Claire Harvey very bravely told us that one of her motivations for studying with us was to improve her mental health. As a result of studying our Machine Embroidery course (Skill Stage 3) Claire has learnt so much about herself and gained so much confidence. In 2022 she was put forward by her tutors for our 2022 Student Exhibitions Awards in recognition of her achievements. And, as a Machine Embroidery graduate, Claire has opened a shop on Etsy, established her own website and even completed her first solo exhibition.
We’re immensely proud and delighted that Claire is thriving in her new passion for free motion embroidery. She is testament to the healing power of creativity! This is her #MyStitchJourney.
“I learned so much about myself. With support and praise from my tutor along with other students in the Facebook group, my confidence grew enormously, and I found that I was excited to share my work, something that I had never done before. I even felt confident enough to organise a solo art exhibition at our local gallery. The exhibition was very successful, and I was so proud of myself for having the courage to do it.”
Claire Harvey
Machine Embroidery Graduate
I developed a love of textiles at a very early age. My mum and my nan were both keen dress makers and we always had scraps of fabric to play with. By the time I went to secondary school, I was competent with a sewing machine and was keen to develop skills.
During my GCSE years, I was encouraged to combine my love of art with my love of textiles and was introduced to free machine embroidery. I was blown away that my two favourite subjects could be combined, and I had dreams of continuing with art and textiles as a career. Sadly, this wasn’t to be for various reasons, and I ended up following a very different career path. Life got busy, and over thirty years past before I discovered my love of creativity again.
Motivation
Possibly out of disappointment and a change of direction, I didn’t do anything creative after leaving school, but I always felt as though a part of me was missing. After a serious mental health break down in 2020, I knew I needed a change, so I decided to ask my family to buy me my first ever sewing machine for my 48th birthday, and that’s when the fun began.
After a year of playing and experimenting I wanted to see if I could achieve a qualification in textiles, all be it 30 years later than I’d originally hoped. I knew I needed to study online because I was still recovering from my breakdown, so I searched for a suitable course. A degree felt way too much out of my comfort zone, but when I came across school of stitched textiles, I knew that would be perfect for me, my only problem was deciding which course to do, because they all looked amazing.
What I Learned
I knew that I already had some skills when I enrolled but I learned so much more while working through the modules. A big thing for me was learning how to plan and work through my designs.
Before I began studying with school of stitch, I was really just seeing something I liked on Instagram or Pinterest and having a go. I initially found the design module quite difficult, but as the course went on, I realised just how much I had learned from that module and how much it has helped me with future work.
I also learned so much about myself. With support and praise from my tutor along with other students in the Facebook group, my confidence grew enormously, and I found that I was excited to share my work, something that I had never done before. I even felt confident enough to organise a solo art exhibition at our local gallery. The exhibition was very successful, and I was so proud of myself for having the courage to do it.
Plans for the Future
Following the success of my first exhibition, I now have two more booked in for this year.
I have been asked to run a few classes at our local art centre later this year and to visit some local craft groups to talk about my work. I’m yet to agree to these as this would be a big step out of my comfort zone, but I am delighted to have been asked and I am considering them.
I also have an Etsy shop and my website is up and running.
I am currently very busy with my own creative practice, but I would consider enrolling on Skill Stage 4 Advanced Machine Embroidery course in the future.
Advice For New Students
If you are considering studying with school of stitched textiles, then I would say just do it! I did this entirely for me, it was something I needed to do, and I am so glad that I did. The support I received from my tutor was amazing. Even when I doubted myself, she never doubted me, and she always encouraged me keep going and helped to understand ways I could improve my work. I am so proud to finally have a qualification in textiles.
My advice would be to keep in touch with your tutor and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. If something seems difficult, your tutor can help you to understand it clearer. Plan your time so that you don’t fall behind. Some modules take longer than others, make sure you leave plenty of time for your assessment modules.
Most of all, have fun, enjoy and be proud of your achievements.
Follow Machine Embroidery graduate, Claire Harvey on Instagram or check our her shop on Etsy.
