WEEKLY LEARNER PROGRESS-WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 25TH MARCH 24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue developing the Johnny Knoxville embroidery design.  Michelangelo will be encouraged all the way with this project and supported as much as we can do so, as he is so independent and self-sufficient, it is unreal.  

Progress:  A superb week for Michelangelo who just progresses in between helping others when required.  He has started another little test-project which has started to evolve nicely and has been a learning curve from a textile technology perspective.  Transfer printing onto cotton-mixed fabrics can be a hit and miss technique, especially if the cotton percentage is high.  From an embroidery perspective, this has been going exceptionally well, although his personal machine ‘Golwyn’ is still being temperamental at times.

Advice:  To continue and hopefully complete the Johnny Knoxville project whilst also having more of a dabble with the transfer printing techniques, achieving the best results onto a mostly cotton-based t-shirt.  We could look at creating a layer onto the cotton so that the print has something to grip onto.  Either way, we will work with Michelangelo to make the next week very successful for him and others.  Well done to our Red Band Michelangelo.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue working well on his Thinking Skills Programme and also the work he is creating within the studio.

Progress:  Giorgio’s project : inspired by Vermeer’s Girl With A Pearl Earring is progressing well but Giorgio has been very restricted by time this week, owing to his commitments to his course.  When in the studio, he has worked particularly well on his design but there is still work to do on the face of the Girl With A Pearl Earring.

Advice:  We are encouraging Giorgio to do what he can when he can.  He is not to be worried about his progress being restricted as the TSP course has to be his priority to ensure his transfer to a Category D establishment.  We are always proud of the wonderful calming energies that Giorgio brings into the room with him.  We would love to see him complete his work for the deadline of 25th April and don’t think that he needs to worry about making any more pieces of work for this occasion as he definitely has more than enough.  Well done Giorgio, we praise you!

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue working on his beautiful Dalmatian dog embroidery project that is going very well.  Rayban should aim to look at his techniques used where his embroidery is concerned.  This is why we would like to see him move forward with looking at the reverse embroidery technique (where his spool thread is thicker than his top thread and he stitches his work upside down so that he can see the thicker embroidery thread.

Progress:  We are really pleased with Rayban’s progress and have discussed where we would like to see him in the next stage of his progress as a Mentor.  After observing his manners, progress, and the way he has been looking after the learners and our studio, we are very pleased to announce that he will be offered Lead Mentor Giorgio’s position when Giorgio completes his Thinking Skills Programme and progresses to a Category D establishment.

Advice:  To continue being the Rayban we all love and respect.  Rayban should continue to develop himself to the point of the transition into his new role which will hopefully be in the next month or so.  This full-time job will move Rayban into a better place financially (being a full-time position) however it is also very much about what Rayban has earned as a valued member of our group.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue his Mickey and Minnie design whilst also helping others as and when necessary.

Progress:  A good week for Mickey.  He has supported learners whilst also doing some work on his design.  Mickey has also been doing some personal work, which is related to cutting up old pyjamas and making something from them.  

Advice:  Mickey should be reminded that we are happy for a maximum of half an hour per week to be spent on personal work.  This work should be done in Tutor Jo’s sessions only and not in Tutor Shirley’s time.  Mickey, being part-time needs all of his session time to be able to complete his work for the Koestler Awards 2024.  He should aim to complete his Mickey & Minnie design this week and then plan on creating one more piece which will be completed by Thursday 25th April.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  Duckling’s aim is to progress as much as he can with his Minnie and Mickey embroidery work.

Progress:  Duckling has moved around sewing machines a lot this week.  He hasn’t quite found the machine which suits his way of working yet.  We have discussed the speed and movement which he uses as part of his technique, and this is related to the outcome.

Advice:  To ensure that he is not putting too much initial pressure down on the pedal and that he is not making sudden movements throughout his process as this is often why the thread snaps frequently.  We will keep an eye on him and ensure that he has the best machine for the work that he is doing.  He must also ensure that he has a backing fabric added to the design if he hasn’t already.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  For Dazel to continue his embroidery work for the decorative dragon he is creating using Nina the Bernina sewing machine.

Progress:   Super progress this week as Dazel is working with Nina (sewing machine) which has resulted in some great results and balanced tension which has been essential for his success.

Advice:  For Dazel to continue working on the decoratively embroidered dragon patch for the back of the dressing gown, but for him to also consider more of the same thing, if this technique is working well for him and enabling him to progress more speedily towards the Koestler deadline.  We are very happy for the next 3 weeks of his efforts to be injected into the very same piece of work, owing to the size of the robe and how much more of it could be decoratively treated.

Joanne Carroll:   29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To complete his Corvette  project through looking at its presentation and whether it should be a particular product, e.g. a cushion or a wall hanging etc.

Progress:  A good week for Ragy as he has worked well on the completion of his Corvette design, with the support of Lead Mentor George.  

Advice:  Ragy should now consider what his next piece of work will be as he now has only 3 weeks to produce one or two more pieces of work for Koestler and we do recommend that he spends this time focussed on some in-depth detail on one piece of work which is more substantial.  He should see this next piece as his money-maker piece of work that if sold, could make him some money around December of this year once the cheques are paid out.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  For Pierre to complete his Van Gogh’s Starry Night stitched painting through completing the last areas of machine embroidery onto a fabric base.  He should also aim to consider the tension of his design if he is going to stretch it onto a piece of card so that it can be mounted as a flat piece of embroidery that could potentially be framed by Koestler.

Progress:  Pierre has made the most beautiful job of completing the Starry Night piece of work.  It really is beautiful, and he has discussed the value of the piece of work and how it could be suitably priced for Koestler Awards 2024.  He has a great understanding of this process and has been pleasantly surprised by the value of his piece, in context of where it has been produced.  We definitely see Pierre’s piece of work being valued between £200 & £220. 

Advice:  Pierre should move onto the next piece of work, and this should be something that resonates with him and something that he can really get his teeth into.  He should take inspiration from some of the wonderful books and publications we have, and we do advise that he takes his creativity to the next level with either a new form of making textiles or taking the embroidery technique to the next level.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  For Melatonin to complete his Native American table runner.  To consider the presentation of this piece of work including things like borders etc.

Progress:  As usual Melatonin has made excellent progress and has fully completed the table runner, which looks fantastic.  He also immediately set on with a new piece of work which was inspired by something he saw in the Talking Textiles publication.  This entails a print and embroidery of a bottle shaped image.  This also is going exceptionally well.

Advice:  Melatonin should continue embroidering as he has been and maybe consider  some new / alternative techniques which help him progress to yet another level.  We are keen for Melatonin to attempt using the reverse embroidery technique.  This will enable him to achieve even more texture and colour in his work.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  Manuel’s looking for his Lost Youth project, which seems to have gone missing this week.  He should also begin his new project which he has been discussing (a papier mache mask).

Progress:  Manuel has had a very productive week, even though he has not located his piece of work (Lost Youth).  We are keen to find this piece and complete the presentation of the design for the purposes of entering it into the Koestler Awards.

Advice:  Manuel is making great progress with the mask.  He has taken the advice to store the mask in the warm cupboard so that it can dry out in between layers.  He should continue this pattern of working next week and we will attempt to locate the Lost Youth piece too, so that this can be finished.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  For new Learner Capaldi to continue working his wonderful in-depth manner.  He should just be himself and aim for the stars where this course is concerned.  He has every capability to progress to an excellent standard and we need to capture this, especially as he on the cusp of the Koestler Arts deadline.  Being offered another 2 weeks to produce work for the North East deadline, this is working particularly well and in Capaldi’s favour.

Progress:  Capaldi has had an excellent week.  He has worked constantly on the hand painting of his patches / shapes which will be printed directly onto his charity blanket at the end of the week.  It has been a pleasure to see him working so beautifully and in total serenity and peace with himself.

Advice:  Capaldi should aim to sail through the course in this same manner as his progression will be very much visible by his results but mostly important, very much understood by himself as he has never done anything like this before.  We know that he is in very much the right place and can’t wait to see him flourish.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  For Bennie to settle into the TAFIE group and feel comfortable and inspired by group and what he will be able to do / how he can develop himself on a creative level through textiles.

Progress:  Bennie has had a really great first week on the TAFIE group. He has taken to the machine embroidery technique exceptionally well, as a novice.  A few issues with the machine tension have slowed him down at times, however he has dealt with all of this really well and wants to make something from the embroidered flowers he is creating.

Advice:  For Bennie to continue to progress with his embroidery work. For him to consider making small ‘pin cushion’ style cushions that could be used for haberdashery.  This could be a good small product to sell for Koestler.  Bennie could also be introduced to using the reverse embroidery technique, whereby the spool threads used are much thicker and the work is sewn upside down.  We think Bennie will be able to manage this technique very well.

Joanne Carroll:  29/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue working on his Johnny Knoxville machine embroidery.  To also work alongside me ‘Tutor Jo’ and ‘Tutor Shirley’ and the other learners who would benefit from his support this week.  

Progress:  Another excellent but very challenging week for Michelangelo.  Again, the tension on  the machine has been very hard to control over the period of the week, but he has managed this as best as possible, learning a great deal about the machine he is using along the way.  His work has been chosen for video footage for the website this week, which is great news. 

Advice:  To hopefully complete his embroidery work on this piece by the end of next week and in the meantime, to consider what the next project might be.  Michelangelo would maybe benefit from revisiting his beautiful patchwork quilt which he made some time ago as it could be split into two to make 2 blankets rather than one.  He has been asked to think about this next week.

Observational comment:  Michelangelo shines like a star and generates an air of perfection in everything he does.  We are all in awe of the radiating creativity and good energy he radiates out into the classroom on a daily basis.  He is our very own studio guru.  Well done Michelangelo!

Joanne Carroll:  22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue developing his Girl With The Pearl  Earring project, whilst also supporting learners with their general needs and supporting them with his wonderful growing expertise.

Progress:  Giorgio’s project : inspired by Vermeer’s Girl With A Pearl Earring is coming along beautifully.  However, Giorgio has lost some time in the classroom this week owing to him now being accepted on the TSP course.  We are delighted for Giorgio as this is exactly what he needed.  We are behind him 100% of the way!

Advice:  For Giorgio to develop his current piece of work and try and complete it next week.  For him to look at blending the soft skin tones to build up the complicated surface of the lady’s skin as best as he can.

Observational comment:  Giorgio always puts others first.  Some sessions he barely sits down on his machine and then in others he might manage to make some progress.  He radiates love and respect for humankind, and this adds to the beautiful vibes in our studio, which we are very grateful for.  Well done Giorgio!

Joanne Carroll:  22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue developing his Dalmation dog  embroidery project which he has started.  It would be great to see some different embroidery techniques and stitches to create interest and texture to the piece of work.

Progress:  An excellent week for Rayban owing to his machine being fixed. Tutor Jo has managed to find a balance on the tension, which has stayed in place for the full week thankfully.  Therefore, Rayban has progressed beautifully, and his new progress photographs will be uploaded next week some time. He has successfully demonstrated a full understanding of sating stitch and used this very uniquely on the embroidery.

Advice:  To keep on moving with everything, for as long as his machine allows him!  Definitely keep experimenting with different stitches and techniques to set his embroidery apart from others.  

Observational comment:  Rayban is in a good place and that has really shone through this week.  We are really pleased that he is taking to the machine embroidery exceptionally well and feel that his efforts in the classroom are really paying off with the results he is achieving.  Well done Rayban, we are so pleased it has been a better week for you.  

Joanne Carroll:  22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To work with his peers and also develop his current project ( Disney inspired Mickey and Minnie print with embroidery).  He will focus on Mickey Mouse’s yellow shoes this week if he can.

Progress:  A great week for Mickey overall.  He has made progress on his own work whilst also helping others in lots of ways.  Mentor Mickey shares a sewing machine with Mentor Rayban, so he has also benefitted from the machine working really well this week.

Advice:  Mickey should continue doing as much for his Koestler projects and for others each session.  He needs to consider the timeline for completing work now and that whether he can fit another project into the equation before our deadline of April 30th 2024.  Well done Mickey!

Joanne Carroll:  22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:   Duckling has made a super start to the course.  His aim this week is start embroidering his work that he has printed already.

Progress:   Duckling had a few struggles finding his work this week, so he has started with a re-print of his work.  He has also lost a session this week, but we hope next week is a much more productive week for him.

Advice:  To preferably make sure that all solicitors calls are done out of work time, so that TAFIE classes are not affected.  To find the best machine for him, that is available and then start to learn how to use the machine to develop his first embroidery work.  Hopefully, Duckling will find this very therapeutic and the way forward for him in terms of progression and spending time both calmly and creatively.

Joanne Carroll:  22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  For Dazel to continue working on his dressing gown project and taking it to the next level.  For him to discuss where this project is going and how it will take on a decorative element.

Progress:   Good progress this week and managing to get past some of the technical issues that he has faced with the sewing machines.  Dazel has also discussed how he sees the project developing from a decorative angle and he sees a dragon being embroidered onto the dressing gown which sounds a great idea and something we will support him with.

Advice:  Dazel can tackle the decorative dragon design in a number of ways.  He could either cut out a design that he applies as applique onto the gown, or he could transfer print a dragon onto a separate piece of fabric and then apply the finished embroidered design to the gown like a patch.  We can discuss this in more detail as the week moves on and Dazel is ready to start creating the dragon, in a way that suits his style of working.  Well done Dazel!

Joanne Carroll:   22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue developing his Corvette  project through embellishing it through machine embroidering it and wrapping letters / numbers which he will cut out of card.

Progress:   Good progress for Ragy this week and he has embraced the wrapping technique which is good.

Advice:  Ragy should continue with the wrapping and any unfinished embroidery next week.  We have also spoken to Ragy regarding personal projects as they have started to interfere with his project work.  Ragy can spend a maximum of 30 minutes per week on anything personal and it should not be funded by the studio (e.g. draining resources such as glue sticks and fabric from the room). Ragy has been reminded that this is a business and not a charity.  

Joanne Carroll:  22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  For Pierre to continue with his Van Gogh’s Starry Night stitched painting through using dense layered machine embroidery onto a fabric base.  

Progress:   Pierre is nothing less than a workaholic and 100 % dedicated to his craft.  We could not have paired him up with a technique more suited to him if we had tried!  We love his independence and his ability to learn from his experience, picking up every bit of knowledge about tension and technique as he goes along.  This has resulted in Pierre only requiring assistance when he can’t do something himself.  He then learns from what he has been shown.

Advice:  Keep doing what you are doing Pierre.  Your work is developing rapidly.  We are very excited to see what you create over the next month; for what you are going to submit to Koestler and potentially for what you will create beyond this month, for future exhibitions with other connections (e.g. the work we have been doing with Navigator North, Safer Communities and Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.

Joanne Carroll:  22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  Melatonin’s further develop his Native American table runner.  He is to start attaching the pieces to the main runner and work out the best way of doing this.

Progress:   Melatonin has made excellent progress as per usual.  He constantly works throughout the session.  His passion for the machine embroidery technique is contagious and it is wonderful to see him working.

Advice:  Melatonin should start thinking about the next piece of work he wants to create as he is completing the table runner over the next week.  He is very much capable of great things.  Maybe a much bigger or even more detailed project could be considered.  It really is a pleasure to have Melatonin with us at the moment and his care and respect for the classroom and the staff is immense.  

Joanne Carroll:   22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  Manuel’s aim is to complete his Lost Youth project and continue working on his new ideas and where they are heading.  

Progress:   Manuel has had a really great week.  He has completed the main embroidery on his Lost Youth project and we are considering ways to be able to present this piece of work which can be thought about over the next week or so.

Advice:  Manuel has great ability with the sewing machines, and he is progressing very well with them.  It might be nice to see him producing some more advanced print work, that is combined with more detailed machine embroidery work.  He has shown interest towards the Sizzix equipment and how he could develop some new work using the cut out die shapes.

Joanne Carroll:  22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  For new Learner Capaldi to settle into the TAFIE course.  Capaldi has been in a few sessions with us previously, as he was transitioning over from  Painting and Decorating.

Progress:  Capaldi has had a fantastic first week with us.  We are very excited about the prospects of what Capaldi is capable of and how far he will travel with the TAFIE course.

Advice:  Capaldi should continue as he has started; with enthusiasm and passion for the course.  We advise that he paves the way for the new more developed transfer printing techniques that we are using and for him to be the trailblazer in this area.  He is made a super start, and we are excited to print with him on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.  Very well done indeed Capaldi!

Joanne Carroll:   22/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To complete his patchwork football and start his new project:  his first transfer print onto fabric which will be embroidered.  This piece of work is inspired by an image of Johnny Knoxville.  Michelangelo should also support others in their mission to create wonderful textile art.

Progress:  An excellent week, although be it a stressful one in relation to the machinery (sewing machine) by the time the week was complete. Friday was a very stressful day for everybody, and new equipment will be coming in on Monday for Michelangelo.  So hopefully this will help him balance his machine tension properly.  

Advice:  Keep moving in his own positive way and progressing towards the results he really wants.  Taking all the support he can get from Jo and Shirley in all aspects of his work and general life.

Joanne Carroll:  15/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue working with others and developing a new project which he has discussed and birthed with Shirley.

Progress:  A very busy week for Giorgio, as usual, in terms of his work with others and his personal work.  George has moved onto another piece of work which he feels is perfect for him.  He is now working on a print which he is embroidering, and this is inspired by Vermeer’s Girl With A Pearl Earring.

Advice:  For Giorgio to carry on as normal as his energy and productivity is great.  He may not have received the news he was hoping for earlier this week, however we are there for him and he couldn’t be better placed where he is.  He should soak up all of the support he can get from Jo and Shirley in all aspects of his work and general life, until he is released to the Category D establishment he is waiting for.

Joanne Carroll: 15/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue working with others and developing his latest project ( Dalmation dog  print and embroidery)

Progress:  A very busy week for Rayban, who has been very patient with the machines and has struggled towards the end of the week owing to equipment malfunction.  Despite of this, Rayban is working to the best of his ability and is learning quickly as he goes along.  He is aware that machine embroidery is a difficult technique to manage, owing to tensions and different machines reacting differently to the machines being shared and altered to fit the requirements of each new user.

Advice:  For Rayban to carry on as he normally does and keep the calm he has embedded within him.  To work with Jo and Shirley to help him develop a more detailed understanding of the machine he is using (Bernina 1001) which is an old machine but a beautiful machine to use when the tension is running right for the fabric he is using.  Fingers crossed, that we get his machine running well for him for next week as I know this will have a huge effect on Rayban’s overall morale in the classroom.

Joanne Carroll:  15/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue working with others and developing his current project ( Disney inspired Mickey and Minnie print with embroidery)

Progress:  A good week for Mickey who has developed his embroidery further again this week.  He has also produced some personal work using his own materials and supported learners with their embroidery work and everything that relates to this in terms of winding bobbins and threading machines etc.

Advice:  For Mickey to keep developing the Mickey and Minnie embroidery so that it is ready for completion soon.  Mickey also needs to think about what this piece of work will actually be (how it will be presented for Koestler.)

Joanne Carroll:   15/03/24

Aims & Objectives:   Duckling is a new starter this week, so his aims are to settle into the new group and choose some themes of interest, in order to start his first project.  He may decide to start a number of pieces in order to be able to swap and change when he feels like it.

Progress:   Duckling has progressed really well in his first week with us.  He has already started to prepare 2 prints which are Minnie and Mickey inspired.  He is also thinking of trying out a print of a dog  chasing a hare, which he might start next week.

Advice:  To keep working hard in each and every session he does with us.  Duckling is doing the course part time so he has less sessions than the full time learners.  We are looking forward to introducing him to the wonders of machine embroidery next week, when we finally get another sewing machine up and running.

Joanne Carroll:   15/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue working on his dressing gown project.  Learner Dazel has had another good week.  He has progressed with the support Tutor Shirley, in relation to the shape of his garment (dressing gown).  He has taken great advice in relation to the collar and cuffs of this piece of work.  

Progress:   He has progressed with the support Tutor Shirley, in relation to the shape of his garment (dressing gown).  He has taken great advice in relation to the collar and cuffs of this piece of work and it is almost ready for the next stage, which we believe to be embellishing through using the applique technique.  

Advice:  Both Tutors Shirley and Jo really want for Dazel to consider the embellishment of this piece of work.  It is the only way forward for this piece of work to develop naturally towards the requirements of the course and the end outcome of being submitted to Koestler.  It is believed that applique lettering (e.g. lyrics lettering and / or florals / foliage) will make a huge difference to this developing piece of work.

Joanne Carroll:  15/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  To continue working on his wonderful yellow Corvette  project through embellishing it through machine embroidering it.

Progress:   Excellent progress for Ragy again this week.  He is definitely in the momentum of the machine embroidery technique and the enjoyment that it can bring when the tension is working well!

Advice:  Ragy should continue as he has been and do as we have discussed this week.  We have advised that he uses a contrasting colour of thread to work from the ‘CORVETTE’ lettering, up towards the base of the car.  

Joanne Carroll:  15/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  Pierre discussed and developed a new idea with Tutor Shirley, which led to his decision to create Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting through using machine embroidery onto a printed fabric base.  

Progress:   This piece of work is coming along beautifully.  Pierre has moved seamlessly onto this new design and he is clearly enjoying the work too.  He has worked continuously on the machine embroidery.

Advice:  After Pierre discussed his decision to flip his printed and embroidered Starry Night piece of work over, so that it visually matched the layout of the original painting, we all thought that this was the way forward.  We are advising that Pierre continues his wonderful work, building up the surface of the back of the embroidery, until it visually represents and transforms into the frontside of the fabric.  We are excited to see how this develops on over the next week as we know Pierre will put his all into it.

Joanne Carroll:  15/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  Melatonin’s aim is to work further into his labour of love; the piece that is his Native American table runner.  He has a lot of machine embroidery to do on this piece over the next week or two.  Progress:   Melatonin has made wonderful progress, although Friday was a difficult day for all machines in the room, in relation to tension issues.  Melatonin handles all situations in his stride and knows that we must take the highs with the lows. Let’s hope next week is a better week for all of the machines in general.  Advice:  Michael should carry on as he has been throughout his time with us.  We are introducing another machine into the equation over the next week and that should be able to be in use by Wednesday if not before.  Melatonin could look at some other techniques for embellishing his work, if the machines were out of use at any point and we could look at him doing some hand embroidery  / tapestry etc for a change.  However, whilst the machines are working, we feel Melatonin is in a good place doing machine embroidery.

Joanne Carroll:  15/03/24

Aims & Objectives:  Manuel’s aim is to continue his machine embroidery mission and to develop an understanding of the correct pressure required to operate the machines he uses, in relation to the pedal which operates the machine motor.

Progress:   Manuel has made great progress over the last week and he really is trying hard.  We feel that the initial pressure he uses on the foot pedal of the sewing machine might just be a bit too much.  We say ‘a little more Fiat Panda and a little less BMW M3!’

This is sometimes the best way to tell learners to ease off the speed.

Advice:  Manuel can make lots more progress in the Koestler ‘Lost Youth’ piece he is currently developing.   We are introducing another machine into the equation over the next week and that should be able to be in use by Wednesday if not before.  Maybe this is the machine for Manuel?  Either way, we are sure that he will complete his design over the period of the next week or so and really do feel that he is progressing very well so far. 

Joanne Carroll:  15/03/24 

Red Band Michelangelo has had a very busy week, in between completing his Rubik’s cube, planning for his next big challenge, and running back and forward to the workshops for us.  What can we say!  We would be lost without his underpinning support in the studio.  We have laughed and almost cried at points during the week, but the outcomes are great, and our observations are as clear as day… the studio is running at 100% capacity with one of the greatest groups ever to collaborate to date.  Michelangelo will continue to support us with the administration and general smooth running of the business. His latest challenge: creating a patchwork football had us all bamboozled, however he has worked out a way to do it and the proof will be in the pudding as they say.  We have no doubt at all that the end result will be nothing other than perfect.  We count our blessings for every week we are graced with the unconditional support and humour that is given from our Red Band Michelangelo, who works hand in hand with the staff and other members of the team. We know we are blessed, because, through thick and thin, the highs and lows of it all, to experience weeks like these, we all eventually see the fruits of our labour. Thank you for challenging us all to develop the best version of us, that we can all possibly be Michelangelo. 

Joanne Carroll:  08/03/24

Lead Mentor Giorgio has worked continuously with some time for his personal project, however his embroidery support has been very much in need this week.  He is managing the tools allocation and collection wonderfully and this is working particularly well with help from Michaelangelo, Mickey and Rayban where needed.  Giorgio is moving into the next element of his development as an artist.  His latest folk-art inspired embroidery is just divine and he is not frightened of trying new ideas.  So this week we encouraged Giorgio to cut out his design so that it can be remounted onto another piece of fabric.  This process led to Giorgio choosing a piece of reclaimed jumper.  Then all of a sudden, we have Georgio the fashionista…the moment we have been waiting for !  We are excited to see what he will do when working with a mannequin next week.  We believe strongly that this is what Giorgio was born to do and we hope that he will use his creativity to take him forward into a new positive zone, when he is eventually released.  Giorgio should now keep all of his specific spools and threads for the Toyota machine (Toyah) in his personal sewing box, to keep everything safe when he is not there.  We are preparing (reluctantly) for the day that Giorgio will go to a Category D establishment and although we will never replace him because he is unique, we will have to find somebody to take his postition some time soon.

Joanne Carroll:  08/03/24

Mentor Rayban has had a more positive week working on his new project inbetween supporting other learners and doing his other mentor duties .  He has had a more successful week working with a different sewing machine.  He is now working with the Bernina 1001 which is Jo’s personal machine and is 28 years old this year.  Rayban is devleoping his embroidery work on this machine and is very successfully progressing with his personal Dalmation dog project.  We are wondering what direction this project will go in and what the end product will be.  We know that Rayban is just happy to get the machine to a happy momentum and tension which will allow him to keep embroidering for long periods of time.  We will work with Rayban over the next few weeks to put his Double Wedding Ring quilt right and avoid it from fraying any further.  We know he will appreciate this extra support, which will enable him to see this project become completed and functional.  We can see this being padded with a sturdy upholstery foam eventually.  Rayban should now keep all of his specific spools and threads for the 1001 machine in his personal sewing box, to keep everything safe when he is not there.  Well done Rayban, we are very grateful to have you as part of our management team.

Joanne Carroll:  08/03/24

Mentor Mickey has been working on his personal project in between helping other learners when needed.  We are very pleased with the professional level of embroidery which Mickey is producing.  He is happy to try out different machines until he finds the best results he is looking for in terms of the perfect tensioned stitch which is smooth and without any whipping effects.  Mickey should now keep all of his specific spools and threads for his machine in his personal sewing box, to keep everything safe when he is not there.

Joanne Carroll:   08/03/24

Learner Lapin is a breath of fresh air in our studio and was definitely born to do machine embroidery.  I am quite shocked at the work he is producing at such an early stage in the course.  He has worked solidly on his Alice In Wonderland ‘White Rabbit’ project all week.  He is using the Bernina 707 Minimatic Machine, which obviously is very suited to his speed and movement whilst working.  Lapin uses a steady approach which has been captured in two TikTok videos this week.  We are very excited to see his full potential and where his work is leading over the next couple of months.  We know that the next month working for Koestler Awards 2024 will be very much worth it and that we will be able to enter his work into the Needlecraft section of the competition.   Lapin should now keep all of his specific spools and threads for his machine in his personal sewing box, to keep everything safe when he is not there. Absolutely stunning work for another learner so far, so very well done our very own petit Lapin!  🐇

Joanne Carroll:  08/03/24

Dazel has had a very successful week.  He has been exceptionally patient with us as we are hoping to get another machine ready for Dazel to use, so that he can have his own machine.  We love his original ideas and the fact he is making a garment.  He has been positively developing his dressing gown which we believe looks more like a busking jacket that he will be able to use when performing on the streets after his release.  Dazel has been awaiting some support from Shirley on Friday as Shirley has pattern cutting expertise and will be able to support Dazel better in this specific area.  Jo has suggested that Dazel looks at the technique of applique, as a means of implementing motifs to the very plain fabric which he is using.  It will really develop the surface of the fabric and enable Dazel to even add wording to his jacket to get messages across to people; possibly linked to his lyrics.  We do hope that this piece of work will be used for Koestler first.  Dazel will be provided with his own sewing box next week, as I have some new ones to bring in for learners to keep organised.

Joanne Carroll:   08/03/24🎸

Ragy has had a wonderful week with his machine embroidery work.  Considering that he has been under the weather in general, he has worked extremely well to achieve a consistent level of professional stitching.  Ragy has definitely fallen into the embroidery by accident and although at first, we weren’t totally sure it was for him.  We now realise that this is an area that Ragy can continue developing over the next couple of months.  His Corvette inspired design is extremely successful so far and will make a fabulous cushion or framed textile for somebody to purchase from Koestler when it eventually goes to London.  Ragy should now keep all his threads and spools in his new personal sewing box, to keep everything safe when he is not there and him being a part-time learner.

Joanne Carroll:   08/03/24

Pierre has impressed us so much from the moment he walked through the doors of the Maison Make-Do studio.  He has continued to build up the surface of his embroidered lady, inspired by a painting by Basmat Levin.  This project has enabled Pierre to explore the use of colour and how even portraits can be made up with a variety of colours to describe the surface of the skin.  Pierre came to us with experience of working on pencil portaits and wanted to develop his skills further through the use of new and exciting techniques.  We feel that Pierre is so perfectly placed with us and the time for his work to go to Koestler Awards 2024 in the next month is just brilliant.  We have spoken to Pierre this week about him potentially taking the next Embroidery Mentor job, if Melatonin is unable to go forward with this, when the time comes.  So basically, learner Pierre has smashed it again this week. To say that his embroidery work has come alive with expression & emotion is an understatement… we can’t wait to see what you do next Pierre and look forward to also being present whilst you play your music and create the most amazing atmosphere and special moments for the class.  We thank you for all that you have contributed so far Pierre.  We hope you find your sewing box a useful resource to keep all your threads tidy and organised.

Joanne Carroll:  08/03/24

Melatonin has had a great week and it was a pleasure to speak to him to tell him that we have immediately noticed his potential as a strong leader / Mentor.  He has welcomed this good news and we are going to see where the next couple of months takes him and how he is placed at the end of the 12 weeks.  I was very impressed to see Melatonin asking to work on more than one piece of work at a time.  Without even realising, he understands the concept of developing work and sometimes that might mean dipping in and out of different pieces so you are never waiting for paint to dry or for somebody to finish with a piece of equipment.  Secondly, Melatonin has chosen to work on two very different pieces of work, which are quite polar opposites.  A perfume bottle soft sculpture alongside a Native American inspired piece of embroidery.  We just know that Melatonin is very much absorbed by his work and that it is second nature to support others and keep the classroom tidy, without being asked to do so.  We are advising that Melatonin should start as many pieces of work that he feels natural to do so.  Owing to the larger piece of work that he is now creating, we feel it is better if he uses the large Bernina acrylic table.  He has also been provided with a sewing box, to keep all of his project materials together in one place.  Thank you for everything you have contributed so far Melatonin and we know that we have only tapped into the very beginning of your full potential.  We are looking forward to seeing how you develop over the coming months and how you will radiate your positivity and professionalism around the room, as you have over the first few weeks of being here with us.

Joanne Carroll:   08/03/24

Manuel has come into his own this week.  He has really pushed himself in the sessions he has attended.  He has worked very well on the sewing machines.  Manuel has caught the embroidery bug, so to speak!  Manuel has had fun working with our two lady machines; ‘Toyah’ the Toyota and ‘Nina’ the Bernina have introduced him to the joys of machine embroidery and all the learning that comes with it.  Well done Manuel as we know that this is the first time you have ever attempted something like this.  We hope that your confidence will grow in this area and that you will continue to persevere and potentially develop more pieces of work using this technique.  You will be provided with a new sewing box next week, which will help you to keep all your sewing equipment for the different machines in one place.  Well done Manuel and keep up the great work and musical inspiration that you bring into the room with you too.  It is such a pleasure to have you with us.

Joanne Carroll:  08/03/24 🎸

Over the last fortnight, MICHAELANGELO has challenged himself to create a soft sculpture Rubik’s Cube.  After completing Piglet and remaking the balloons to fit the scale / size of the Piglet character, video footage has been taken to capture the delight that the little fella Piglet has brought to the room.  I think that you will all agree that he has stolen the show!  Click on Piglet to see this week’s progress videos for MICHAELANGELO.⭐

We are looking forward to seeing how the Rubik’s Cube progresses.  MICHAELANGELO is supporting those around him in many different ways, as our class Red Band.  The support varies between winding bobbins and spools for others , to supporting people from a technical and confidence perspective.  Developing himself continuously enables others to be inspired and take inspiration from his strength and resilience and undeniable talent as a Designer-Maker.

It has been a great fortnight for GIORGIO in the studio.  He has been working on another piece of embroidery which is very different to the others he has done as this one is a print onto a synthetic organza which is much finer than the other fabrics GIORGIO has worked with.  He is very much aware of the needs of others and will not use a machine if he knows another learner needs that machine. We admire his caring approach and the way he is developing the tool distribution and tool collection process to aid the tutors and lighten the load and responsibility.  This hasn’t gone unnoticed.  GIORGIO'S progress with machine embroidery can be seen in this week’s progress videos which can be seen by clicking on the image above. ⭐

RAYBAN has hit a small problem with his Double Wedding Ring Quilt.  The fabric has started to fray really badly.  Shirley and I will work with RAYBAN to try and support him in the process of decreasing the fraying of the fabrics.  RAYBAN is a good support to others and is developing his confidence in a variety of areas.  We are delighted with the craftmanship and construction skills of the quilt shell that he has made and know that the issue with the fraying fabric has been a setback but is an important learning curve for us all to learn from, as we are all on the learning curve where quilting techniques are concerned.  RAYBAN has therefore decided to start another project which I feel connects him with his Mother and that is the print and embroidery of a dog. We are really pleased that RAYBAN has decided to give machine embroidery another go as it is something he trialled as a learner, but now needs to look at again, in order to see if he can develop his skills further in this area.  Great work as always RAYBAN!

 Over the last fortnight, MICKEY has been supporting others through his growing knowledge and ability where machine embroidery is concerned.  His Mickey and Minnie work is progressing nicely around the work he is doing with others.  Click on the Mickey and Minnie picture above to watch MICKEY'S progress videos for this week.

LAPIN has made a super-trooper start to the course.  We are really pleased with his attitude to embracing textiles and he was immediately open to printing and machine embroidery.  He has been working on a new project this week.  The new project, which is inspired by Alice In Wonderland has enabled LAPIN to explore using the Bernina sewing machine to embroider into his print, using a solid satin stitch which LAPIN has done really well.  Super work LAPIN and we really hope that you are enjoying the course as much as your work illustrates to us that you are!

Dazel has worked really well as usual and has completed his waistcoat project (pictures to follow) and has started another fabulous fashion inspired project.  This time he is making a dressing gown.  Dazel is one of the first learners to use the mannequins which we have locked away.  He has also been dazzling us with his original tunes and is always a good support and inspiration to other learners.  Well done Razzle Dazel ! 💖🌟✨🎸

RAGY has the patience of a saint this week!  We are delighted how RAGY has managed to work throughout the technical difficulties he has been experiencing with his sewing machine this week.  We often experience tension issues when working with different threads in the machine embroidery processes.  RAGY has worked exceptionally well considering the tension issues his machine has been experiencing this week.  We will have some photos of his work to follow but can confirm that his work is based on an image of a vintage Corvette car and is being embroidered using a Bernina 1008 sewing machine, which RAGY is learning so much about.  Well done RAGY for your patience and your perseverance this week!  

What a great week for PIERRE, who is now fully into his machine embroidery work.  He has spent this week developing his skills on the Bernina 1008 sewing machine, in freehand embroidery mode.  PIERRE has a lot of talent and potential in an artistic environment.  He has even been performing some Bob Dylan tracks for us on his guitar.  At HMP Holme House, we provide a therapeutic-style courses which encourage creativity and calm.  PIERRE is definitely benefitting from being here with us and we have high hopes for what he is going to achieve and enter into the Koestler Awards 2024.  Well done PIERRE !  Click on the picture  above to see PIERRE'S beautiful TikTok video 💖

MELATONIN has worked phenomenally this week.  He has worked solidly on his machine embroidered Incredible Hulk design.  MELATONIN has a great understanding of colour, technique and has the greatest respect for the equipment he is using.  MELATONIN is demonstrating Mentor qualities without even realising it.  He is clean, tidy and keeps the room functioning well, helping other learners in the process.  We will therefore be passing on some great news to MELATONIN next week and that is that he will take the next available Mentor position, once he has completed the course.  We hope that he will be delighted with this news, as it is very unusual to find these qualities in a learner, only a fortnight into his course.  Well done MELATONIN, we think that great work and genuine commitment should be rewarded! Click on 'Hulk' above to see MELATONIN'S fabulous TikTok video 💚

MANUEL has worked really well this week.  We are delighted to see him engrossed in a new project where he is designing a T-shirt.  MANUEL has ideas which are both commercial and original.  We like the way he develops concepts and how he has been working particularly well with the transfer dyes this week.  MANUEL should be printing his work onto the T-shirt next week but for now, here is his progress, pictured in the photograph above (LOST YOUTH design which is painted in reverse on purpose!).  Well done MANUEL and we hope to see even more progress next week!  BASIL is also benefitting from having his guitar breaks, where he touches base with the other learners who share their musical intellect in the musical corner of the room.  🎸

MICHAELANGELO has been working on his mini pooh bear holding a festival of balloons.  We love the thought and detail that MICHAELANGELO puts into every project he devises.  He is inspiring and supporting others on a daily basis.  We think his video shoot for this week pretty much sums up the efforts of this wonderful gentleman.  Tap on the picture of the balloons to see MICHAELANGELO'S video footage progress.  We are excited to see what MICHAELANGELO'S next project will be, but know that he will challenge himself, taking things to the next level once again. 👏🏻(16/02/24)

GIORGIO has completed the cushion he started last week.  This pretty much sums up where his thoughts are lying.  GIORGIO has worked on various other projects this week; one of them being another rescue project.  GIORGIO is supporting past learner Keith, through helping him present some of his textile prints.  GIORGIO is constructing patchwork quilts using GIORGIO's beautiful prints.  Click on the Brenda ❤️ George cushion above to see GIORGIO ironing !  He is a tremendously supportive gentleman to have working in our team.  👏🏻  (16/02/24)

RAYBAN has continued to work on his 'Double Wedding Ring' patchwork design quilt pictured above.  It is safe to say that RAYBAN is making a magnificent job of this piece of work, which is now ready for all the seams to be ironed.  RAYBAN is also supporting learners in the classroom and keeping the classroom clean and tidy too.  He is a wonderful, caring gentleman to have working on our very special team. He is also very approachable and has developed some very extensive skills lately, which he can't wait to share with others.  👏🏻(16/02/24)

  MICKEY has continued to work on his Mickey and Minnie quilted and embroidered design.  He is keen to trial some of the different Bernina sewing machines that we have to use. He has spent considerable time perfecting his techniques on the Bernina B335, however is keen to also use the older machines, including the Bernina 1008, 1001 and the 707 Minimatic.  We admire his flexibility and the fact that he wants to specialise with embroidery using the Swiss Bernina brand.  Well done to MICKEY!  👏🏻 (16/02/24)

RAYMONDO has excelled himself during his final week and although he has not been feeling 100%, he has continued to attend the classes, in order to complete his Spiderman embroidered design.  This has inspired many other learners, especially those who have not tried to use a sewing machine for machine embroidery before, or those who have not used a machine at all!  We are delighted to send RAYMONDO away to his next venture of Professional Cookery.  He is leaving us with a new skills set that we do hope he revisits and shares with his family, upon release. 👏🏻(16/02/24)

Dazel has been presented with his collection of songs, burned onto a CD this week.  He has voiced his delight for the work that Jo has done to be able to edit his music, so that it can be listened to by others. His music will also be shared on this website in the next week or so.  Dazel has also worked particularly hard on his creative design work this week, for the production of his handmade waistcoat (photographs to be displayed on the site from next week. Overall, a very productive and successful week for Dazel.  👏🏻

(16/02/24)

RAGY is in his third week of the course this week and has began using the sewing machine for machine embroidery.  We are delighted to report that he his making very positive progress.  RAGY is making every effort to pick up as many tips and tricks as he can.  He is being supported by our Red Band MICHAELANGELO and our other Mentors GIORGIO, RAYBAN and MICKEY.  We hope to have some video and images to share of his progress next week.  👏🏻  (16/02/24)

TOSCA'S skills have been so valuable this week and we have tapped into his mechanical experience which he has been able to move across into our classroom, yet again.  TOSCA has managed to completely fix Red Band MICHAELANGELO'S Toyota machine which has been broken for a couple of weeks.  TOSCA has also fixed a Bernina 1008 sewing machine which means we are able to use both machines straight away, taking us up to 8 functioning sewing machine, which is really fantastic work where TOSCA is concerned! 👏🏻  (16/02/24)

PIERRE joined the course this week and has already blown us away with his efforts and great attitude towards self-development.  We started PIERRE with a portrait excercise and he chose to be inspired by a female artist called Basmat Levin.  Working straight away with transfer (disperse) dyes, PIERRE created the most beautiful interpretation of one of Basmat Levin's female portraits.  He has come to us with some excellent skills and is very much excited about what he can do, to use these skills to create both printed and embroidered textile art.  We have very high hopes for PIERRE'S progress over the next 12 weeks and beyond.  👏🏻  (16/02/24)

An excellent start for our new learner MELATONIN, who also started with us this week.  MELATONIN has joined us, on high recommendation from Mentor RAYBAN.  It is already very clear that MELATONIN is with us to work hard and work to the best of his personal ability.  He has taken immediately to painting using Colourist transfer dyes and is preparing a very well blended interpretation of Hulk.  We felt it was a good starting point, to be able to gauge MELATONIN'S ability.  We are blown away with his professionalism and how he has already settled in to the studio atmosphere!   👏🏻   (16/02/24)

MICHAELANGELO is currently working on a mini hand stitched 'Pooh Bear' . He has created the pattern for the bear himself and is not using a sewing machine for this process as his machine is currently waiting to be fixed, or 'pimped-up' as the studio is rewarding MICHAELANGELO with some new parts to make his machine function better for his next project.  MICHAELANGELO'S work is always beautifully executed and lovingly made with attention to detail. (09/02/24)

GIORGIO is currently working on lots of Mentor duties as he is heading the Sizzix die cutting processes to prepare paper shapes for printing and fabric shapes for the night classes which he supports every Monday evening.  GIORGIO is also planning to start a new piece of work which he will be submitting to Koestler Awards 2024.

His is also working on his family inspired cushion, using printed lettering.  (09/02/24)

RAYBAN has become our go-to patchwork specialist.   He is currently working on some specialist work using the Accuquilt brand patchwork dies.  RAYBAN is using the 'Double Wedding Ring' die cutter and is finding the work challenging, but he is making an excellent job so far.  RAYBAN also has work in the current Navigator North exhibition in Middlesbrough and has passed his Mentor trial so will be staying with us permanently now.  (09/02/24)

MICKEY has now passed his Mentor trial with flying colours and is our Machine Embroidery Mentor.  MICKEY is currently working on a Mickey and Minnie quilted and embroidered design.  This has proved to be a big challenge this week however this does not phase MICKEY in the slightest.  MICKEY is keen to pick up as many skills and techniques in this area and has his own unique style that he is keenly passing on to others. MICKEY is become very adept when working with the Bernina brand of machine.  He is soaking up everything to do with tension and how the results depend on the perfect tension setting being in place and this differs for every different piece of work.  (09/02/24)

RAYMONDO is in the last fortnight of his time with us. His efforts over the past 12-weeks have been excellent and never before did he ever think that he would achieve what he has done, in such a short period of time.  He is our 'Ray Of Light' and we are excited to see how his last piece of work will develop.  RAYMONDO is currently working on his Spiderman cushion and has now completed his Mum's dog-design cushion which he knows she will love.  RAYMONDO is very family orientated and this comes out in his choices as everything he wants to make is eventually to be gifted to his family members, after it has been returned from Koestler Awards 2024.   (09/02/24)

Dazel has really settled in to the course.  We are discussing his previous work that he has done with me which is a collection of 19 songs which are being burned to a disk for him.  This will be his demonstration CD to show prospective record dealers on release. Dazel is currently making a very unique waistcoat which is constructed by hand and machine.  I am very pleased with his progress so far.  He has developed some wonderful machine embroidery which is done to a very high standard for his first try.  He is very keen and this is wonderful to see.  He is going to be our first fashion student which is a great achievement.  (09/02/24)

RAGY is in his second week of the TAFIE course. Starting with paper mache masks, RAGY is now working on an idea where he is using a sewing machine to embroider a car design.  He has settled into the course very well and although he is nervous of using new techniques, RAGY is challenging himself and welcoming positive changes to his life.  RAGY has also been looking at pattern cutting a hat shape.  (09/02/24)

MULLCA has been working well over the past few weeks and has made a lot of progress in many areas of his personal and creative development.  MULLCA has been spending his time working on a design which is for the Koestler Awards.   He is also working on another piece of work as he likes to be able to work between at least two pieces, so that he doesn't become easily bored.   (09/02/24)

BASIL started working with us, so this is his first week.  He has settled in well so far and has spent some time giving thought to the perfect project he would like to involve himself in for Koestler Awards 2024.  He has decided that he would like to make a textile chess set for children to play with.  Every chess piece will have a different look and will be made from fabric, as wlill the board that the chess pieces will sit on.  BASIL is keen for this idea to be marketed to a manufacturer once completed.  (09/02/24)

TOSCA has had a good week overall and has made some good progress with his cushion cover/ quilt idea that he has both printed and started to machine embroider.  I have also been able to start TOSCA on a new way of working which will mean that he can do half creative work and half maintainance work on the sewing machines.  I hope that this will be more interesting and engaging work for TOSCA.   (09/02/24)