Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 October 2022, Canvas Embroidery with Karen Fullalove

Saturday, 14:00 - 17:00 GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)

Sunday, 14:00 - 17:00 BST (British Summer time)

Hosted on Zoom by Karen Fullalove

Karen Fullalove embroiders stories. Inspired by her grandmother’s needlework as a child, she studied at the London College of Fashion, lived in Greece where she designed clothing ranges embellished with screen print patterns. She has designed and exhibited batik art, eventually finding her voice with embroideries.

She is passionate about the united language of embroidery that has radiated out, over thousands of years, throughout Europe and the Near East. The ancient Phoenicians brought embroidered cloths (and likely settled) during their trade for tin in Britain over 3500 years ago. Karen is continuing this language. It is a language of power and unity that women have used over centuries to express their individual identity, and, the identity of their family, their homestead, region, and country. Their designs gave them a sense of belonging.

In keeping with the principles of this ancient art form, Karen uses local materials, mainly wool which she prepares, spins, and dyes herself with natural plant materials. Her pictures embrace the styles and sacred symbols known to many cultures. They are inspired by nature and life in Sussex but are relevant to many places. Her techniques are canvas embroidery and weaving which both have a traditional history in Britain.

Workshop outline
This workshop, for all levels of experience, is an invitation into a united verse. We will be creating a sacred icon in canvas embroidery.

Karen will lead you through the workshop to create a beautiful image with ancient symbols which speak. Historically, embroidered symbols were empowered by meaning to the women who embroidered them and, in your pack, you will learn what these symbols represent and to note how they remind you of experiences that brought you joy. These private thoughts will give personal power to your piece as you stitch those feelings, your language, into your work.

Using wool which has been hand prepared, dyed and spun, you will learn how to create different stitches and how they give texture to your piece. You have the option to swap the colours to your own preference and space to add your own design motif, if desired.

You will learn how to finish your piece by stretching and lacing it onto a solid base. Your finished work can then be framed for display, or you may wish to keep it in the handmade cotton pouch provided so you can take it with you wherever you go for your empowerment.

A material pack will be sent to participants prior to the workshop containing:

• High quality cotton canvas, prepared for stitching

• Hand washed, spun and dyed yarn in a variety of colours

• Tapestry needle

• Mount board backed with plywood and yarn for finishing

• Handmade cotton pouch

• Paper with photo instructions

• Paper with symbolic meanings

Participants will need to provide:

• Small needlework scissors

• Ruler or measuring tape for determining yarn length

• Two small bowls for reusable yarn lengths and small waste pieces

• Stitch un-picker or finer needle (if any unpicking needed)

Please note: material packs are shipped on an insured, trackable delivery service. Any customs duties, delays, lost or undeliverable packs are the responsibility of the customer. Once a material packs leaves the workshop tutors' hands with a tracking number, the seller has no further obligation to the buyer.

Workshop cancellation policy
All places reserved on workshops are non-refundable.

If you require additional information about this workshop please contact Catherine Harris, events@selvedge.org.