Secret Garden
(A Live Kit-Based Class)

Kelley Aldridge

Step through the gate and into a garden of stitch…

Secret Garden is a richly layered exploration of texture, pattern and surface design, inspired by medieval knot gardens, enclosed herb plots, and the quiet geometry of cultivated green spaces. Over the course of this immersive programme, we will build a stitched garden from the ground up — a tapestry of pathways, borders, foliage and ornamental detail.

Worked primarily on canvas, this course explores an expansive repertoire of canvas stitches: textured fillings, woven patterns, layered combinations and intricate counted structures. We will move beyond the grid into embellishment and raised elements, incorporating silk, linen, cotton and wool threads, alongside ribbons, beads and subtle metallic accents. Each section of the design becomes its own cultivated “bed,” offering a different stitch family or technique to master and adapt.

This is not simply a study of stitches, but of composition — how colour, density, rhythm and contrast create atmosphere. We will consider how historic gardens were designed as spaces of contemplation and order, and how that same philosophy can guide our needle.

By the end of the course, you will have created a beautifully structured stitched garden — abundant, detailed and deeply personal — along with a confident understanding of advanced canvas techniques and the creative tools to design your own flourishing landscapes in thread.

The above image is for illustration purposes only; pending images of actual project.

aimed at:

BEGINNERS

This course is ideal for complete beginners to hand embroidery (particulary Canvaswork), as well as those who’ve only stitched from cross-stitch kits, and want to explore a wide variety of traditional stitches—and discover how to use them in creative, inspiring ways.

EXPERIENCED STITCHERS

This course is perfect for experienced stitchers who want to refresh their skills, stretch their creativity, and gain the confidence to design their own projects.

Details…

course at-a-glance:

CANVAS STITCHES

Including Tent/Half-Cross; Cushion/Checker; Eyelet; Satin; Rhodes; Cashmere; Mosaic; Rice; Moorish etc

RAISED WORK

Including Needlewoven Picots; French/Bullion Knots; Turkey Work; Whipped/Woven Wheels etc

OTHER TECHNIQUES

Including Pompoms; Shisha Stitch; Beading; Ribbonwork; Wired Needlelace; Decorative Wirework etc

dates/times:

FRIDAY EVENINGS
7.00 - 9.30PM (UK)

September 4, 11, 18
October 6, 13, 20
November 3, 10, 17

requirements:

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Embroidery Scissors,, Embroidery Practice Hoop, Large Square Frame, Magnifier (optional), Thimbles (optional),

SPECIFIC MATERIALS

A full kit is included in the cost of the course

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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