Workshops
Workshop Index
Testimonials
March 2024
Finding Abstraction, Seaside Heritage Quilters
Cathy encouraged us to explore our own designs and colour preferences whilst allowing us to start with one of her designs if inspiration was needed.
February 2024
Paint+Stitch=Magic, Hobbysew Figtree
November 2023
Underwater Gardens, Timeless Textiles Gallery Newcastle
The most informative workshop I have attended. No stress and a fabulous feast for the eyes.
Kerry
November 2023
Underwater Gardens, Timeless Textiles Gallery Newcastle
Cathy’s workshop is excellent! The use of beads, sequins, and all sorts of threads leads you into a fantastic adventure creating an imaginative underwater garden that is so relaxing and beautiful. Thoroughally recommend Cathy as a teacher and pioneer of amazing sculptural embroidery.
Free Machine Embroidery
This two day workshop will introduce a technique that has so much to offer in terms of surface design.
It’s my go-to technique for art quilts, able to interpret simplicity and intricacy of design.
But there are steps to learn along the way such as how to deal with manipulation, how to transfer the design and how to work with highly-effective cut-away areas.
I’ll go over the basics of threading and tension, then it’s all systems go to learn this beautiful technique as a means of interpreting your design ideas.
This technique is not difficult and would suit the confident stitcher who knows their machine.
The ability to drop those feed-dogs is a must, then look forward to listening to the rhythm of the stitch as your design comes alive under the needle.
Check out my work on YouTube and contact me via Facebook or Instagram for bookings.
Design With Me
Design is not for everyone – and that’s fine.
But what if you want to design your own work? Where do you start? What if you want to design a cohesive body of work for an exhibition? How do you work to a theme? How do you find a theme?
Trust me, as an exhibiting artist, I’ve had to face and answer these questions myself.
Design comes across as daunting, but it shouldn’t be. It’s more about setting up systems and processes, having a sound understanding of design concepts, and then applying courage to take some risks and wear your heart on your sleeve.
When that understanding comes and when you find that courage, the rewards are unimaginable.
Impressive drawing skills are not necessary – there are ways around drawing that are highly effective because I use them all the time.
This two-day workshop will suit those wanting to explore and hone their design abilities, focussing on proccesses to inspire new work, new ideas and concepts and best of all, develop your unique style.
Check out my work on YouTube and contact me via Facebook or Instagram for bookings.
Underwater Gardens
Let’s focus on line, shape, colour and texture in this unique and inspiring workshop, using simple embroidery techniques to achieve intricate results.
Be inspired by that busy metropolis, the underwater world bursting with colour, movement, and visual interest.
Each work will be the unique interpretation of the maker where students will be encouraged to run with their ideas to produce a unique and very personal artwork.
Techniques will be demonstrated that will add to each embroiderer’s artistic vocabulary and photography will be encouraged for use on social media, movie making or simply sharing with friends.
This two day workshop is a feast for the senses focussing on contrast and texture for exciting results. It will suit the confident stitcher.
Check out my YouTube channel and contact me via Facebook or Instagram for bookings.
Cactus Flower
Beaded Form
Let’s Make A Sampler Roll
Welcome to endless imagination using simple materials.
Just how far can you go to make a Cactus Flower?
Well, let’s see…
This one-day workshop is a romp into painting, beading, textured threads and pure happiness, with a needle and thread in hand.
It will suit the confident stitcher.
Check out my YouTube channel and contact me via Facebook or Instagram for bookings.
Are you like me and love a little bling in your world?
Well, arrive here and breathe a sigh of relief.
This one-day workshop will fill that need for glitz and glamour while learning how to work around a simple form – and just look what you can create.
It’s bead magic and it’s not difficult – plus you get to raid all those stunning bits and bobs tucked away and rarely seen.
Work within a monochromatic colour palette to create this exquisitely elegant beaded artwork.
This workshop will suit the confident stitcher.
Check out my YouTube channel and contact me via Facebook or Intagram for bookings.
Embroidery is like a window to a bright new world offering opportunity, creativity and promise.
But where do ideas on how to build techniques come from? How do you develop them and learn to take them further?
A good old-fashioned Sampler Roll, of course.
Unfurled, it can reveal a world of inspiration for a new project or simply be beautiful and fulfilling in itself – I just love mine.
It’s a place to practice, extend, explore and trial – without any stress, or pressure to conform. Don’t conform – that’s what this Sampler Roll is all about.
The beauty is that the Sampler Roll can be continually added to – it grows with your inspiration and energy.
This two-day workshop will suit the confident stitcher, one who is willing to go out on a limb with no plan and no pattern, just a needle and thread, a long, narrow ground fabric and a willingness to explore possibilities.
This two-day workshop will suit the confident stitcher or those wanting to extend their repertoire.
Check out my YouTube channel and contact me via FaceBook or Instagram for bookings.