In this four-day workshop, you’ll explore how to draw with thread rather than pencil, using hand embroidery and appliqué to capture the shapes, textures and colours of native plants. Working from carefully observed still-life arrangements, you’ll learn how stitch can become a form of sketching — expressive, intuitive and deeply connected to place. 

We begin with simple stitching exercises, creating thread sketches over appliquéd fabric shapes to build confidence with line, form and composition. From there, you’ll develop a series of stitched studies inspired by foliage, blossoms and natural still-life groupings. 

As the workshop progresses, you’ll move toward a resolved final artwork — a detailed stitched still life or portrait. Through layered appliqué, considered fabric choices and expressive hand stitching, you’ll build depth, colour and emotional resonance within your piece. The gentle rhythm of slow stitching creates space to truly observe your subject and develop a meaningful connection to the work. 

This immersive workshop is ideal for makers who feel more at home with a needle than a pencil and for anyone wanting to deepen their observational skills through textile practice.