Little Christmas Trees

£48

Little Christmas Trees

Create a set of cracking Christmas tree cards and more besides! This course is a gentle introduction to mixed-media textile art: I’ll show you how to create something beautiful from a blend of paint, paper, fabric and thread scraps, and some easy machine and hand stitch.

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What's included?

16 lessons breaking the project into easy bite-size chunks, each with a detailed video and comprehensive notes.
Bonus projects - with more videos and notes
My guides to free motion embroidery, cable stitch, using metallic threads
PDF handouts to save and print off
Private Facebook group for friendship and community
My full support via direct message, email and the Facebook group
Forever access to ALL course material (as long as my courses are hosted at Podia - I have no plans to move!)

What do I need?

You'll probably have everything you need already: sewing machine, a collection of threads, fabric scraps and some card blanks? Let's go!

PS don't forget the star for the top of the tree!

Frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions, I've got answers!

How long do I have access to the course?

It's yours to keep. There is no end date.

Access would only end if I should ever need to move from this website - which I have NO plans to do!

When does it start?

ALL the lessons are available as soon as you join.

Once you’ve enrolled, you can access the lessons any time you want, whenever it suits you, wherever you are in the world.

How much machine embroidery experience do I need?

None!

The course is designed to be accessible for beginners, as well as those with more experience. It doesn't matter if you've never used your sewing machine for creative embroidery before, I'll show you how even easy machine stitching can create wonderful textured effects.

A comprehensive guide to free motion embroidery is included, and has been described by a previous participant as the best free motion tutorial they've ever had.

And I'm always on hand for help and support should you get stuck!

I only have a basic sewing machine - can I still do the course?

Yes! You could do this whole project with straight stitch, and perhaps a zigzag too.

If you want to use free motion (there are ways around this) you will need to be able to cover or drop the feed teeth, and preferably have a free motion embroidery or darning or quilting foot to be able to stitch with ease. It's possible to buy a universal free-motion foot - please check your machine manufacturer's instruction manual or website.

If you've never tried any free motion with your machine before, don't worry, I'll talk you through step-by-step. It's one of the most exciting things you can learn, so give it a go - you won't regret it!

How much time will I need?

You could easily make a handful of cards in a day - and use leftovers for other projects another time. The way I demonstrate the technique, we'll stitch on a few trees at a time to speed things up!

There is a bit of painting and sticking involved, so you need to allow some drying time.

However, the course is there for you whenever it suits you and your schedule; you can fit it around all your other commitments.

What materials and equipment will I need?

A sewing machine. Make sure it's in good working order before you start - when was the last time you cleaned and oiled it? Start with a new needle: I use Schmetz 90/14 topstitch needles.
A free-motion embroidery foot or quilting foot, and the ability to lower or cover the feed teeth (this is optional, you can avoid it but please give it a go!)
Thin card 160gsm - white, to paint - or coloured/metallic if you don't want to paint
Paper-like embroidery stabiliser like Stitch'n'Tear
Fusible adhesive like Bondaweb - only a small piece, for a bonus project
Recycled papers just a few, such as old book pages or music manuscript
PVA glue or glue stick
A few paints such as watercolour
Acrylic paint or ink
A brush and a jam jar
Matte medium (for a couple of the bonus projects)
Fabric scraps and strips you only need tiny scraps! Lightweight fabrics only.
A few all-purpose machine threads
Machine embroidery threads including invisible thread
A few thicker threads and yarns.
pencil, eraser, ruler, paper scissors/craft knife, cutting mat

Because people will be taking this course in all parts of the world, I can't advise on where to find materials: you need to find your local or online supplier.

I'm a big believer in using what you already have in your stash - not only is it more cost-effective, it'll give your work that personal touch.

Most of my fabrics are recycled cottons, but I'm a sucker for buying sari silk ribbons! I buy my machine threads and machine needles from a trusted online haberdashery retailer and make sure I use a quality brand. Thicker threads are invariably second-hand yarns and oddments, with a few new stranded and perlé cottons.

For the paints, we can work with what you have already - even a child's watercolour paint set would be fine for this, or even watercolour pencils.

What do I do if I get stuck?

First, there's no such thing as a silly question! I'm here to help.

There's a chat box on every page in the course - ping me a message, and I'll reply as soon as I'm next online. You can also leave a comment (and even upload a photo) or email me.

You can also ask your question in the private Facebook group - and others may be able to help you out or give you suggestions to try.

What if I'm unhappy with my purchase?

Once you've signed up, I'm not able to give refunds. But if you're really unhappy with the course please email me.

What people say

These are too good to give away! I think I'm going to ask for them back after Christmas 😄

Sian

This is fab! I had no idea you could do this with a sewing machine. Free motion embroidery is the best!

Diane

£48

Little Christmas Trees

Course
31 Lessons

Coming this autumn!

A little bit about me

I'm Isobel (or Izzy) and I’ve been creating as long as I can remember.

For over fifteen years, I’ve helped people make friends with their sewing machine and become confident exploring ideas and inspirations through stitch.