My Class Notes from My Class at RUM

This year was the first year that I had ever attended RUM (Royal University of the Midrealm held on November 22, 2014). I chose to teach an Intro to Blackwork Embroidery class while there. Overall, the class went extremely well. At first, there was some confusion as my class was scheduled in one room and ended up being placed in a classroom across the hall.

With my class, I provided a binder for display that had various blackwork embroidery patterns (both historical and modern) as well as some printed portraits of people during the Tudor era with blackwork on their clothes. I brought in some of my examples for students to look at (some of my earlier projects with embroidery floss and a couple of later projects with silk thread to demonstrate the difference between these two).

I also provided a beginner's kit, which included a needle, some embroidery thread, and some cross-stitch canvas. I advised the ladies in my class that linen fabric and silk thread are period, while the items I provided were not period. However, with the items I provided, I have found to be quite useful when first learning how to do blackwork embroidery, as it helps one to count their holes and to get a feel for embroidering the pattern.

My class lasted for one hour.  I provided a bried basic history of how blackwork embroidery has been documented in England since Chaucer's time, but it really became popular with the nobility when Catherine of Aragon (first wife of Henry VIII) was queen.

A couple of the questions asked by students included:

1) Do you use a hoop or a frame?  Answer: A frame would be better, so your linen does not get stretched or warped.  I have only used a hoop, but have plans to use a frame in the future.

2) Is it recommended to use embroidery stabilizer or interfacing of any kind?  Answer: I have not used interfacing.  My preference is only for the basic items needed (a hoop or frame, a needle, silk thread, and linen fabric).

• Note:  the lady who asked me this question said she would try it both ways to see if there is any difference.

Overall, I quite enjoyed teaching this class and look forward to teaching again!