I teach at a number of venues across Cheshire. The workshops are very relaxed and suitable for all levels of experience, for anyone who is interested in textiles, stitch and exploring and extending their skills. I supply everything needed and guide the group through the workshop step by step, so that no one feels rushed. Scroll to the bottom of the page for photos showing the wide range of teaching I have previously delivered.
The workshops are designed for adults. However, if accompanied by an adult, a young person of 11 or above would be welcome. I have at times visited large groups of people such as WI groups and craft groups to run workshops. To discuss this please message me though my contact page.
Scroll down for details of all upcoming workshops. Prices and booking details vary depending on the venue.
A Stitch In Time
Price: £80 for 5 workshops
Dates: 10.30am -12.30pm on Friday 4th Oct, Friday 11th Oct, Friday 18th Oct, Friday 25th Oct and Friday 8th Nov
Location: Bunbury Mill, Off Bowe's Gate Road, Bunbury, Cheshire,CW6 9PP
To Book: email me at racheldaviesartwork@gmail.com
Come along to Bunbury Mill in October / November for a block of 5 Friday morning two-hour workshops at the Mill for £80. Mending is trending! For so long mending has been a hidden skill, but now it’s bigger than ever and it’s time to mend rather than throw our clothes away.
During the workshops we will experiment with ways to mask, mend and decorate small holes, moth holes and marks with very simple hand embroidery. You really don’t need any sewing experience. You can then use the samples you create and the discussions about further mending skills that we will have when you get home, to look through your wardrobes for garments that need some love.
During these sessions we will create a little fabric sample book of stitches that you can use at home on favourite clothes that need some love! We will look patching, applique, darning and decorative ways to mask marks while mending.
Everything is supplied for all of these relaxed workshops. To book email me at racheldaviesartwork@gmail.com
"Flower Patch"
Hand Embroidery Workshop
Create a unique patch for your own clothes !
During this workshop you will be guided to create a hand embroidered flower patch to be used on either jacket or jeans pockets or to attach onto a pocket on a bag with just a few simple stitches. It is suitable for beginners with little sewing experience. The stitches: lazy daisy, french knots and straight stitch will be taught, as well as simple applique.
You will paint your own canvas background, before adding texture and stitch when your fabric is stretched onto a wooden embroidery hoop. I will demonstrate each stage as we go along, including how to hand paint with eco fabric paints, split stranded embroidery threads, using an embroidery hoop, and how to create the stitches. Once the embroidery is finished it is trimmed to size ready for you to take home and add to your garments or bags. Alternatively I will supply a little artist canvas which you may choose to 'glue ' your embroidery to, to create your own 'flower patch art'.
The workshop is intended to be very relaxed and easy, yet quite unique in its approach to traditional hand embroidery.
Price: £60
Date: Saturday 12th October 10am-4pm
Location: Bunbury Mill, Bunbury Village, Watermill Lane off Bowes Gate Road, Cheshire CW6 9PY
Scandi Embroidery Workshop
Price: £110
Date: Thursday 24th October 9.30am-4.30pm
Location: Toolerstone House, Norley Road, Sandiway, Cheshire, CW8 2JN 01606 252399
Join me at the beautiful retreat of Toolerstone House in Sandiway Cheshire for this slow stitch embroidery workshop.
You will be greeted at 9.30 with refreshments and then we will stitch in the gorgeous glass studio with views out onto the landscaped gardens. Inspired by Scandinavian simplicity and a limited pallet of neutrals and red you will be shown how to put the fabric into a hoop and use stitch as a decorative embellishment on a patterned cotton fabric.
You will be taught running stitch, blanket stitch, chain stitch and leaf stitch. You can choose which to use, maybe all of them, or just a couple. At lunch time you will be served a home cooked lunch, followed by home made biscuits with your afternoon coffee or tea.
Each person will have a wooden block to paint. The embroidered fabric is then cut into a square shape and then ‘glued’ onto the block. The final block can stand on a shelf or go on the wall.
This workshop is suitable for everyone as the fabric design becomes a pattern to stitch along and even a small amount of stitching looks successful. We will complete our day at 4.30pm. This is certainly a treat of a day and could be enjoyed as a birthday gift or celebration day with someone special.
To book click the link above that will take you directly to the Toolerstone website to book on line.
Braid-in Rag Rug
Workshop
Price: £60
Date: Saturday 16th November 10am- 3pm
Venue: Bunbury Mill, Bunbury Village, Watermill Lane off Bowes Gate Road, Cheshire CW6 9PY
Come and learn the lost skill of braid-in rag rugging. This cosy tradition is perfect for a winter workshop. This upcycling process using strips of preloved textiles was used widely until the end of the Second World War, but with the introduction of new fashions and fabrics it fell out of use. Using any stretch fabric such as old t-shirts , or jersey fabrics I will take you step by step through the technique. During the workshop you will be able to create a starting point of a rug for the floor (and then leave with more fabrics to continue at home ), or alternatively complete a mat for a dining table.
This is suitable for non-sewers, and also for anyone who is new to crafting. We are all looking for ways to become more sustainable and to make do and mend. Our wardrobes and linen cupboards are bursting with textiles that hold memories. You may have t-shirts you have bought, but don’t know what to do with? Well, bring them along and transform them into a memory rug! Alternatively, all materials can be provided within the cost (I will be bringing a huge stash of suitable fabrics to choose from). You will leave the workshop with the instruction sheet to make many more rugs if you want to. The workshop is suitable for non-sewers, as well as more experienced sewers who would like to find new techniques to explore.
The session is held in the pretty studio next to the mill pond at Bunbury Mill. We will have coffee and tea breaks with biscuits and you need to bring a packed lunch. There is a large car park with disabled access.
One Day Visible
Mending Workshop
Price: £80
Date: Saturday 3rd May 2025, 10am- 4pm
Venue: Willow Gallery Oswestry, 56 Willow Street, Oswestry, SY11 1AD
To Book please contact: willowgalleryoswestry@gmail.com or phone 01691 657 575
Bringing a new lease of life to your wardrobe favourites. Join me at the inspiring Willow Gallery in Oswestry for a peaceful introduction day of experimental stitching to explore the world of visible mending.
I will take you step by step through a series of mending techniques, such as eyelets, patches and darning. Beginners are very welcome and for those of you with sewing experience this relaxing hand stitch day will inspire you to return home and turn your worn garments into unique fashion statements.
Decorative repair is very personal, there are infinite ways to ‘embellishmend’, and yours will be unique. The resurgence of mending as an art form is trending and is a step further to healing the planet.
You will be topped up with coffee, tea and biscuits throughout. Time will be taken during the lunch break to view work in the current exhibition. Everything is supplied for you during the workshop, and you will complete the day with a series of colourful samples, and an eco-cotton mending goody bag to take them home in, along with your own wooden embroidery hoop, patching fabric, needle and threads to continue with, because you will be hooked!
