Distance Learning - Machine Embroidery

Common Questions

Do I have to have a computer to take this course?

NO! The post still works very well, although a little slower, I aim to turn work around in a week and I will make sure you have plenty of ideas to develop while waiting or you can begin your next unit.

How do I Receive my Units?

Units can be sent in printed form or downloaded from the internet. There will be an additional charge to cover postage and printing costs.

How do I Submit my Work?

It is much easier to assess and comment on work if the it can be seen for real but I do understand that the cost of postage can be expensive especially if you are overseas. If you can take good quality pictures of your work then it is fine to send those for assessment. I would advise, that some pieces, perhaps the finished items, are posted so I can give some really detailed feedback. You could also consider working your samples and design sheets as separate papers which could be mounted into a portfolio or sketchbook once I have seen them.

Some students may wish to set up a blog or diary of their work including these images to share experiences of their own creative journey.

How Long Will the Course Take?

I expect the course to take between six months and a year to complete working although it very much depends on your other commitments. You can take as long as you like.

How do I Start?

You can start the course at any time, it is always nice to have a chat about the course in general, so do drop me an email info@annegriffiths.com with your number and I can call you, or ring me on 0845 643 1511 which is a local UK rate.

The cost of each unit to be £60. You can pay for one unit at a time and only pay for the next one when you are ready for it. In addition to this you will have the expense of your craft and design materials and any return postage for printed units and samples sent for evaluation.

All fees can be paid by cheque made payable to Anne Griffiths and sent to 4 Gabriel House, Newbury Street, Wantage, OX12 8DJ UK, by bank transfer, email me for account information.

Course Syllabus

The work is divided into six units on completion, you will have:-

• A portfolio of stitched samples
• A design portfolio
• A set of 10 extended samples developed from your design portfolio on markmaking, pattern development, colour studies etc.
• 2 completed pieces including all the backup work that would be required for a real commission including alternative designs, samples, costings and suppliers.

Unit 1

• Design - Markmaking and Line
• Design - Shape and Pattern
• Free Machine Embroidery
• Making marks with stitch, straight stitch and zigzag

Unit 2

• Design - Colour
• Design - Presentation
• Automatic patterns
• Cable stitch and Couching

Unit 3

• Design - Surfaces and textures
• Colouring fabrics/threads
• Free Machine Embroidery - Whip stitch
• Layering & Bonding
• FIRST ASSESSMENT PIECE

Unit 4

• Soluble fabrics
• Edges
• Cords, and tassels
• Making holes

Unit 5

• Combining textures
• Hard Edged Appliqué
• Soft Edged Appliqué
• Shadow techniques
• SECOND ASSESSMENT PIECE

Unit 6

• Quilting
• Binding
• Piping
• Rouleau
• Prairie points