Kathy Ross - Artist - Events / Workshops

I am taking part in Open Studios for the first time this year. You can come along to see my studio, my work and visit other local artists.

For further details do take a look at www.open-studios.org.uk/entry/2025/kathy-ross

One to one lessons and small groups

I offer lessons and groups teaching slow stitch and other textile processes (such as wet felting).

I am happy to run small groups for both adults and children (they would need to be old enough to stitch and use an iron).

See the list of suggested lessons and workshops below.

The normal cost is:

£90 for an individual lesson of 2 hours

£80 per person for 2 - 4 people in my studio, for a 2 hour lesson

Prices for a series of lessons or workshops varies so do take a look at the workshops below or contact me to commission a group workshop

Vouchers for lessons

If you would like to buy a voucher as a Christmas or birthday present contact me.

Do take a look at the list of lessons and workshops below for something suitable.

Larger group workshops

I occasionally run groups locally for groups of between 6-10 people and when I do I will publicise details of these on my website and social media accounts.

I would normally focus on the workshop ideas and topics below. Larger groups can also be an opportunity for shared learning and support. An example of these is the slow stitch groups I have run for Special Needs Parents in Reading.

Workshop topics to choose from:

Introduction to slow stitch

This can be a introduction of 2 hours or a series of workshops.

You will be introduced to the joy of slow, simple repetitive stitches with no pressure to create anything in particular. This process can be both creative and mindful. Although. only basic skill of threading a needle and simple running stitch is needed, all levels from beginning to skilled embroider are welcome.

All materials will be provided. Fabric scraps and reclaimed fabric like denim, cotton and linen will be used along with plant dyed silks. You are welcome to bring your own thread, needles and scrap fabric if there is something in particular you want to incorporate or work with.

Once you have created a small piece (approximately 10x10cm) it can be enjoyed as is, contemplated, or transformed into a little card or pouch.

I have a box of patches/pre-worked pieces that I head to when I am working on an art piece or upcycling project. The piece you make will be the start of your slow stitch journey and can use it as you see fit.

Cost

£90 for 2 hour lesson for an individual
£80 per person for a small group lesson

Larger group workshop prices on request.

Embellishing a patch (for repairs)

This can be a one off lesson or small group workshop of about 2 hours.

The focus will be on creating a patch that can be used for a repair (or used for other creative endeavour like a card)

You may not complete the patch in this time but you will have a clearer outline of how to go forward. Alternatively you can arrange a follow up lesson or a series of workshops or lessons.

£90 for 2 hour lesson for an individual
£80 per person for a small group lesson / workshop

Larger group workshop prices on request.

Make a fabric pendant or talisman

This workshop will guide you through the process of creating a simple a unique piece of jewellery from fabric. t

Normally runs for 2-3hours.

It is best for a small group - around 4 people.

£30 per person

All materials will be provided and, following Kathy’s principles of using as much reclaimed material as possible, this will include plant dyed fabrics, denim or reclaimed linen and cotton bases; threads from the thrift shop; access to some linen and silk threads for embellishments. There will also be small embellishments like shells, tiny sea glass and buttons. You can choose between a silk piece of fabric or necklace cord. I

f you want to bring along a special piece of fabric or embellishment you are welcome to.

In 2.5 -3 hours it is best to stick to a simple design (or you may want to finish it at home if you are a confident stitcher).

This is suited to someone with some stitch experience.

Cost

£90 for 2 hour lesson for an individual
£80 per person for a small group lesson

Larger group workshop prices on request.

Upcycling clothing - for the more experienced stitcher

This is a opportunity to use the skills (that you may already have or may have learnt from an introducotry lesson or workshop) to upcycle an item of clothing. You may want to spruce up a fading linen dress with bright stitched pieces or add patches to a denim jacket. You may want to add an external pocket to a pair of trousers or brighten up the hemline of a pair of jeans.

It is likely that this would take longer than one lesson. In 2 hours I would expect we could look at the item you want to upcycle, discuss options and start this process. You would have ideas to stitch further at home or you could arrange a follow up lesson.

We will need to talk ideas through before agreeing on this lesson to ensure that we have a joint understanding of what is possible in the time frame provided.

PLEASE NOTE: This lesson is aimed at upcycling using slow stitch and patch like embellishments. It is not a lesson for dressmaking repairs such as zip inserts, buttonholes, hems, taking in etc.

If you want a larger group for this course I would suggest the workshop above as it is not possible in a short space of time to do bespoke upcycling as each person's item may have different requirements that time won't allow for me to provide individual attention needed.

Cost

£90 for a 2 hour individual lesson
£80 per person for 2 hours for 2 people

Slow stitching a scroll or book - meditative time

This is best as a series of 3 lessons or workshops (2 hours each).

You will slow stitching pieces of fabric together to create a scroll or little book. This process uses repurposed materials, plant dyed fabrics and various embellishments and threads (mostly collected from thrift stores or repurposed). The idea of slow stitching is to enjoy the process of rhythmic, repetitive stitch as a time to reset, regulate or reflect.

This is a piece that can be slowly worked, at home and in lessons, as a meditative, soothing process. You can explore different stitch types, or stick to simple running stitch. You can start with no plan or you may want to bring something meaningful with you (an object, photo or memento) to reflect on while stitching.

Cost

£190 for an individual
£190 per person for small group (up to 4 people)

Cost of workshop for larger group available on request.

Wet felting a small picture

This can be a one off lesson or small group workshop of 1.5-2 hours.

You will be wetfellting on to a small piece of wet felt, about A4 size.

All materials provided. These will be predominantly British wool roving, some of which will be plant dyed. There will also be small amounts of my wool roving stash and other fibres (like bamboo, silk, wool yarn remnants.

It is also possible to add hand stitching and embroidery afterwards, once the piece is dry. This can be done at home or in an additional session.

Cost

£90 for 2 hour lesson for an individual
£80 per person for a small group lesson

Larger group workshop prices on request.

A fun introduction to plant dyeing and slow stitch

This is a seasonal, small group workshop and will depend on what plants I have stored or available to forage.

Yellows are from flowers like coreopsis and dahlias. Browns from dock seeds, walnut husks and acorns. Red from madder root. Yellows and greens from onion skins. Pinks from avocado pips. (this will not include dyes, like indigo, that require fermenting or a long preparation time)

I will focus on one or two colours that I have available. If you want something specific (like madder ) that may require me to purchase dye material and increase the cost of the workshop.

The dye will be in small jars or saucepans and we will dye small pieces of fabric in them.

This is a longer workshop (4 hours) as we will stitch using reclaimed and pre dyed fabrics while dye steeps and materials soak. At the end of the workshop you will have started a small slow stitch piece or patch and can take away some small pieces of dyed fabric to use later.

This is best done in my studio or at a venue which meets the requirements (space, ability to use hot plates, ventilation, access to sink and water).

Cost

£160 per person for a 4 hour workshop (maximum 5 people in my studio)

Contact me to discuss commissioning of this kind of workshop
(Tea and biscuits provided. If during lunch please do bring your own lunch with).

Eco art workshop

Cost - Contact me to discuss details and cost of commissioning this kind of workshop

This workshop works best as small group, either 4 hours long or a series of shorter workshops.

It can involve weaving, wrapping of found fabrics or other materials like plastic bags or paddling pool strips.

It can also involve melting plastic waste (such as bags and milk bottles) to create new plastic forms/sheets that can then be cut and used (e.g. as earrings, parts of a group installation)

If you are interested in commission in this for a school, community group or company, please do take a look at examples of similar large eco art projects I have been involved in

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