By Maggie Colpus, justhands-on.tv Event Co-ordinator

Machine Embroidery – 22-23 April 2023 – Dionne Swift – New Place Hotel

Back again at New Place Hotel for something different with a new tutor – Introduction to Machine Embroidery with Dionne Swift.

For the majority this was a first, although a few of the ladies knew Dionne from her previous workshops.  Most were excited to be learning something new and a few were full of trepidations, so much so they brought their own work… just in case.  Dionne has seen this all before. She was incredibly helpful and patient with all of the students, demonstrating the various stages throughout the day. It all seemed so much more achievable after watching and listening to Dionne. Then, Dionne came round to each work station to help each student individually.

At first, it was a scary time for some letting their machines take complete control with the foot pedal pushed fully down to the floor and speed control at full speed!  After a while, everyone was hooked.

In fact, one of the ladies who had brought along her own work ended up phoning her husband mid-morning to ask him to bring her other machine so that she could fully enjoy the course. They lived not too far away. She enjoyed the whole course so thoroughly that she got very emotional at the end of the weekend.

So much learning and achievements in such a short time – from a blank piece of calico to a finished ‘picture’ of a favourite place. I think this time it is a case of let the pictures tell the story! 

Check out the pictures from the weekend.

Here’s what the students had to say about Dionne’s Machine Embroidery Weekend

Loved the course.

Dionne is very knowledgeable and clear in her explanations.  Loved the new justhands team set up. Great fun, relaxed and there when you needed them

Excellent justhands team.  Tutor very inspiring, so much so, I arranged for my husband to deliver my other machine so I could fully enjoy the course.

Fantastic location, very impressed by the organising team.  Dionne was a great teacher, motivated and professional. Really enjoyed the weekend and the company

Loved the weekend and really enjoyed learning new techniques.  Thank you everyone for our patience.

How to book a place at a retreat

Join us and escape for the weekend at one of our upcoming retreats – you’ll find full details here.  For any questions, just click on the Contact Us button.

You can also pre-register your interest for any of our retreats. Just email retreats@justhands-on.tv.

Here’s what coming up:

Patchwork & Quilting Weekend: Use a Template to Create Snail’s Trails with Andy and Jo of Crafty-UK, 23 -24 Sept 2023 The Hogs Back Hotel & Spa, Farnham, Surrey

Quilting Weekend: Quilt as you go Sampler Quilt with Sarah Soward and Terry Summerfield or BYO to Val’s Sewing Corner, 14-15 Oct 2023 at New Place Hotel, Shirrell Heath, Hampshire

Quilting Weekend: Applique and Free Motion Quilting (Delphine Brooks Highland Cow Pattern) with Anita Birtles, 28 -29 Oct 2023 at The Hog’s Back Hotel & Spa, Farnham, Surrey

Quilting Weekend: Make it Celtic with Angela Madden, 18-19 Nov 2023 at New Place Hotel, Shirrell Heath, Hampshire

You are always welcome to join us in the sewing corner as a day or residential student on all our weekends if you don’t fancy booking on the class offered and you’d simply like a little sewing me time. You can finish your UFO’s or even start a new project without interruptions. The day student option is subject to availability. Please get in touch if you are interested.