Crewelwork workshop at Scampston Hall

Once we had been treated to a cuppa, we started the day choosing our designs and wool colour ways, then transferring our designs using the Prick & Pounce method. The conservatory is fabulous. Spacious and airy, with the most amazing light. The lovely Bothies ladies had set up a long table down the center of the room so that we could all work together.

We were so busy that in no time at all we were ready for lunch. Some of us had brought our own pack ups and others ordered from the Pantry restaurant. I can personally vouch for the Pantry’s yummy homemade tomato and lentil soup. Whether we had a packed lunch or ordered from the Pantry we ate together in another part of the conservatory. After lunch some of us went for a walk in the walled garden before continuing with our embroidery.

On the second morning, as a special treat, we started the day with a private viewing of Violet Helen’s bedspread in the blue bow bedroom of the Hall. This is a stunning bedspread, in fabulous condition. Hand stitched as a gift for Violet Helen as a wedding present when she married Sir William Herbert St Quinton in 1895.

There are 4 designs repeated in alternating diagonals. Exquisitely stitched. Below is a small sample of the embroidery on this amazing bedspread. I have written a blog about this bedspread. To find out more …

We spent the rest of the day stitching in the Boudoir. Incidentally there is a portrait of Violet Helen above the mantlepiece in the boudoir. The boudoir is a beautiful and very inspiring space. We were surrounded by stunning art work, magnificent antiques and glamorous handmade soft furnishings. The gorgeous full length windows opened out onto the gardens. We imagined ourselves transported back a hundred years, sitting in this very room working on our embroidery as only ever so ‘accomplished’ ladies would.

In reality this group of ladies were all exploring crewelwork for the first time. Everyone worked on one of two designs and chose one of four colour ways of wool. Everyone was introduced what I like to call, the ‘five essential’ stitches for crewel. With the addition of long and short soft shading. Although we were all learning the same stitches, different designs and colour ways meant that each embroidery was unique. Future crewelwork embroidery workshops at Scampston will be mixed ability.

To finish off our two days of creative ‘ME’ time. We sat together back in the beautiful Richardson conservatory for a yummy cream tea. The perfect way to complete our workshop.

Jacqueline runs mixed ability small group embroidery workshops, in various venues, at scheduled times throughout the year.