At the School of Stitched Textiles, we believe in unlocking creative potential and changing lives through education. Our Joan Harrison Creative Bursary is a testament to this mission, providing talented individuals with the opportunity to pursue their artistic dreams through our prestigious hand embroidery courses—completely free of charge.
Odette Barrow’s inspiring story exemplifies the transformative impact of this bursary. Selected from 130 applicants, Odette embraced the challenge with determination and passion, embarking on a journey of growth, discovery, and skill-building. From mastering intricate techniques like Hardanger and drawn thread work to designing a stunning, illuminated lampshade as her final project, Odette’s story is one of perseverance and accomplishment.
Thanks to the bursary, Odette gained the confidence to explore new techniques, create innovative designs, and contribute to her community through collaborative projects like a wall hanging and a sewn book for upcoming local celebrations. Her journey is a beacon of inspiration to us all. Take a look at her #MyStitchJourney.
Could you be our next bursary success story?
Applications for the Joan Harrison Creative Bursary are open now. If you have a passion for stitching and a dream to take your skills to the next level, we encourage you to apply. Application deadline is 31st December 2024 so apply now. Let us help you transform your future—just like Odette.
Odette Barrow
“The course put me face to face with subjects which I had considered above my ability, for example Hardanger and drawn thread work, but I have learned that I can thrive once I open myself up to the acquiring of new skills.”
Winning A Bursary to Study Hand Embroidery
On 6th September 2023 I received an email from the School of Stitched Textiles that has changed my future; it talked of the chance to receive a bursary to study.
The Joan Harrison bursary scheme enables students to access courses and learn vital skills to which they may not otherwise be financially able to apply for; I hardly dared hope.
A second email came on 20th September saying ‘This is your chance to begin your creative journey, which could be the key to unlocking so much potential’. I decided to apply.
I had recently joined my local library embroidery group, organised by two City and Guilds qualified women, who encouraged my application. They said that I would benefit from the structure of a formal course which would widen my scope of knowledge in a directed way, one which would challenge me further, and give new confidence in my newly-learned abilities.
My application was shortlisted on 11th October 2023 and I was so excited, having made it into the final 9 potential students from 130 applicants. I asked as many people as I could to ‘Please, vote for me!!’
And they did! I was awarded this incredible opportunity to develop further my love of creative crafting through hand embroidery.
Studying Hand Embroidery
The course paperwork was very detailed, and there is a lot of additional guidance available through the many facebook pages and student chat facility. I would encourage all students to take advantage of this essential element of the School.
Another key component for me were the regular zoom meetings, in which I engaged with the School’s tutors and other students on a variety of topics. This allowed me a chance to ask questions where I needed further guidance or confirmation. It was also a chance to compliment fellow learners and discover different perspectives.
I discovered that I needed a lot more time than was indicated in the module guidance to achieve the results I needed and standard I wanted. However, my depth of knowledge has improved and this has well positioned me for future study and application within my practice.
Personal Development
The course put me face to face with subjects which I had considered above my ability, for example Hardanger and drawn thread work, but I have learned that I can thrive once I open myself up to the acquiring of new skills.
The same occurred during the design module of the course, where I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of computer manipulation of my own photographs. It has empowered me with confidence to explore and create more of my own generated designs.
In my final module I designed and created a lampshade. This was a huge project for me but I really wanted to achieve something special to remind me of how far I have come in my practice. In this I was supported and encouraged by my tutor, Sam. When the light is switched on it truly is a beacon of inspiration.
Future Plans
Going forward, I will be designing and stitching a panel which is part of a large wall hanging of various mixed media to be displayed as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of my local water mill in Worsbrough next year.
Worsbrough Library is also celebrating next year. It will have been opened in its current location for sixty years, with its roots in the dissolution of the local monasteries. Our embroidery group has created a sewn book reminiscent of a Bayeux tapestry which will feature in the celebrations, of which we are immensely proud.
I would therefore like to thank everyone who had faith in my abilities and encouraged me to learn and develop with the School of Stitched Textiles.
Begin your creative stitch journey by applying for a bursary before the 31st December.
