Freemotion embroidery with Lara Sparks
We are delighted to have the talented Lara Sparks join us to run this freemotion machine embroidery workshop. With her own distinctive style you will learn so much regardless of any previous experience.
Lara is an experienced tutor with much knowledge on her subject matter and you’ll get to spend the day in our relaxing studio. This is a wonderful opportunity to treat yourself or someone else to a day of creative play.
If you make a cushion/wall hanging/picture, there is no extra charge.
If you want to make a drum lampshade there will be an additional charge for the kit on the day. Size options are 20cm £9 and 30cm £12. Lampshades can be made for a lamp or pendant fitting.
What will we cover?
Following an initial demonstration on how to set up your machine, along with top tips on machine tension and some freehand embroidery ‘mark making’ techniques, you will then start with embroidering your own pre-drawn ‘seed head’ panel to get you going.
After that you will progress on to your main project; a cushion cover, lampshade or picture.
Using hand drawn stencil packs you choose and design your piece. This is a fun-filled, non- technical day, where everyone can discover a new free way of being creative on an ordinary domestic sewing machine.
How will I be taught?
You’ll be taught in our lovely studio by a friendly and experienced tutor, through demonstration and guidance as you work.
You’ll also be able to ask questions, making sure everything is clear and that you’re getting the best results you can.
Do I need any previous experience or skills?
Open to free motion beginners. Experience of using a sewing machine is needed.
Are materials provided? Is there anything I need to source myself?
You need to bring along your own sewing machine (please don’t forget your power leads and foot pedal) and a freemotion/darning foot if you have one. All other materials are supplied and if you wish to make a lampshade the kits of these can be purchased on the day.
What will I take home with me?
Your chosen Freemotion Embroidery project.
Refreshments
Drinks and biscuits will be available but we recommend that you bring a packed lunch with you.
“What a fabulous day. I attended the Lara Sparks free motion machine embroidery day. Met some wonderful ladies.
Lara is very knowledgeable, a great teacher and happy to help you through any part you are finding tricky with either a demo or talking you through it. Everyone created some amazing work, some completed some needed to finish off at home. I for once finished my creation and was over the moon with it.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed a day of free motion embroidery with Lara Sparks. She explained everything clearly and had brought along masses of wonderful fabrics, threads and stencils for us to use. I learned a lot and came home with two pieces of work I am proud of.”
Sarah
Photography
During all of our workshops photographs are taken for promotional purposes only. Please make us aware at the time of booking if you would prefer not to be included.
Tutor
Lara's passion for free-hand embroidery is as strong as it was 30 years ago. She graduated in 1990 from Loughborough College of Art and Design where she completed a Fashion/Textiles degree, specialising in free-hand embroidery. She has made her living on her sewing machine ever since, by working freelance in many textiles industries. These have included wedding dresses, men's wear design, children and women's wear. She has designed and produced embroideries that were then sold to more commercial/mass markets. Along with some embroidered cushions and very large map of the UK for DFS sofas commercial campaign. When she is not doing a show, she is either teaching, designing, making, walking her dog, Wilson or playing netball!
