Material List

Material List

This workshop is designed with traditional metal purls in mind, and their very particular movement, sculptural qualities and the way they play with light. Smaller beads - such as seed beads will work really well too - metal or other - and allow you to create your own unique effects with what you have.

I have prepared an optional kit for this course, with a nice selection of purls and beads perfect for SHINE which you can find soon in my shop or at the bottom of this page

  • I recommend metal purls in gold / silver and/or copper as a starting point. Size 6 is a good medium weight purl to start with (usually available size 4-8) Info about caring for metal threads can be found here

  • Beads your choice - small, such as seed beads, but large enough to fit through your chosen needles - think about what will give you interesting texture and shine!

  • Embroidery hoop (8” recommended) Bound will give you more support Or slate frame / stretched wooden canvas if preferred

  • Embroidery stand, such as a barrel or seat fame - optional, but will allow you to use both your hands to stitch, which is easier!

  • Natural, non-stretchy fabric such as a plain, medium weight linen or a calico - choose something that you find pleasing to  work on!

  • Needles - size 10 embroidery needles  are recommended for conventional goldwork supplies, but you may need to adapt for less conventional purls and beads

  • Strong machine thread such as Gutermanns Sew All to match passing threads: - Gold: 488 or 968 - Silver: 08 or 38 - Copper: 612 or 649

  • Optional - thicker / darker threads to suit eyesight, such a buttonhole thread or stranded cottons

  • Beeswax for coating machine threads is optional

  • Velvet board - for cutting and catching purls - Tip: cotton velvet double sided taped on a lipped plastic lid works well!

  • Sketch book - I use an A4 book - nothing too small!

  • Pencil - 2H or 4H will not smudge on your fabric

  • Pens of your choice - I recommend starting with black pens and white paper

  • Rubber, Ruler, Pencil sharpener, Compass

  • White Tissue paper

  • A curious mind!