Native Wildflower: Bramble with Natalie Rowe

This design is inspired by the bramble, a common native plant found in hedgerows, gardens and woodlands. Its delicate flowers and striking fruits provide a food source for a variety of insects, mammals and birds throughout the year, while its thorny stems offer shelter and a protective habitat.

During this class, you will learn a range of surface embroidery stitches, including open Cretan stitch, Stem Stitch, Chain Stitch, Mountmellick Stitch, Pistil Stitch, French Knots and Back Stitch. You will also learn how to create the ripening berries using corded Brussels Needlelace, embellished with glass beads to add texture and detail.

You will explore stitches traditionally associated with Mountmellick Whitework, where brambles and blackberries are a common motif, reinterpreting these techniques in the vibrant, naturalistic colours of the plant.

Working with a selection of stranded cottons, cotton perle threads and glass beads on a vibrant pink cotton fabric, you will learn how to combine colour, stitch and texture to bring the different elements of the bramble to life.

All techniques will be covered during the class, and you will receive a detailed instruction booklet to support you in completing the design afterwards. The repetition within the design also gives you plenty of opportunity to practise and develop confidence in each technique.