Lady with a Lute

Kate Barlow
Intermediate

Discover the elegance of 17th-century embroidery with the 'Lady with a Lute' course. Guided by expert Kate Barlow, this course delves into the intricate art of creating a stunning silk embroidery piece, offering detailed instruction and historical insights. Perfect for enthusiasts eager to master this exquisite craft.

Started: Sep 19, 2024

11 months

Silk Embroidery

Lady with a Lute

Dive in to 17th Century Embroidery

This 17th century embroidered panel, which was recently acquired for our collection, is the subject of this 11 month course. Featuring a variety of historic stitches and techniques including Twisted Moss Stitch, Encroaching Satin Stitch, and Silk Wrapped Purl over padding, this interesting design is thought to have been part of an embroidered box or cabinet dating back to the late 1600s.

During the course students will work with silk and chenille threads on a Silk Dupion ground fabric, working each area in turn across this intricate design.

About This Course

During a series of classes over a 10 month period, Kate will guide you through the process of replicating this exquisite panel from the comfort of your own home.

  • Be able to create your own embroidered heirloom, with a tangible use, to pass down the generations

  • Learn how to handle and embroider with silk threads, achieving a smooth and consistent finish

  • Enjoy learning about the context behind the original embroidery and understand the styles and techniques popular at the time

  • Gain a profound sense of freedom with your needle and gain the confidence to take on more advanced silk and goldwork designs.

  • Enjoy a group experience and develop friendships with like-minded stitchers

  • Feel supported with our expert guidance throughout the course, and be inspired to develop your own creativity and complete an impressive design of your own.

Intermediate

Prior Embroidery Experience is Required

This course is for those who have some experience with hand embroidery. Experience with silk threads is helpful but not a requirement.

Intermediate

The Details

Download 2024 Brochure

Group 1 Dates

20 Sept 2024 - 11 July 2025

Group 1 classes will take place on the following dates at 10am-12pm then 1-3pm UK time

Welcome & Lecture: 20 September 2024
The Figure: 11 October 2024
Figure Background: 8 November 2024

-- Winter Break --

Flowers & Leaves: 10 January 2025
Flowers & Leaves: 7 February 2025
Lecture with Ninya Mikhaila: 7 March 2025
Flowers & Leaves: 11 April 2025
Lecture with Sara Salloum: 9 May 2025
Review of sections: 13 June 2025
Outlines: 11 July 2025

-- Summer Break --

Follow Up: TBC October 2025

Group 2 Dates

21 Sept 2024 - 12 July 2025

Group 2 classes will take place on the following dates at 3-5pm then 6-8pm UK time

Welcome & Lecture: 21 September 2024
The Figure: 12 October 2024
Figure Background: 9 November 2024

-- Winter Break --

Flowers & Leaves: 11 January 2025
Flowers & Leaves: 8 February 2025
Lecture with Ninya Mikhaila: 8 March 2025
Flowers & Leaves: 12 April 2025
Lecture with Sara Salloum: 10 May 2025
Review of sections: 12 June 2025
Outlines: 12 July 2025

-- Summer Break --

Follow Up: TBC October 2025

What's Included

40 Hours of Tuition with Kate Barlow

This special course will be led by an equally special tutor. As an RSN graduate, with over 20 years industry experience, Kate's professionalism, attention to detail, skill as an educator, and knowledge and artistry as an embroiderer, make her the perfect choice to lead this course.

  • Over 10 sessions, Kate will cover each section of the design and the techniques needed to take you to completion of this stunning design.
  • Between classes you can ask questions and share your progress on the Lady with a Lute exclusive community space.
  • All classes are recorded with lifetime access to give you all the support you need on your stitching journey.

Special Sessions

During the course, students will be treated to two special sessions.

Co-author of several books including The Tudor Tailor, renowned Historic Costumier, Ninya Mikhaila, will priovide the first of our specialist lectures, guiding us through women's costume in the 17th century.

Ninya is a maker of high quality reconstructions and replicas of historic dress. Her clients include Historic Royal Palaces, The Royal Armouries, The National Trust, English Heritage, The National Archives, and The BBC and Gainsborough's House.

Professional Lute player and Lute Society Member Sarah Salloum will provide our second specialist lecture.

Sara will speak on her Phd subject "Women Musicians and Lute Pedagogy in Early Modern England". We will also be treated to musical interludes as Sara plays the Lute for us during the session.

The highest quality materials

We strive to provided only the most authentic and sustainable materials - and working with Kate, we create a kit that includes everything you need to stitch the design to the highest quality

  • All threads, beads & needles required to complete the design.
  • Stitch & colour charts.
  • Pre-printed silk fabric, backing fabric & practice piece.
  • All materials for framing up.

All you need to complete the set up is a 24inch slate frame. To ensure you have all the tools you need, we also provide complimentary access to our step-by-step video guide to setting up a slate frame

In a nutshell I loved it! It was well planned and organized. Kate is professional and has a Zen quality to her approach. She researches and generously shares information related to the design. She is a delight.
Carol Ann Feller Mirror Frame Couse 2023/24 Cohort

Dive into 17th Century Embroidery

Register Interest for Next Cohort

Meet Your Tutor

Kate Barlow

Professional Embroidery tutor and Fellow of the RSN

United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Kate Barlow is a renowned embroidery artist celebrated for her expertise in a broad range of needlework techniques. With a deep passion for preserving and teaching traditional embroidery, Kate has dedicated her career to mastering the intricate art of hand embroidery.
Learn More About Kate Barlow

You might be wondering

What size is the design?

The design is 32.5 cm x 11.5 cm and is printed on a 48cm x 32cm fabric

What stitches are featured in the design?

Long & Short Silk Shading, Encroaching Satin Stitch, Over-twisted Moss Stitch, Silk Wrapped Purl over Padding, Cut Silk Pile Stitch, Split Stitch, Couched Silk Thread, Couching Silk Gimp, Back Stitch & Cord making

What else will I need?

Students will need an 24 inch Slate Frame to take part in this course

How long will it take me?

This course takes place over 10 months with time to stitch between each session. You are not expected to have finished your design by the time the course ends but you may find that you are very nearly there!

How do I join the live classes?

All classes will take place on Zoom, which can be accessed directly from your dashboard. A link to the session will also be sent to you before the class.

Delivery & Returns

Packages will be sent by express delivery and shipping is included.

Unfortunately we cannot offer a refund on this course once a deposit has been placed.