Why Come?

The Modern Crafter Punch Needle workshops are relaxed and fun.  They are a great way to take time out for yourself to prioritise your self-care, learn a new creative skill and meet a supportive community of like-minded wonderful people along the way! Our workshops are inclusive for all. We absolutely love to teach others our crafts which we find so much joy from on many levels.  We are proud to say we have taught many who have then continued to use the craft to explore their own projects and enjoy all the benefits of creating along the way.  

Supporting A Woman Owned Business

By coming to our workshops or supporting us in another way such as buying a kit you are also supporting a Woman Owned Creative business.  We are trying to pave the way for other Woman to be confident to run their own creative business. Sadly there are many small businesses closing down, let alone those in the creative industries who I believe have a lot of challenges in succeeding.  By raising awareness I hope that we can succeed in pathing a way to keep our business going and lead a path for other artists and creatives.  If we don't others may not be brave enough to try and make their living from doing something they are passionate about, are brilliant at and absolutely love! 

About Our Workshops

It's myself who teaches the workshops (Rachel Lawson, The Modern Crafter) and Siobhan who is the designer for our products (Siobhan Watt) hand designs all the patterns that you can choose from to create. Siobhan runs her own creative business too and creates prints, gift cards, t-towels and foremost is an exceptional artist with over 20 years experience working as a print and pattern designer.  She is now also being one of those Women brave enough to pave their own path and choose their own destiny. https://www.siobhanwatt.com

Locations

Currently I'm teaching punch needle workshops in Saffron Walden at my studio, 7 Market Row, London at Spitalfields Market in collaboration with Urban Makers and Edinburgh at the world-renowned Dovecot Studios.  I have also taught workshops online for team building events and private 1:1's and private parties.  

Punch Needle Technique

The workshops I teach for beginners in punch needle are working with either the fine punch needle tool or the chunky punch needle tool. Fine is for fine tapestry wool and chunky is for super chunky wool.  The technique for both tools is the same so you can apply the same technique if you would like to progress on to other punch needle tools in the future.

I will teach you how to punch loop and flat stitches and how to combine these techniques. You will leave the workshop feeling confident on how to do punch needle and be proud of what you have accomplished! 

At the end of each workshop you have the option to stock up on other patterns and supplies with 15% off.

Quality Tools and Expertise

At the workshop I will share with you what I have learned myself about punch needle to get the best possible finish.  I will talk about the tools and materials, the differences and what you need to know in particular when thinking about how to achieve your own projects. The things I will share with you is an overview of the tools, fabrics, frames and fibres.  Having all of this information will help you succeed in the craft by having the skills and knowledge needed.

The workshop costs includes all tools, materials and refreshments.

In the workshop you will be working with the tools and materials that we love to work with, they are all exceptional quality to give you the best start to this wonderful craft.

We only create with 100% British Wool too, meaning that along the way by supporting us you are also supporting British Farming and British Mill Heritage. You also have full transparency over the welfare of the animal when it was shorn as our wool have been graded by the British Wool Board to authenticate our yarn as 100% British.

Locations

Our studio is located in Saffron Walden which is a historic Market Town 50 minutes from London Liverpool Street or 15 minutes from Cambridge.  There is a weekly market and many independent shops such as Bricks & Makers, cafes and restaurants such as Chaters and Mini Miss Bread.  You will also find artists galleries such as Heath Kane and Fry Art Gallery to explore.

Our punch needle workshop in London takes place in the iconic Spitalfields Market in collaboration with Urban Makers who organises Independent Market for Small Businesses. There is a brilliant buzzy atmosphere at the market and our workshops take place on the mezzanine so you can look down on the market and take in the sights!

The Edinburgh workshop takes place at world renowned Dovecot Tapestry Studios. There is a lot to enjoy at Dovecot Studios from their cafe to gift shop and a must is to take in the atmosphere of the actual studio from the viewing gallery.  Here you can watch first hand the weavers and rug tufting artists.  Their studio is set in an old swimming bath which as a space, has been transformed for the better.

If you have any questions about our workshops or would like to organise a team building or private workshop please get in touch rachel@themoderncrafter.co.uk