Gentle Needlepoint Workshop with Stephanie Doddridge

This workshop will introduce you to needlepoint embroidery with an environmentally conscious approach. This experience is ideal for complete beginners or intermediate textile creatives looking to move beyond pre-designed embroidery kits and existing patterns.

It's also suitable for creatives looking to reduce the cost and environmental impact of their textile practice.

Here's what you will learn:

• how to naturally dye wool yarn using kitchen and garden material and gentle soy milk mordant,

• about needlepoint materials,

• where to source needlepoint materials,

• how to design a small needlepoint artwork,

• how to incorporate text (optional),

• basic needlepoint stitch,

• how to finish your project.

Stephanie will also give you information about needlepoint applications for future projects (functional or creative outputs including bags, cushions, slippers, tapestries, patches and artworks).

Here's the workshop format:

We will collectively dye 2-3 batches of wool yarns to take home. We will discuss the needlepoint materials required, and where to source them. You will also be provided with a needlepoint canvas, needle and pre-dyed yarns to begin your project on the day. Stephanie will run through the basic stitch and show you how to design your project from scratch, or alter existing patterns, and/or incorporative text.

While you stitch, Stephanie will explain how to finish your project and chat about ideas for larger projects.

By the end of the day, you will leave with a selection of naturally dyed yarns, a needlepoint project in progress, printed instructions and the foundational skills to complete it at home.

About the artist:

Stephanie Doddridge is an artist working on Kaurna Country, who engages with garden-derived materials, plants and seeds to understand human-nature relationships and notions of reciprocal care and quiet activism.

Stephanie completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts (First Class Honours) at the University of South Australia in 2022, receiving an Award for Outstanding Achievement. She won the City Rural Emerging Artist Award for SALA Festival 2023, was selected to undertake the Guildhouse Collections Project with FUMA in 2024 and has also exhibited in Perth Western Australia at PICA, and in Adelaide South Australia at Feltspace, and ACE.

Workshop details:

• We provide all materials and equipment

• Suitable for beginner participants and others at any skill level, and who are 18 years and older

• Wear suitable art friendly clothing

• Bring your own snacks or lunch (Refrigerator available). We provide tea and coffee.

• If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend this workshop, please email nvouis@ahc.sa.gov.au before 5pm, Thursday 5 November 2026. Refunds not available after this time and date.

• Inclusion in the Fabrik mailing list

  By registering for a Fabrik workshop or event your name and email address will be added to our contact list. This means from time to time you will receive Fabrik program updates by email. If you wish to opt out, please email the Public Programs Officer (nvouis@ahc.sa.gov.au) directly with Contact List Opt-Out in the subject heading and your full name in the message.

Here's Stephanie and some examples of her needlepoint work.

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