Royal School of Needlework: Tracy A Franklin Embroiderer: specialist traditional embroidery

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www.tracyafranklin.com

It has been my long held ambition, always "when I had the time", to pursue my interest in embroidery.
Beryl Darlison (Darlington)

This course has been designed for those who wish to learn English embroidery to a very high standard, with students having the same teaching and assessment methods as a Royal School of Needlework Apprentice.

The course is very practical and "hands-on" and there is little theoretical or historical teaching; however an element of design is included. Much time and energy is needed to include homework in between classes, with the main emphasis of the course on developing and perfecting technique.

The course is divided into four techniques, Jacobean Crewel work, Silk shading, Canvas work, and Goldwork. Each technique is taught over a period of eight days within a term, and there are two terms per year, therefore it takes two years to gain a Royal School of Needlework certificate in the North East. After the course, it is possible to continue and learn further techniques.

No entry qualification is required. All you need is enthusiasm and commitment; however there are only 6 places available on each course, and there are courses running concurrently both at Durham at Fowlers Yard and Darlington at Coats Crafts UK on set days of the week.

Visit www.royal-needlework.org.uk

For further information contact Tracy at teaching@tracyafranklin.com or Gill Holdsworth at gill.holdsworth@royal-needlework.org.uk

I first heard about the Royal School Needlework course at the local branch of the Embroiderers Guild and then saw Tracy at the Harrogate show. Although I was doubtful that I would manage to reach the high standards set by the Royal School Needlework I wanted to improve the quality of my embroidery.
When I started at Darlington and saw the work that other students had completed I felt out of my depth but was assured that I too could achieve high standards (with a lot of unpicking along the way!)
After three terms I felt that I have learnt a tremendous amount, I am more confident in starting my own projects and I am learning something in every session, in very pleasant company.
The course has far exceeded my expectations. I knew that a Royal School Needlework course would be demanding and require commitment but it has definitely been well worth the effort and I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about embroidery.

As an older student embroidery is for me essentially a leisure interest but for a younger person the course could lead to new career opportunities.
Sally Bird (Darlington)

The first piece of work on the course is usually Jacobean Crewelwork based on the Tree of Life. My design developed from doodles that happened to turn into clubs, hearts, and spades, the symbol for each of the suits of cards being quite easily adapted into a leaf shape; however I found that diamonds worked better incorporated into the trunk. The name of the piece is 'No Trumps'.
Jill Moore (Durham)

Even though I had been embroidering for many years I had so much to learn. Silk shading held many fears for me but under Tracy's expert guidance and encouragement I really enjoyed doing it, especially when I got to the end!!!
Ann Carrick (Darlington)

When I applied to take the Royal School of Needlework course at Durham, I expected to be shown the correct ways of setting up the fabric at the beginning and to stretch and mount the finished work. I also hoped to improve the quality of my work, and be strictly disciplined in all areas; I was worried that I would not meet the standards required.

When I started the course all of my expectations were met but the atmosphere was much more relaxed than I had feared. After completing the course I hope to continue learning other needlework skills under Tracy's guidance.
Dot Hankey (Durham)

My only attempts in canvas work had been needlepoint kits until I began the Royal School of Needlework Certificate Course. I struggled to see how this medium could be interesting or challenging but I quickly discovered that there was a huge range of stitches. This combined with different textured threads and colour blending, allowed me to experiment in order to create my interpretation of Rackwick Bay, Hoy, in Orkney.

Although some of the stitches are regular or geometric, working it felt free as the shades and shapes developed. I now have plans to do more canvas work, and see where it takes me.
Rosalind Fish (Darlington)

In the late 80's I was looking for a tutor who could teach embroidery technique correctly. I made contact with a Miss Parry-Evans who was in her 80's, who taught Church Gold work at her home near Hartlepool.
In the 90's I returned to college to complete my City and Guilds Embroidery, but found the course based more on Art and Design rather than teaching quality of stitching.
I had always wanted to attend the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court, but it was out of my reach in many ways, but had been a friend of the Royal School of Needlework for sometime.

When news was released that Tracy Franklin was to come back North, I new this course is one that I wanted to support.
Joyce Cracknell (Darlington)

Buy my book New Ideas in Goldwork. See the books page.

If you are interested in commissioning my work please complete the commission request form


	© Tracy A. Franklin 2005
	email: info@tracyafranklin.com
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