Introduction to Free Machine Embroidery
2024-09-21 10:30 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Bugweed’s Limited, Bugweed's Limited, Unit 3, Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 4AB, United Kingdom
Join Justine to learn how to do free machine embroidery and create your own unique artwork.
Justine will talk you through how to set up your machine to safely and correctly do free machine embroidery. You will then complete a series of basic tasks to get you used to and confident on how your machine will work.
You will then use recycled fabrics, bondaweb and interfacing to create applique images onto a calico background.
The final artwork will be based on the theme of “floral” images where you will create a bouquet within a vase. You will be guided through the whole process to create a beautiful piece of art you can hang on your wall. It is a fun way to expand your creative textile practice and these skills will inspire you to do more once you leave!
What do you need to bring?
Your sewing machine which must have a free machine embroidery foot. Please can we ask everyone to test this prior to attending the workshop.
Thread, a dark colour works best, for example navy blue.
Fabric scissors, paper scissors, pen, pencil and a 30cm ruler (optional, you are welcome to borrow ours)
Feel free to bring your own ‘stash’ of fabrics which you feel may be suitable for your piece. This is optional but some people like to bring a keepsake or treasured fabric to incorporate into the work (optional)
Previous experience required
You will need to be familiar with your machine and how to use it’s basic features such as winding and inserting the bobbin, threading up your machine and needle, changing the feet and needle and sewing a straight stitch. This session is not suitable for complete sewing machine beginners however, you do not need to have any experience of free machine embroidery.
About our tutor
I am a mixed media and textile artist living in the Howardian Hills where I take much of my inspiration as well as the North of England. I work mainly in recycled fabrics and love to depict the local landscapes, seascapes and woodlands. I see the landscape in patterns and use this to add perspective to my work as well as layering and blending techniques.
I exhibit and teach in a number of locations and took part in Landscape Artist of the Year 2022 on Sky Arts.

Embracing Creativity: Photographs on Fabric
2025-08-05 19:00 - 21:00
Come to Bugweed’s and enjoy embracing your creative side!
Have you been intrigued by photos on fabric? Are you thinking about how to include a photo in a piece of textile art or on a memory item? Well this workshop is definitely for you!
Debbie will lead you through the process from your photo printed on Rico Creative Fabric to embellishing it with collage, embroidery and other such techniques. This is your chance to make something really fun to cherish or even give as a gift to a loved one.
All materials are included in the cost of the workshop – the Creative Paper is £5 per sheet and is also included! Bring your sewing machine if you would like to use some of the stitches that your machine provides.
You will need to send us your photo which we can then prepare for printing. It will be printed before the workshop for you but the process will be demonstrated on the evening. This will help you maximise the workshop time for embellishment and creativity! Please get in touch after booking your place on info@bugweedslimited.co.uk and we will get back to you about the photo requirements.
You will need to bring

your sewing machine if needed
any specific embellishments that you are wanting to use
your creativity!

You will achieve

using photos in a new way on fabric
learning different embellishment techniques
exploring your creativity through mindful sewing and art

This workshop is aimed at all creatives aged 16 and over who are looking to enhance their skills in textiles and art. This is a perfect workshop for those individuals who are starting a textiles or art qualification in September.
