Certificate Classes at the Royal School of Needlework

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) has a program where people can take four classes to earn a Certificate, the classes are Jacobean Crewel, Canvaswork, Silk Shading and Goldwork. After the four basic classes are completed successfully there are additional advanced classes that can be taken in other techniques.

All of the projects for the Certificate Classes are worked on slate frames. It takes between 1 and 1 1/2 days to create the design, frame up and transfer the design to the fabric. The slate frame is wonderful to work on as it keeps the fabric very tight, it is worth the time it takes to frame up and have the fabric stay tight while stitching the project. Each project is assessed and the student receives the assessment with the score and comments from the tutor.

I have completed the Jacobean Crewel and Canvaswork Certificate Classes. I took the intensive classes, which are two weeks, Monday-Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day for each technique. I brought each project home over the week-end in order to finish on time. The mounting takes another day or so to complete.

The projects are suppose to be original designs. For my crewel project I looked at 3 different designs and took parts from each to create my design. We were suppose to use 2 colors with several shades and one contrast color also with several shades. We used Appleton wool for the crewel projects. The design was suppose to be a tree of life with an insect or animal.

My canvaswork project was taken from a photograph that I took while in Bayeau, France. The water wheel is located near the Bayeau Tapestry. We were suppose to have a water design to learn to do the reflection. The design was traced and then transferred to the canvas which was on the slate frame. We had to use a variety of stitches and threads on 24 count canvas. I used about 22 different stitches, DMC and Anchor floss, metallic thread and flat silk.

I will take the Silk Shading class next spring in San Francisco and return to Hampton Court Palace in England for the Goldwork class. I will be working on small projects to improve my skills.