Last weekend I spent a wonderful day at Hampton Court stitching a Christmas Candy brooch by Kate Barlow. This course appealed to me for a number of reasons; I love embroidery with a practical use, I wear a brooch (or 3) every day and enjoy the run up to Christmas!
This is what we were aiming to stitch.
We started off by sewing the little Christmas trees onto Silk Dupion for the front and back of the little pieces of rock. These were then held together by a band of bugle beads.
After lunch we made the candy cane from twisted wool, beaded peppermint squares and wrapped bead bonbons. The class was very relaxed and Kate was a wonderful tutor – demonstrating each aspect of the brooch clearly. This is how much I managed to complete by the end of the day.
Now all I need to do is put it all together onto the brooch – but these would also look great as a Christmas tree decoration.
I also had time to wander around the grounds in between showers and the autumn colours are particularly pretty at the moment.
Back at home and after a couple of leisurely hours of sewing all the components were ready to put together…
And here is the finished brooch, minus the ribbon which just needs to be added. I can’t wait to wear…
Happy stitching one and all…
At first I thought just the tree would be the brooch! Wow, that must be some tiny work, make sure you show us a picture when you are wearing it!
Will do Kathy!
very festinve! and just look at those tiny xmas trees!
Super cute to sew!
Such a lovely design! I’ve heard great things about Kate as a tutor, and her designs are always so sweet. Definitely a nice little addition to your Christmas apparel!
She is very patient and generous with her time. I would definitely recommend her as a tutor.
What a delight – and it looks like it was fun, too!
It was good fun and quick to make!
It’s lovely. Enjoy wearing it throughout the festive season 😃
Thanks Kim, Just love a bit of kitch!
Love those tiny Christmas trees and the clever use of bugle beads too. I’m sure you’ll enjoy wearing it.
Thank you
That is stunning x
Thank you