To create my artwork I use a basic sewing machine. I cut shapes out of fabric scraps, bond these to the base fabric, and stitch onto these using a technique called free motion embroidery.  If you would like to learn these techniques, I run a range of workshops from my home studio in Felton, Northumberland. These workshops cater for people of all abilities, and no previous sewing machine skills are necessary. 

All the required skills are taught in a workshop, so you do not need to have any experience beforehand. Groups of friends, family fun, or a one to one session. All welcome! I have space in my room for up to four people. Larger groups are also welcome. for this I will need to book a larger space at nearby Galler45.

DATES:
My workshops usually happen on demand. Please get in touch about any dates you have in mind, and hopefully i will be able to fit you in.

COST:
From £15 per hour per person. I recommend booking a session for at least two hours.
For a large group I am happy to negotiate a fee for the whole workshop rather than a per person rate.

WHERE:
25, Main Street,
Felton,
Northumberland,
NE65 9PP   (click here for directions and a map)

HOW TO BOOK:  Send me an email to hmporemba@gmail.com or ring me on 07503 017678

Workshop | Basic Sewing Machine Skills

This workshop is for you if you feel that your machine skills are a bit rusty, or if it is a new skill that you want to learn. We will cover the basics in a two hour session, and you will make a simple item to take away with you. You will then be able to continue to use your machine at home, or, if you feel you need more instruction, book in for another session.  

Workshop | First Steps In Free Motion Embroidery

This technique allows you to use the sewing machine in a more free and creative way. You will first learn how to set up the machine to do free motion stitching, and then for the rest of the session you will experiment and play with this new found addictive tool. Make marks and patterns, draw and write with it, and use it with other fabric pieces to create your own art piece. After your first session (minimum two hours), you will be able to experiment and play further on your own. Or if you would like to continue with some more guidance, book in for another session.

All Day or Weekend Workshops

Rather than spending a couple of hours learning the basics, you might want to spend a whole day or even a weekend indulging your experimental, creative side. I will take you through all the processes I use to create my artwork. 

Don’t worry about your level of ability. I will show you ways to ‘draw’ your subject; to transfer drawings to fabric; to draw with a sewing machine; to choose your fabrics, and to work with colour and pattern to create an artwork to be proud of.

What to Bring

Bring your sewing machine, if you have one. It is always best to get to know your own machine. If you don’t have one or it doesn’t have a free motion function, you can use one of mine. I will provide other equipment and materials, but if you have any fabric you want to incorporate, please bring that along too.

Flexible Learning

I try to tailor my workshops to do exactly what you want, so if you would like to do more than the very basics, but don’t have time for the whole weekend, then please contact me, and we will arrange something that suits. You could do one session in the morning, have a break for lunch, and then continue with more experimental fun in the afternoon. 

Family Groups

You could come and try out a family session (I would suggest children of eight years and over). You could book an hour at a time and see how it goes. If they only last an hour, then you haven’t wasted a whole day. (On the other hand, you might have trouble dragging them away from their machine!)