A Book of Verse

Deborah Wilding
Intermediate

Embark on a journey with Deborah Wilding to create an exquisite embroidered book. During this year-long course, students will explore silk and metal thread techniques. This course is perfect for those with some experience in silk and who wish to create a family heirloom beautiful with a practical use. In addition to your core embroidery sessions with Deborah, you will also receive separate tuition on how to finishing your book as a removable book cover or 'sleeve'. You will also receive separate book binding tuition from an expert book binder to create your own book to fit your sleeve.

Course begins in September 2026
Design: 20 x 16.7 cm (8 x 6 ¾ in)

One Year (minimum of 15 sessions including classes, lectures, finishing & book binding tuition)

Silk & Metal Thread Embroidery

£2,200.00

A Book of Verse
About the Design

Beneath the Bough

Step into the delicate world of historic embroidery with this new year-long course led by renowned textile artist Deborah Wilding. Inspired by an exquisite late-19th century embroidered book cover — a silk-stitched posy of blooms encasing a 1905 collection of inspirational sayings — this course invites you to recreate the embroidery that once sheltered "a posie of other men's flowers."

Over the course of 11 months, you will work closely with Deborah to stitch a faithful interpretation of this beautiful piece, celebrating the art of fine silk embroidery, careful embellishment, and romantic Victorian design. Together, we will explore the intricate floral motifs, scrolling vines, and delicate details that echo a bygone era of craftsmanship.

Each month, you will receive guided tuition, detailed instructions, and all the support needed to bring your own embroidered "bough" to life — capturing the same spirit of variety, beauty, and heartfelt creativity embodied in the original. You will then receive additional tutorials to finish your design into a well-made book 'sleeve' before beginning a short course on book binding to finish off.

Whether you are a seasoned embroiderer or a passionate beginner looking for an inspiring long-term project, A Book of Verse offers a truly special opportunity: a journey through history, texture, and thread, with each stitch a fragrant bloom in your own embroidered posy.

About this course

During a series of classes spanning a 11 month period, Deborah will guide you through the process of replicating an exquisite 1905 book from the comfort of your own home. You will then receive additional finishing and book binding tuition from experts in the field.

During this course, you will experience:

  • Enjoy learning about the context behind the original embroidery and understand the styles and techniques popular at the time

  • A Mindful Escape: Pure 'you' time. A chance to immerse yourself in your embroidery and enjoy the meditative process.

  • Greater Confidence: You will gain a profound sense of freedom with your needle and the confidence to take on more advanced silk and goldwork designs.

  • Enjoy a group experience forming friendships with like-minded stitchers across the globe

  • The final outcome will be the creation of your own embroidered heirloom, just yours, to pass down to posterity.

  • Benefit from the meditative process of embroidery while creating something truly beautiful

Course Schedule

Group 1 - Dates & Times

Group 1 classes will take place on the following dates (Fridays) at 10-12pm then 1-3pm UK time

4 September 2026 - Stab stitch and padding
2 October 2026 - Silk shading middle flowers & leaves
6 November 2026 - Silk shading honeysuckle and roses

TBC December 2026 - Special Session

8 January 2027 - Silk shading border leaves and Japanese shapes
5 February 2027 - Japanese outline on motifs and spangles

TBC March 2027 - Special Session

7 May 2027 - Japanese thread lines
4 June 2027 - Cut work (middle areas)
2 July 2027 - Cut work (border areas)

Date TBC - Follow Up Support Session

BREAK TO COMPLETE STITCHING

Date TBC - Finishing Tuition Recorded Sessions & Live Support
Date TBC - Book Binding Tuition Recorded Sessions & Live Support

Group 2 - Dates & Times

Group 2 classes will take place on the following dates (Saturdays) at 4-6pm then 7-9pm UK time

5 September 2026 - Stab stitch and padding
3 October 2026 - Silk shading middle flowers & leaves
7 November 2026 - Silk shading honeysuckle and roses

TBC December 2026 - Special Session

9 January 2027 - Silk shading border leaves and Japanese shapes
6 February 2027 - Japanese outline on motifs and spangles

TBC March 2027 - Special Session

8 May 2027 - Japanese thread lines
5 June 2027 - Cut work (middle areas)
3 July 2027 - Cut work (border areas)

Date TBC - Follow Up Support Session

BREAK TO COMPLETE STITCHING

Date TBC - Finishing Tuition Recorded Sessions & Live Support
Date TBC - Book Binding Tuition Recorded Sessions & Live Support

Course Details

36 Hours of Embroidery Tuition with Deborah

Deborah Wilding is a highly skilled embroidery tutor renowned for her expertise in hand embroidery. With years of experience, she specializes in traditional techniques, including crewelwork, goldwork, and counted thread embroidery. Deborah's teaching style is warm, patient, and engaging, making her a favorite among beginners and advanced stitchers alike. Her passion for preserving the art of embroidery shines through her detailed guidance and creative approach.

As a designer, Deborah creates intricate patterns inspired by history and nature, blending timeless elegance with modern flair. Her workshops and tutorials empower stitchers to develop their skills and create beautiful, heirloom-quality pieces.

"Embroidery is so often created as a piece of work to be hung on a wall so it’s lovely to create something which has an alternative practical use. An embroidery covered book is such a beautiful thing which can be kept by the stitched or made for someone as a special celebration gift. To me the arts and crafts period was such a special time of design and workmanship and this book cover showcases the principles of the era beautifully."

The Kit

Working with the finest suppliers honoring materials tat are faithful to the period, we will provide you with all of the necessary materials you need to execute this piece.

In your kit, you will receive:

  • A set of silks & metal threads. If you run out you will be able to request more during the course at no additional cost
  • Printed silk fabric (a practice piece and a final piece)
  • Needles for silk and metal thread embroidery
  • A mellor, scissors for silk thread, and scissors for metal threads
  • Workshop notes and stitch charts
  • Materials for finishing & book binding (to come towards the end of the course)

A Shared Experience

A wonderful outcome of our long courses is the connection that evolves between students. During this course, you will have access to our new private community space, which is accessible directly from your dashboard.

On this platform, you will be able to:

  • Ask questions and troubleshoot with your tutor
  • Chat with fellow students and share progress
  • Access the live sessions and subsequent recordings
  • Check for updates from the tutor or the CWC team

Create Your Heirloom

Starts: Sep 04, 2026

Meet Your Tutor

Deborah Wilding

United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Deborah Wilding is a distinguished embroidery artist. With a background in fine arts, Deborah has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the natural world, which is reflected in her exquisite embroidery designs.
Learn More About Deborah Wilding

You might be wondering

What size is the design?

The design dimensions are as follows:
Front cover - Height 20cm, Width 12.6cm (8 x 5 in)
Spine - Height 20cm, Width 4.1 cm (8 x 1 ¾ in)
Overall (including a matching back cover) - 20cm x 34.6 cm (7 ⅞ x 13 ⅝ in.)

What else will I need?

Frame requirements to be confirmed

How do I join the live classes?

You will be given access to your monthly classes via our online community platform, hosted by Circle.

Delivery & Returns

Packages will be sent by express delivery and shipping is included. Please note that packages will be delivered in 2027 for this course. You will not receive a kit immediately.

You may cancel your place up to 6 months before the start of the course. Unfortunately after that time, we cannot refund your payment.