REWORKED: Transforming Vintage Embroidery into Contemporary Textile Art with Madelaine Atkinson

Location: Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE
Duration: 2 Day Workshop (10am - 4:30pm each day) 

This two-day workshop explores how vintage embroidered textiles can be transformed into contemporary embroidered artworks through layering, appliqué, fabric manipulation, hand embroidery and embellishment/beading. Inspired by Madelaine Atkinson's own textile practice, students will begin with a unique vintage embroidered fragment/motif and learn how to extend, reinterpret and transform it into a new imagined motif or textile composition.

Throughout the workshop, students will explore creative techniques including fabric layering, appliqué, thread blending, embellishment, beading, fabric painting and controlled heat manipulation to create texture, dimension and surface interest. Students will be encouraged to experiment with materials and develop their own personal response, creating a small contemporary textile artwork, decorative patch or embellished panel that can later be developed into a framed piece, garment embellishment or larger textile work.

This workshop is suitable for students with some embroidery experience who are interested in contemporary approaches to embroidery, textile art and embellishment. 

Important Course Information

- Please check your email address is correct before ordering.

- Read all of the course description information above and the “How the Course Works” information below before booking.

- All courses are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to move you to another course.

If you have any questions, please check our FAQs page here.

Taught Techniques 

• Selecting and composing with vintage embroidered textiles

• Extending existing motifs through hand embroidery

• Fabric appliqué and layering techniques

• Creating new shapes and forms using fabric collage 

• Controlled fabric manipulation and heat techniques (burning technique)

• Cutting, fraying and distressing fabrics to create texture

• Hand embroidery techniques for adding detail and connecting layers

• Thread blending and colour building

• Beading and embellishment techniques

• Fabric painting 

• Combining traditional embroidery with contemporary textile methods

• Developing personal imagery and composition

• Creating a finished contemporary textile panel

What You’ll Need to Provide 

- All materials and tools will be provided - Course kit materials may vary slightly from those shown in sample imagery, however all alternatives are chosen to closely reflect the intended techniques and final results.  

- There is an element of personalisation in this course so if you would like you can bring along any extra materials, we would recommend:  fabrics, trims or vintage textiles you may wish to incorporate into their work 

- If you wish you are welcome to bring your own mug for refreshments and your own embroidery kit, though this is completely optional and not required.

About Your Tutor

Madelaine Atkinson is a contemporary textile artist and embroiderer whose work combines traditional hand embroidery with experimental textile techniques, embellishment and repurposed materials.

She graduated with a First Class degree in Textile Design from Birmingham City University and was awarded the Hand & Lock Prize for Student Fashion in 2023. Madelaine has also completed an MA at the Jimmy Choo Academy, graduating with Distinction.

Her work explores the relationship between traditional craft and contemporary textile art through the use of vintage embroidery, hand stitching, embellishment, fabric manipulation and found materials. Drawing inspiration from nature, marine forms and decorative textiles, she creates richly layered surfaces that celebrate both history and transformation.

Madelaine's workshop offers students an insight into her creative process and encourages experimentation, material exploration and the development of individual textile pieces.