Certificate Course Bulgarian Embroidery Workshop.

I had such a good time last Saturday, presenting a workshop on Bulgarian Embroidery. There were nine students and the two organising tutors  present. It is such a focused, engaged and supportive group - intent on learning. I was well prepared (as Lee, one of the students, said ' belt and braces') with back up plans in case the technology failed, a container with Nelly Ivanova's collection of embroidery by her mother-in-law Vala Georgieva ( thanks Nelly!), who is still embroidering in Bulgaria, a bag of reference books, and a box of printed student notes and my own worked samples. 

There was a problem with the projection, but with Christine's help, we got it working sufficiently to use the PowerPoint. 

I am always nervous about these presentations, because my interest focuses heavily on the history of the embroideries I am working on, and as this is not the usual focus of Guild groups I'm always worried I will bore the socks off the group. I'm beginning to believe I can stop worrying. Those who come, it seems, have now self-selected, and are as fascinated by the history as I am. I seem to have found my tribe.

In this case, of course, I have the added advantage of Vala Georgieva's fabulous collection for students to pour over. This photo doesn't do justice to the lovely black dress - hanging on the black pinboard doesn't aid the photograph.

Having such a rich collection means students can see first hand, explore and go back as they work their samples, to see how it was done by the originator.

The exercises I set were those I worked out 12 months ago, and had assistance from Margaret Adams to chart, based on two motifs from two items in the collection.

I, of course, turned mine into a bag. To finish it I added a simple elbetica design on the back. Some students were very interested in this.  The point of the Certificate Course is to learn a range of skills and to show that in a series of samples. I always prepare too much in the project. I would hate anyone to run out of work, or feel they were not sufficiently challenged. 

We spent a good two hours just stitching the design, but even so, I think there is a few hours of work for most to do at home if they wish to have a finished product.  On the other hand, they could stop once they  have tried out the four stitches used. 

I also gave the option of an alternate design based on the Great Goddess motif. No-one started this but at least one will, I think, try it. As Lee said, belt and braces.

I really enjoyed this workshop - the content, the interaction and shared knowledge. It is, for me, the Guild at its best - all of us learning and sharing our knowledge. This workshop has the added benefit of learning more about our own local community embroideries and their connections to the rest of the world.

It doesn't get much richer than that.