Our graduates have stories to tell. Read through our Graduate Stories and discover how our courses have enabled them to begin new textiles careers, gain creative confidence and become more focused. Through these stories we aim to help prospective students decide what courses to study and demonstrate how they can benefit so many people.
Our graduates are shaping the world of textiles. They’re designers/makers who supply clients and stores in all corners of the globe, they’re authors for magazines and books, and business start-ups. Some even go on to work in TV/ theatre, teach or simply take pleasure in evolving their textile skills to a new level.
We are frequently asked about the direction that our students take after they have graduated from their courses at School of Stitched Textiles. So we ask our graduates to tell their stories.
We have combined their narratives with images of their work to showcase their very individual styles in our graduate stories publication. We hope their accounts inspire you to undertake a course yourself and see where it can take you.
Having recently graduated from the SofST, Wendy Oakley has kindly offered to share her experience of studying Stumpwork. Wendy joined us on our beginner’s Stumpwork course and went on to the study our accredited Stumpwork course. This is her incredible creative journey! Wendy Oakley I have always loved the history
Hayley Semper recently completed our Skill Stage 3 Machine Embroidery Course. Hayley has kindly agreed to share her experience of studying with the School of Stitched Textiles, and we’re sure a lot of people can related to her story. She describes choosing a career over her passion but after more than
Grazyna Cox has completed our Skill Stage 2 Hand Embroidery course and shares with us her very own creative journey. Previous experience In the early 1950s I watched my grandmother as she used a Singer treadle machine to make family clothes. I was desperate to have a go. As a
Annegret Fauser was looking for a course that would foster her creativity and design skills. Having completed our Skill Stage 4 Patchwork & Quilting course she shares her experience of gently being pushed beyond the boundaries of her technical abilities and developing her unique creative voice. Annegret Fauser As a writer and
Helen Plummer recently completed our Skill Stage 3 Machine Embroidery course and joins us today to share her experience. Helen was initially looking for a distraction and a new focus. However, after a few modules on our course, she found that her ‘latent artistic side’ was finally able to burst into full
Elysia Cusworth got the chance to study with the School of Stitched Textiles towards the end of 2019. She received the highest number of votes in our Bursary poll and was awarded a place on our Hand Embroidery Skill Stage 2 course. At age 16 at the time of joining us, Elysia also
Penny Merrett has kindly agreed to share her experience of studying our Skill Stage 2 Felt Making course. She completed the course a few months ago and has really enjoyed the creative process. During the course she made a lined bag, a felt ball necklace, and a beautiful wall hanging. Penny
Myra Velk completed our Skill Stage 2 Machine Embroidery Course towards the end of 2020. Myra admits that she agonised over the decision to study with us for quite some time. However, since completing the course, she wishes she had done it sooner and has some excellent advice for future students. This
Denise Dent recently completed our Skill Stage 3 Hand Embroidery course. Denise has always been a creative person; interested in textiles and design. However, Denise knew that she wanted to expand her skills and use the course to go on an important voyage of self discover. This is her graduate story.
Amanda Godden recently completed our Skill Stage 2 Crochet Course. She came to us a beginner but as a ‘lifelong learner’ knew that she wanted to develop her skills. Today, she tells us about all of the valuable techniques she’s learned and how she is working towards her goal of opening
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