There is a moment many makers recognise, when curiosity is there but confidence is not, when ideas begin but never quite reach the finish line. Lynne West came to us with years of creative exploration behind her and a long held desire to truly understand machine embroidery, not just how to use a sewing machine, but how to design, stitch and create work that felt meaningful to her.
Like so many of our students, Lynne questioned whether online learning could really work for something as practical and tactile as embroidery. She hesitated, weighed it up, and waited. Retirement brought time, but also the need for focus and purpose, and it was then that Lynne decided to take the leap and enrol on our City & Guilds accredited Machine Embroidery Skill Stage 2 course.
What followed was a shift not only in skills, but in confidence, creative direction and self belief. Through structured modules, clear guidance and supportive feedback, Lynne began to understand what she enjoyed, how to make design choices with intention, and how to trust her own creative voice. The result is work she feels proud of, and a renewed excitement for learning that has carried her straight into Skill Stage 3.
Lynne’s story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to invest in yourself, to learn properly, and to give your creativity the time and respect it deserves. Her experience captures what our courses are designed to do: to turn uncertainty into clarity, curiosity into confidence, and unfinished ideas to confident making.
Lynne West
“I ummed and ahhed for quite some time. How can you be taught machine sewing online? Anyway, I took the plunge and am so glad I did.”
“My confidence has grown as a result of this course. The very fact I’m writing this to share my thoughts is testament to that.”
When asked if I would write about my experience of studying with the School of Stitched Textiles I wasn’t convinced I would be able to do it. I’m not particularly verbose. However, I have been so enthused with the course I found no difficulty whatsoever!
My previous experience
I have been crafting for quite a few years now, but I would teach myself the basics of a craft and then move on to something different. Was it the learning process I enjoyed or was I still searching for the right ‘something’?
Coming across some hand and machine embroidery examples I bought a sewing machine and started to dabble but I never used it in anger. Subsequently I came across a book by Alysn Midgelow Marsden which contained the instructions to make ‘Samurai Romance’ which I started to create. There was one aspect I couldn’t do, the outline and dense stitching on cocoon strippings. Everything I did looked awful, so I eventually gave up and put aside until I retired some years later. I still struggled with the dense stitching so started to look for an appropriate course that would give me the required knowledge.
Deciding to Study
I came across the School of Stitched Textiles (SST) but ummed and ahhed for quite some time. How can you be taught machine sewing online? How can my work be clearly seen and assessed to point out what I was doing wrong?
Anyway, with retirement came time, too much time; I was used to working all hours, being constantly engaged with my job. I became despondent, nothing to focus on, to look forward to,
So, I went back to SST to investigate their courses again.
This time I took the plunge and am so glad I did. Although I’m not sure that my very supportive husband agrees; he has become a sewing machine widower!
Why An Accredited Course?
I finally selected SST because the information I found about them was always very clear and concise and always came across as a company that is affable. I hoped all this would be reflected in their courses……..and it certainly does.
And with the course being online it doesn’t matter where you live, so no travel to worry about.
In addition, being an accredited course as I felt assured that it would be good and well-structured as well as being continually assessed by City & Guild personnel to ensure that standards are maintained.
I wasn’t concerned about getting a certificate as this is for my personal development, that said I was very proud of myself when my certificate arrived.
SST has a variety of courses and all at varying levels. So, which one to go for? I had often thought about working with fabric in some way; I have collected fabric samples for years – never really knowing the best way to use them in a meaningful way. I also wanted a course that was more than just learning about using a sewing machine, I wanted to design and create as well. I wanted to be stretched. This course ticked all the boxes.
I made contact in the first instance to get advice as to which level to aim for; SofST were very helpful and in February 2025 I enrolled on Machine Embroidery Skill Stage 2. From day 1 I was hooked, so much so I hardly stopped – oh, but my poor garden has suffered!
The modules (4no. for level 2) are all clearly laid out with very good and clear instructions (just read properly which I didn’t always do) including videos but should you have any questions, everyone at the school is extremely approachable.
Plenty of time is allocated for the modules which allows you to easily fit around busy schedules, work and children.
What have you learnt?
I have learnt so much from doing this course and now understand better what it is that I like. I am now starting to produce what I like rather than worrying what others would want, though I am still very good at being indecisive!
I look at images in a different way; I look closely at the different colours and shapes whilst imagining how they can be used. My confidence has grown as a result of this course – the very fact I’m writing this to share my thoughts is testament to that.
My work is by no means perfect and still needs refining, but I am proud of it.
With just a little knowledge, even if you have machine stitched before, Skill Stage 2 is a good starting point. It teaches everything you need to know in a concise manner whilst also giving opportunities to produce your own designs to then go on to produce.
Always read the module brief thoroughly before starting and plan your time. I allowed 8 – 10 weeks per module which allowed a break between, but I continued virtually non-stop!
Work task by task, as generally the first task leads onto the next.
If no previous PowerPoint experience, instructions are given to help; it is worth getting to grips with early on as this app has so much to offer and confidence using it soon sees you trying new commands etc.
Try to remember to keep plenty of notes and step by step photos.
Don’t get discouraged, have self-belief and finally, and most importantly – enjoy. I did, so much so I am now doing level 3!
If you are looking to self-improve or indeed start a business, I can’t recommend SST enough.
