Hello
In 2004, I created my studio 'Simsalabim - Centre des arts du fil'. For almost 8 years now, I have tried to promote hand embroidery and needlework in general both at Simsalabim as well as outside my studio throught courses, workshops, conferences, and demonstrations. I have tried to transmit my enthousiasm and as much knowledge as possible about needlework to all my students. To me, hand embroidery and needlework is part of our cultural heritage and it is well worth transmitting to future generations. In 2009, I started the Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework because my wish is to promote hand embroidery at a very high level.
My initial concept of 'Simsalabim - Centre des arts du fil' is thus outdated and does not correspond to neither the structure created in 2004 nor to my ambitions. I have therefore decided to close Simsalabim and continue in another direction. Having said this, it does not mean that I am totally giving up teaching nor any of the previous activities, but these will be slightly modified.
From January 2012, I will mainly work on my own projects and creations, give conferences and finally give private (or group) tuition. Shortly, you will be able to read all about these changes on my new website. There will also be an on-line shop for your shopping. There you will find material and threads for embroidery, bobbin lace, felting and spinning as well as embroidery kits.
On Wednesday the 21st December 2011, my studio Simsalabim at Chemin des Rosiers 5 in Lausanne will definitely close its doors. From January 2012 and on, tuition will be given as follows:
- private tuition in your home or in the location of your choice
- group tuition : you are a group of ladies/gentlemen wishing to learn or continue with your favourite technique. I will be happy to teach you in your home or in the location of your choice
Teaching embroidery, needlework, bobbin and needlelace, tatting, needlefelting, spinning and tablet weaving will be available as earlier (see below). Weaving, however, will not be taught for practical reasons, unless you have your own loom at home. I will be happy to introduce you to any of the techniques or to help you on your way to perfection. If you wish to have private or group tuition, please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.
These are the techniques that I can teach you :
- planning and creating a textile object from A to Z
- different embroidery techniques, Goldwork, Stumpwork, Silk Shading, Blackwork, Whitework, Crewel, Canvaswork, Bayeux embroidery, free-style embroidery, cross-stitches and more traditional needlework
- bobbin lace, needlelace and tatting
- weaving (if you have a loom at home) and tablet weaving
- carding and spinning (both spindle and spinning wheel)
- needle felting
- boxmaking
- mounting your embroidery
- basics in tapestry weaving
I also give conferences and seminars around a textile subject, so if this option interests you, feel free to contact me.
My kits and personal creations will also be available on my website, please come again in a few months' time to discover the latest news.
Hope to see you soon
Marina Berts
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