Jessie and Julie both enjoy the everyday, bringing objects, toys, nature, utensils, books and
much else into their work.
At the wonderful Manoir aux Écureuils we will gather inspiration from all that surrounds us,
using it to inspire the pieces we stitch and make together.
Please bring something favourite with you, wether a small ornament, piece of fabric, button,
silk spool, photo, word, poem or book, to enable us a glimpse into your world, before we
begin to explore our new environment.

Day 01, Friday: Introductions, talking about our favourite things and exploring
surroundings.
Jessie and Julie will both be helping with ideas to stitch and make personal work. They will
also share some of their precious inspirations with you! And guide and inspire you with
simple drawing methods.

Day 02, Saturday: Jessie Chorley’s Stitched Stories, Drawings and Marks
This masterclass focuses on Jessie’s signature style of hand embroidered illustration. You
will be drawing, mark making and playing intuitively with a mix of new and vintage threads
and time worn fabrics. You will explore several different embroidery stitches including,
satin, running, seed, cross and couching.
Jessie will help you get started with a variety of different appliqué techniques, which she
encourages you to use as a form of drawing. Incorporating found objects and personal
ephemeral in to your embroidery will also be explored. For example a pearl button may
become the centre to a flower, or a piece of blue silk ribbon could become an appliquéd
river or bold detail in a densely stitched sky.
At the start of your class Jessie will show you a selection of her original artworks, including
one of her long fabric storybooks. She will direct you, both as a group and individually, as
you embark on your personal journey of creating your own stitched story or drawing. Note;
your work does not have to be narrative based, nor does it have to be finished by the end of
your class. Jessie suggests you approach this day as an explorative and peaceful slow-
stitching experience, while being inspired by her original artworks and materials that will
surround you. You may like to focus on creating a technical stitch sampler? This approach,
can free up ones mind and spark fresh ideas in preparation for future stitching projects.

You will be working directly on to a piece of natural fabric. This base fabric will be
included in your kit/goodie bag provided by Jessie and given to you at the start of your
class.

 

Note: kits are priced at 45 Euros per person and are payable to Jessie on the class day.
Your kit will also contain a selection of pre-cut fabric motifs, ready for you to appliqué
directly onto your work, plus a printed stitch guide.

If you would like to work with a more personal base fabric – vintage tablecloths, hankies,
linen napkins, or a time worn garment are all perfect material. Clothing can deconstructed
and then pieced back together to create a unique base/canvas.
Perhaps you have something that belonged to a beloved family member or friend tucked
away? Jessie suggests bringing items made solely from natural fabrics, as they are easier to
embellish.
Finally enjoy taking a look at Jessie’s suggested materials list/ideas below and gather
together a few items of personal inspiration in advance of your class.You may have
something which could act as inspiration and a starting point for your personal stitch
project!

Jessie’s Suggested Materials List

• An assortment of your favourite embroidery threads new and vintage

• An assortment of your favourite fabric scraps. Plains and pretty patterns

• Other items of personal interest, such as old charms, buttons, vintage lace and ribbons,

• small keys etc, all of which can be stitched into your work

• A favourite drawing, poem, quote or perhaps just a single word (for inspiration)

Day 03, Sunday: Group Day Out

Day 04, Monday: Working with julie Arkell in the studio. Constructing pieces to wear,
hold and play with - see photos.

Day 05, Tuesday: Working with Jessie & Julie in the studio. Jessie and julie will be
helping everyone finish their work. At the end of the day we will gather together to show
and talk about what we’ve made and discovered in the last few days.

Day 06, Wednesday: Going Home/ Travel Day