techniques, and got links to sources of otherwise hard to find equipment. (Especially useful as I'm located down under in New Zealand.) Thank you Kelly for a wonderful experience - I had a blast!

    Betty S