If you’ve ever felt the need to rekindle your creative spark or push the boundaries of your craft, then Lucy Brown’s experience of studying with the us might just resonate with you.
After years of focusing on her role as a teacher, she realised it was time to make something for herself. Lucy told us that our intermediate Textiles course (Skill Stage 3) course has been transformative for her. Take a look at how our practical, hands-on course has not only helped her reclaim her passion for textiles but also challenged her to explore new techniques, and expand her skills.
If you’re contemplating an online textiles course that truly focuses on practical learning and growth, then take a look at Lucy’s #MyStitchJourney.
“I have improved my skills and my confidence has grown…
If you are considering an online course where practical work is the focus and in an area that you enjoy – then this course is definitely one you should consider. I miss the work but know I have improved as a practising artist as a result of completing it all.”
Lucy Brown
I have a need to learn and improve my skills; not only as a maker but also as an educator. When I discover the courses on offer at the School of Stitched Textiles, I seized the opportunity to study a practical course as a way to keep the grey matter working and also make something for me rather than for my students.
The last time I ‘made’ for myself was over 20 years ago during my Art foundation course. It was during that time that I discovered that I absolutely loved working with fibres and fabrics. I developed a reasonable technique and skills base which I was able to incorporate in my degree. Weaving was a firm favourite as was screen printing and machine embroidery – but these would be put on the shelf until I decided to go into teaching sometime later after my degree was completed and life took over.
Motivation for Studying
During my teacher training my focus was as a textiles teacher with what was previously known as resistant materials being my second area. It was during this time that my interest peaked and my knowledge and skills could be used. What was more was that the advances in the textiles industries had broadened the subject, allowing for more experimentation and exciting challenges. I revisited batik, transfer printing, weaving and also learnt how to use Tyvek and felt making methods. My excitement for the subject has been something that my students respond well to, and I have learnt from their adventurous experimentation what can be possible and I have become more confident as a result.
Choosing to study was something I wanted to do but most of the higher education courses did not offer any real practical element. I knew I wanted to do a practical based qualification as I am more engaged when making rather than writing so this course ticked all the boxes and I felt that I would develop my existing skills to a much higher level as well as learn some new things along the way.
Course Review
The course itself provided flexibility and allowed me to explore my own interests as well as areas that I would not normally have looked into such as the business element and forced me out of my comfort zone and into some form of ‘action’ in getting stuff done and out there for the world to see. It also encouraged me to consider the possibility of setting up a small online business and how I would go about it.
Since completing the course I have moved countries and will be heading back into the classroom full time. I will be bringing my new knowledge, skills and confidence with me and hope to set up a small community of crafting parents and students who I can share my passion and love of textiles with.
Skills Learnt
As a teacher I feel it important to continue my learning journey and this course allowed me the opportunity to do so. I have improved my skills and my confidence has grown. I would highly recommend the course to anyone who has a genuine interest in all areas of textiles. The course was well resourced and the time scales were easily achievable. My tutor was incredibly supportive and professional throughout and I looked forward to the feedback knowing that I would get an honest and constructive response to the work I was producing.
If you are considering an online course where practical work is the focus and in an area that you enjoy – then this course is definitely one you should consider. I miss the work but know I have improved as a practising artist as a result of completing it all.
Thank you to SST and Deb in particular.
