Lorraine Duff’s journey into hand embroidery didn’t begin with years of creative confidence. In fact, she often said she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. Yet during lockdown, while completely housebound and searching for connection, she picked up a needle and thread and discovered a new world of possibility. What started with online stitch groups and community classes soon grew into a genuine passion for textile art. When she decided to develop her skills with structure and purpose, she found our intermediate Hand Embroidery course (Skill Stage 3) and embraced every challenge it offered.
Throughout her studies, Lorraine learnt far more than new stitches. She developed the ability to look at her work objectively, research artists with curiosity, and document her creative process with confidence. She began to understand the real craft behind embroidery: planning, costing, recording and reflecting, as well as stitching. The course didn’t just help her grow as a maker. It helped her grow as an artist.
Today, Lorraine is continuing her creative journey by studying our Master Practitioner course while also sharing her skills through community sessions and online groups. Her story shows how accessible learning, expert guidance and a supportive structure can unlock potential at any stage of life.
Her experience is a reminder that with the right course and a willingness to learn, anyone can discover their creative voice. Read on to explore Lorraine’s full journey.
Lorraine Duff
“If anyone is looking to develop their skills and does not want to travel or fit classes around a busy schedule, work, health, children, etc or just wants to relax and feel free to learn from home, this course is ideal. I have never looked back and said I wish I had not done this. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Motivation For Studying
I learnt how to do embroidery during lockdown. I had already learned some techniques before that in other craft courses, but I only started crafting a couple of years before lockdown. I used to say I didn’t have a creative bone in me! Still, nothing formally until post-COVID, when I did some courses run by a local charity called the Community Learning Partnership (CLP). These were funded by Hertfordshire County Council’s Steps2Skills program.
During COVID, I followed several Zoom stitch groups and used YouTube to learn techniques. I was completely housebound and on my own, so I had plenty of time to spare. I still belong to some of these; one in particular is Anne Brooke and the Stitching Hour.
I became part of an online community where I developed my skills during lockdown and beyond, and I was inspired by a teacher who was thinking about studying further. This led me to investigate and research all possibilities, including the School of Stitched Textiles (SST).
Opting For An Accredited Course
There were several things that attracted me to the courses at the SST. Firstly, because it was all online and being partially house-bound due to physical disabilities and long-term debilitating health conditions, which entail multiple hospital appointments and frequent hospital admissions, an online course seemed a desirable choice. Not only does it make it flexible for people who work or have children. I had seen adverts for the School of Stitched Textiles on Facebook I was intrigued for quite some time!
I did a free mini session and stitched some dandelions, which I loved, and then I was encouraged by a few friends to apply. Before I took the plunge, I logged into a live introduction with questions and answers. Shortly after I applied on the enrollment date, I got a place!
Developing Confidence and Creativity
I have learnt so much. I learnt a lot of new skills, such as how to look at my work objectively. Researching artists and their work opened my eyes. Keeping records of my work and also working out the cost of a piece of work, before making it, these are crucial elements that I had not taken into account before – it’s not all about the stitched items! This was hard because all I thought I wanted was to stitch!
When I was coming towards the end of my course, I was chatting with a couple of other ladies about what’s next. I looked at various courses elsewhere but decided to go with The School of Stitched Textiles Master Practitioner course. So, more study, but also developing my teaching skills and running a month Crafternoon at my church, which has turned into a stitching club and an online forum to help myself and others take time to finish projects together in our own homes.
Advice For New Students
If anyone is looking to develop their skills and does not want to travel or fit classes around a busy schedule, work, health, children, etc or just wants to relax and feel free to learn from home, this course is ideal. I have never looked back and said I wish I had not done this. It’s been an amazing experience.
My advice would be to plan for each module (one at a time). Give yourself goals and dates to complete one step at a time. Keep on top of taking images of your work at every stage. Do not leave the PowerPoint until the end, it is a monster to tackle in one hit. Keep plenty of notes and use the resource videos to help you progress. Also, do not be afraid to ask if you do not understand! Finally, enjoy every moment!
