Starting to panic a little bit as I am supposed to be going back to Hampton Court next Saturday and so far have done absolutely none of the homework set! So have given up on writing my reports for the afternoon (sometimes you need a break!) to try and get a little sewing done.
First job was to stem stitch the smaller branch, making sure to introduce shading along its length. Here is a little demo, that might help to make the process clearer. Bring the needle up at point a and then down at point b, just as you would for a running stitch.
Bring the needle up at a and down at b.
Then, keeping the wool thread to the right hand side (apparently it is a different stitch if you take the yarn to the left), bring the needle up at the halfway point of your stitch at c.
Keep the wool to the right and bring needle up at c.
And then put the needle in at point d – repeat the stitching along the line.
Put the needle down at d.
The next job was to fill in the hillock with block shading. This is basically overlapping lines of satin stitch. I completed this section, but am not happy with the ends as the stitches just look too big – so this might mean more unpicking! As you can see I have just found the pen tool to edit pictures – but find it really difficult to write with my fingers!
So, here is my progress. At least I have got some of the work done – so won’t feel quite so bad next weekend.
I had some good news about my Hampton Court security pass too – hopefully it will be waiting for me to pick up. This means that I can go straight up to the sewing rooms and maybe get there early enough to find a trestle away from the door. Fingers crossed xxx
sweetfallenangels 
Hi Deborah, I am very pleased to find your blog as I am about to start the Certificate Intensive class in Jacobean on the 26th June at the Royal School. Your blog is very interesting and gives me some idea about the class and some of the problems. Your stitching is looking very neat and it does sound as though it is all very particular. I am coming from New Zealand and I have not been advised to bring anything …which seems weird! I have a few questions and hope you will be able to answer them.
1. How wide is the slate frame? I am trying to make a simple calico bag and I know the frame is 24 inches long but have no real idea about the width once it is laced etc.
2. Do they provide a lap frame and fabric for trying out your stitching first?
3. Should I bring some crewel work books?
I hope you can help me as I have tried to phone the School and I am unable to get through.
Thanks Lynn
Hi Lynn, glad the blog is of use to someone! Welcome to the world of the RSN. I have just whizzed upstairs to measure my frame and it is approximately 82cm x 82cm (give or take) and the cross bar ends are about 3.5 cm thick so you will need to allow for this. My bag started as 90cm x90cm and seems to accommodate the frame well. I have not seen any additional lap frames for trying out stitching – but you could take one and they will provide you with additional material if you ask (at a small cost). Some people practice their stitching around the edge of their work – but how this works when you frame up I don’t know. I take ‘The Embroidery Stitch Bible’ with me – but they do have copies of several books there. Hope this helps – you will know more than me in a few weeks time as you will have finished your first module before me! Have fun.
Hi Deborah
Thanks very much for all that wonderful information!! I have a friend who thinks she’s has a very large bag somewhere in an old wardrobe she used for patchworking which may be ok for me. Hope so otherwise I will be busy stitching one!!
Thanks again and keep up the great stitching.
Kind regards
Lynn
No worries, would love to know how you get on!
Looking good, my work really started to grow quite quickly between lessons 5 & 6. I hoping to get my school reports finished this weekend & then my own homework, finishing ready for mounting next time.
That’s good to hear as day 5 is this Saturday and then I think I have one final lesson in July – before the end of term. I think I have seen your work on one of my visits to the RSN, so look forward to seeing the finished product.