Native Meadow and Grassland Sampler with Natalie Rowe
| Location: Hampton Court Palace | |
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Technique: Threadwork |
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Duration: 1 day. 10am-4pm |
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Course Description
This sampler project is inspired by Britain’s meadow and grassland habitats, which are home to a variety of native flora and invertebrate species. The complex web of relationships between the plants and insects that this unique environment supports provides a diverse array of colours, textures and forms to explore in embroidery.
The class will cover embroidery stitches, including stem stitch, chain stitch, back stitch, laid work, buttonhole stitch, fly stitch and French knots. First, you will combine these stitches to fill the central motif of a common-rock rose. Then you will fill the remainder of the sampler as you wish, drawing inspiration from the tradition of samplers and embroidery pattern books as a way of learning and exploring embroidery techniques. A pattern book of further motifs will be provided to allow you to develop your own design. Alternatively, you can use your own drawings to create a more personalised sampler.
After covering the basic stitches, there will be an opportunity within the class to experiment with the variety of ways they can be used to create different effects. The accompanying instruction booklet and pattern book are designed to assist you in adding to your sampler after the class, building your confidence as you progress from simpler motifs to more detailed images in this relaxing stitching project.
The kit includes an off-white linen fabric, printed with the central design, in addition to a collection of stranded cotton and wool threads in a wide range of colours. The placement of these threads is up to the stitcher, enabling you to develop your own unique sampler.
This class is suitable for beginners and stitchers of all levels. The tuition will provide an introduction to embroidery stitches, as well as guidance for those wishing to develop skills in embroidery design and composition.
What you will need to bring
All of the specialist materials and equipment required for the course will be provided for you. We recommend bringing a notebook and pen if you would like to make notes throughout the course. And if you have a favourite mug, feel free to bring it along for your refreshment breaks!
Tutor Biography
Natalie Rowe
Natalie is an artist, embroiderer and tutor. She graduated from Camberwell College of Arts with a first-class honours degree in Illustration before undertaking further training at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). She graduated from the RSN’s Future Tutor Programme with Distinction in 2022, receiving the RSN Broderers’ Award for Top Student and becoming a qualified RSN Tutor. Natalie has taught a number of day classes for the RSN and also teaches on the RSN’s Certificate & Diploma programme. She has also developed a series of embroidery kits for the RSN Shop. In 2023, Natalie was part of the RSN Embroidery Studio team that worked on the Anointing Screen for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Interested in exploring and reinventing traditional techniques and motifs through her own contemporary designs, Natalie draws inspiration from the natural world and art history. She has exhibited her work at the Sunbury Embroidery Gallery and was selected to appear at the Broderers’ Exhibition in 2022 and 2025. In September 2026, Natalie joined the RSN’s in-house team and now regularly teaches across the RSN’s Short Courses programme.
Important Venue Information
Please note this is an in-person class at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU.
On Arrival
Access to Hampton Court Palace is security controlled. Access to the Palace grounds is only available via the main Palace gate (Trophy Gate) - this is the large gate closest to Hampton Court Bridge. Access is currently not available via other gates. On arrival, walk down the drive to the Palace itself and then around the left-hand (north) side of the building until you see the vehicle security barrier and the entrance to the Security Office.
There will be a member of staff to meet you outside the Security Office at 9.45am to escort you to the classroom. You will be issued a visitor pass - please make sure that you wear this and that it is visible at all times.
Accessibility
Hampton Court Palace dates back to the 14th Century. The main RSN classrooms are on the 3rd floor which can be accessed by the Chocolate Court Stairs in Fountain Court, whilst the other classroom has an additional six steps in order to access it. The palace is very old and the walk to our classrooms may have uneven surfaces, for example cobbles, worn steps, uneven steps and slopes. Please choose footwear that is comfortable and appropriate for the conditions. Some surfaces may be slippery, particularly if they are wet from rain. There is a lift available for acces from Fountain Court to the RSN apartments but access is prioritised for those with mobility issues.
Breaks and Lunchtime
Refreshments will be provided in the morning. You may take your lunch break in our break room or within the Palace gardens. Please bring a packed lunch and drink with you as there are only two sets of Palace facilities and there are likely to be lengthy queues at lunchtime. Please remember to wear your pass at all times.
Access to toilets
There two upstairs toilets will be available, Additional toilet facilities are available in Fountain Court.
Staff
The RSN Education Team are not onsite at the weekend so please do not expect to see any on your visit, if you need to speak with or contact a member of the team please email education@royal-needlework.co.uk in the first instance.
Materials
Your kit will be ready for you in the classroom. Any additional equipment will be available to purchase or borrow from the RSN on the day. It is useful to bring a notepad and pen, a thimble if you use one and a pair of sharp, favoured embroidery scissors.
RSN Shop
The shop is located on the ground floor next to the East Front Gate and will be open between 11am-4pm. We do have a 'click and collect' pickup service option if you wish to order anything from the shop in advance and pick it up when you attend for your class. This option is available at the Online Shop checkout. Please note that five working days notice must be given to use the shop pickup service.
Photography
You may take photographs of your own work in progress, or of other students’ work with their permission. Photography of work on the walls or any RSN collection pieces is not permitted in any area of the RSN. From time to time we may wish to take photographs of your class and work in progress for publicity material to be used on-line and in print. If you would prefer not to be included in these photographs please let us know.
Checklist BEFORE you Leave Home
[ ] HCP Pass – if you have one
[ ] Embroidery Scissors
[ ] Pen and paper
[ ] Drink and packed lunch
Native Meadow and Grassland Sampler with Natalie Rowe
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