Sculptural Embroidery

Frequently Asked Questions

What format is the course?

All course lessons are pre-recorded video tutorials. There are also a few downloadable resources and pop quizzes in there (just for fun). 

How much time will I need to set aside each week for the course?

I suggest you set aside 2-3 hours a week to watch the video content and complete the projects in the most basic way. But you may want to spend more time than this each week building upon the projects and playing with your sewing machine. This kind of embroidery is a lot of fun and can get addictive. You have been warned.

Do I need any special software to access the course?

No. The course is hosted on an online website (teachable) so all you need is a good Internet connection to be able to stream the videos from that website. You can access the course content on your computer, phone, or tablet. 

I am not in an Australian time zone. Will that matter?

No, that doesn’t matter. The course videos are all pre-recorded so you can watch them at any time. Time zone differences may mean that some of the live Q&A videos will land at inconvenient times for you. In an attempt to cater to students in different time zones, I will be running the live videos at different times and days over the 6 weeks so that everyone will (hopefully) be able to catch at least some of the lives. But if you can’t catch a live video you can always watch the replay.

What currency is the course in? 

The currency of the course is US Dollars. US$460 is approximately $710 Australian Dollars / 425 Euro / 365 Pounds Sterling.

Am I able to pay over several months rather than all in one go?

You definitely can! When you enroll you can choose either a one-off payment of US$460 or the payment plan option of three, monthly payments of US$160 (US$480 total).

How much do the materials cost to do the course?

You can read the course supplies list here. If you are already a sewer you will likely have most of the tools and materials required for this course. If you already have a sewing machine and other basic tools you can expect to spend around $30-$50 on threads, fabric, and other bits and pieces for the course. To make tool/material sourcing easy, I sell a starter kit that includes pretty much everything you will need for the course activities.

I am not a Facebook user. Will this be a problem if I enrolled in the course?

There is a Facebook group associated with this course to give students extra support and to provide a greater sense of community as we work through the course together. The Facebook group is also where the live Q&A videos will happen each week. While the Facebook group is a valuable resource it is not necessary to complete the course. All of the information in the course itself is very thorough and the replays of the live Q&A sessions will also be made available in the online classroom. 

Is the course suitable for non-English speakers?

This course has been designed for English speakers. The main course lessons have subtitles available in a range of languages. These subtitles may be useful for students who have English as a second language but they will likely not be enough for a non-English speaking student to get the most out of the course. The course videos, live Q&A sessions, and weekly emails are all in English.

What water-soluble fabric do you recommend for this course?

I recommend (and use) the water-soluble fabric that is the washable web variety. It is white in colour and looks a lot like interfacing. Some common brand names include Vilene water soluble stabiliser, Vilene 541, Vilene Solufleece, Solusheet, Soluweb, Wash-N-Gone, Floriani Wet-N-Gone, Macrinse. Avoid the clear film variety of water-soluble fabric that looks like plastic.

How long will I have access to the course content?

The course content will be gradually released over the first 6 weeks of the course. After that, you will have unlimited access to the entire course content for the lifetime of the course, across any and all devices you own. The lifespan of the course is difficult to define, as I cannot predict the future of my business or this online course provider. As long as I will be running online classes like this you will have access to the course you have purchased. If I decide to discontinue this course in the future you will be given at least 12 months notice.

What if I can’t commit to completing the course in the 6-week period?

No problem. There are no limits on when you need to complete the course. The course content isn’t going away any time soon so you will have years to work through the course at your own pace if you wish.

However, is suggested that you follow the course as it is laid out over the 6 weeks period to receive maximum support from Meredith and work alongside other participants in the group (it is generally more fun that way).

What if I fall behind with the course content?

It’s no problem if you fall behind. This is your journey. Complete the course in your own time and in a way that suits you. You will be able to re-visit the course whenever you want; replay videos on demand, and re-download files as needed. You will also have ongoing access to the private Facebook group where you will be able to access support and you can always ask questions within the course itself (using the comment feature attached to each lesson).

I am a complete beginner. Can I take this course?

Yes, you can. The course is structured in much the same way as my in-person workshops, which are suited to all levels. If you would like to familiarise yourself with the machine embroidery techniques before taking this course check out my FREE online course; Introduction to Freehand Machine Embroidery.

I am an advanced sewer/machine embroiderer. Will I get anything out of the course?

If you are an accomplished sewer or machine embroiderer then some of the early course content, which focuses on tools/materials and machine setup, may seem rudimentary, but hopefully, you will still pick up a few new golden nuggets of information amongst the familiar territory. I have had very proficient artists and embroiderers take my in-person courses over the years and they have remarked that they have learned lots of new tips and skills from my unique ways of working. But in the end, it is of course up to you to decide if this course is right for you, feel free to reach out to me via email if you want to discuss your specific situation.

How is the course different from the educational content in your book ‘Organic Embroidery’?

In my book, I briefly discuss and teach many aspects of my artistic practice from finding inspiration, doing fieldwork, drawing, photography, and of course, freehand machine embroidery on water-soluble fabric. This course focuses largely on the embroidery aspects of my practice and goes into much greater depth than I was able to convey in the book. If you have read my book you will already be familiar with the ways that I work and the tools/materials that I use, but if you want more direction and detail into the specific ways that I design and make my embroideries this course will take you there.  

How is this online course different from your in-person workshops?

I have based this online course on the format of my in-person workshops so the theoretical content is very similar. However, I feel that the video tutorials in the online course go into much more detail and show more sewing demonstrations than I am able to convey in the shorter timeframes of an in-person workshop. Students also have ongoing access to the videos so they can be watched again and again as required.

I have already done one of your in-person workshops. Can I still take the online course?

Of course you can, if you want to. Obviously, the content in this online course will feel very similar to what I presented in my in-person workshop because I share the same base theory in all of my classes (both online and in-person). However, this course likely goes into greater depth and had more physical demonstrations than I was able to convey in any in-person workshop.

Does this course include instruction on your framing/shadow mounting techniques?

No. This course is focused entirely on embroidery processes and the creation of sculptural embroideries. Check out my ‘Framing Textile Art’ course for details about my shadow mounting technique and other aspects of framing. Psssst … When you enroll in the Sculptural Embroidery course you have the option of adding the Framing Textile Art course to your purchase at checkout for just $50 (usually $147). This is a great addition to the program if you plan to frame your own embroidered art. 

What if I am unhappy with the course? 

I would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with the course for any reason send me an email at [email protected] within the first 2 weeks (14 days) of the course. You will receive your complete refund.