Ok folks! Here we go again!

This is the digital equivalent of a two-day beginners needle lace workshop. You’ll get to make your own little pair of knickers and hang ‘em on the wall! Hooray! Here’s ALL the details:

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

All the basics. So, setting up your piece, stitching a series of basic stitches, a bit of experimenting with techniques. You’ll walk away brimming with new needle-wielding skills and a gorgeous little sampler. (If underwear isn’t your thing, there’s a basic grid option there too. But go on. I dare ya to make the knickers!)

WHY SHOULD YOU DO THIS COURSE?

Ok. There are so many reasons. Needle lace is a gorgeous technique. It’s been passed hand to hand through history, dating well back into the 16th century. It’s sumptuous, detailed and rich but is made up of really simple principals. So it’s easy enough to pick up.

Also, I’ve got to say, it’s one of the best lockdown techniques to pick up. If you are stuck at home again, this may help fill the time. It is slow and meditative. Fun and creative but full of lovely calm repetition. Self-care factor through the roof!

WHY AM I TEACHING?

I have been making, studying, teaching and exhibiting needle lace for nearly seven years now. With exhibitions and talks across Australia, and in the USA, Spain and the Netherlands. I use a combination of Punto in Aria, Aemilia Ars, and Venetian Gros Point to create my works, and make contemporary imagery that explores the mundane moments of life using this historical technique.

Also, I just love it. Seriously. And I want you all to love it too.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

You’ll be sent a lovely package with ALL the materials you will need.

Then we will have a little interactive zoom meeting, introducing the course and answering any early questions you may have.

Next, you’ll be sent a link to my instructional videos, and digital handouts. Slowly walking through EVERY STEP of the process. You’ll be able to pause, rewind, skip around, all the benefits of digital classes.

AND we’ll have three live sessions. In these, we’ll cover some additional stitches, plus Q&As and troubleshooting. You can also send me images of your work if you’re in a jam, and we’ll sort it out that way If you can’t make the live sessions. The times and dates for these sessions will depend on what time zones we’ll need to cover. (These will all be recorded anyway so attendance isn’t compulsory.)

HOW MUCH?

There are two options:

FULL COURSE: $220. Includes all the materials, postage, access to videos, Q&As, the lot.

JUST THE DIGITAL COURSE: $180. If you have all your own materials, this ticket just gives you access to the lessons, plus Q&As and live sessions.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED IN ADVANCE?

-A screen of some kind that will connect to Youtube.

-A WhatsApp account (for sending images. If you’d prefer email, that’s fine too.)

-Some embroidery scissors would be useful. Any scissors will work really, but the smaller and sharper the better.

-If you choose the purely digital course, you’ll need your materials. So: DMC cebelia cotton size 20 (or equivalent) in white or a light colour, fine sewing cotton in a contrasting colour, needles that fit both threads, semi transparent matte contact plastic.

AND THAT’S IT!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. m.hensel.b@gmail.com