How To Embroider A Historical Recreation: The Royal School Of Needlework's advice 

"Accidentally bought some books" is an excellent phrase. This looks to be a wonderful school and exhibit, thank you for sharing this.

We are honoured to have welcomed Cathy to the Royal School of Needlework and excited that so many of Cathy's subscribers have been introduced to the RSN for the first time. We look forward to meeting you online or in person soon!

I had no idea the Royal School of Needlework existed, and I’m so excited to have found them through this video! Embroidery was my lockdown skill and I’ve been struggling to find resources to learn more - I think the RSN shop might be my entire xmas list 😍

Royal school of needle work?!? Omg the fact that even exists excites me to no end!! 😍

I recently went mad and bought 50 old(some very old) wooden cotton reels with the thread still on. I was really shocked by how vivid some of the colours were,and also how subtle some of the shades. It wasnt all white,grey,brown and black.

Cathy, that was wonderful! I'm a male quilter who has gotten into cross-stitch and embroidery and I've heard of the school from across the pond, and I think that was so awesome to see a video about them related to also your coat.. how exciting, and look forward to seeing your try at embroidery... I've actually done a wool table mat with similar flowers anchored by a French knot.. lots of cutting out of little pieces.. Oh the fun! LOL :-)

Well, it appears that I have accidentally purchased the embroidery book as well after watching this. Thank you for introducing us to this wonderful school. What a dream it would be to attend.

As a crochetier I am just salivating at that wall of wool!

This looks like the perfect historical coat so far beyond anything I've found, I'm very excited to see this. Cathy is the most knowledgeable and detailed person I've found and look forward to.

The online stich bank, what a wonderful and important initiative! ❤️ I'm thinking the embroidery was in vibrant colors. Especially if it's silk! Interesting story: the 18th century royal residence and castle of Drottningholm outside Stockholm underwent great restorations. The Queen mother of the regent (or it mat have been his danish wife the queen) had expensive Chinese silk covered walls in her bedroom, and the pattern was carefully photographed in full and commision made for a tidy fortune as the silk was badly deteriorating (as silk invetiably will over time). Only after all this did the conservationists take the fabric down from the wall (so odd but 100%true!). Of course this very light blue silk was stretched like a canvas on to wood slats, and it turned out the silk left unexposed to UV rays was absolutely brilliantly China red all over! Imagine that, not only did it put the entire room and the rest of the colors into question and require a whole different investigation of paint pigments on panels and furniture, other silks in the room etc, AND cost an absolute fortune to recommision in the correct color, but it gave an entirely different take on her personal choices, preferences, and the whole notion of "Scandi-color schemes" from back in the day, something that's been debated alot as certain pigments from the era are alot less color fast/light fast than others. In this country we are so used to seeing pale oyster grays, light ochre and pale blues in these historic environments, we've often mistakenly vome to believe that's what this most famous period looked like in refined interiors and only the country commoners where all in with busy patterns, stencils and colors in earth pigments and local oxides in typically much darker wood farm houses. But they used cotton fabrics, stenciled with paints on walls, had less fickle and expensive pigments (earth tones don't fade so much) and less sunlight indoors. Of course the brighter and clearer the colors, the more opulently regal and exclusive, especiallt in those days when fabric and colors were also officially regulated by law to only be worn in garments by people of specific titles (and death penalty was actually real for those who didn't abide by them!) I've seen silk garments in my Grandmother's possession she's described as quite a different color originally. Old pieces of her mum's. I wonder if those stems and leaves were emerald green and the hydrangeas a deep pink or varying pinks, purples and greens as the autumnal hydrangeas most beautiful one sees in the market this time of year? Those petals may have been carefully and artfully dyed to look very realistically like these varigated autumnal cut flowers (my favorite version of these blooms, although I do love the Italian blue in big garden pots as well). It would have been spectacular! I'd skip the beige if I were you. Seems out of place for that much work. They'd have gone for gold in that case. Either way, h u g e job to embroider yourself. Wonderful video! Thank you! 👌❤️😍

How wonderful to see INSIDE the RSN! Thank you Cathy!

That wall of wool was absolutely divine, I am jealous of their collection! I actually just built a very crude slate frame myself for a coat I will be starting soon - it's nowhere near as tidy as theirs! It's very large though - about 48 inches along the long side. I wanted to be able to fit the whole width of the fabric selvage to selvage so I could work the coat flat before cutting out the pieces. It is exciting to think we are both about to embark on large full embroidered coat projects, together, in a sense.

When you find the velvet , remember to get extra so you can practice the stitches and if you decide to go with color you will be able to see it before you do it. My grand mother went to a special sewing school where she learned all the embroidery stitches and she taught my mother who taught me. Practice is essential and fun. The practice pieces are not too big so its fairly quick. I wish you the true joy of painting with thread.

Cathy, your courage knows no ends! I would be TERRIFIED to attempt to recreate that exquisite embroidery on silk velvet no less!!! I watch you to help me overcome my lack of courage to tackle projects not remotely as special or great of an investment.

I'm an enthusiastic embroiderer, but this was mind-blowing. Thank you for shedding light on such a wonderful organization!

Concerning the fading colours: From photos and looking at them on different screens it seams the petals have varied from pink to purple to blue colours, much like hydrangeas. The leaves of course were green and there seems the possibility of both leaves and stems to have slight gradients. I'm convinced this coat was way more colorful back in the day :)

I love Cathy !! So quiet . So beautiful . Go Cathy ! You can !!

Getting a bespoke frame made is the best advice when working large expanse of velvet. I will enjoy seeing you stitch find and sew.

wow I've never heard about that school and I'm amazed and super excited to know they're doing online courses! I'm really looking forward to seeing your work on that coat!

SO excited. I love this coat and the other coat videos are what got me watching all of Cathy's videos! Thank you Cathy ❤️

I thoroughly enjoyed being swept away by the sense of discovery and detailed information in this video. Thank you for the introduction to Gemma and the Royal School of Needlework! I look forward to your next video to see what your takeaway was from the visit and how you plan to apply the techniques mentioned to embroidering your coat. Smiles, Stella

Sarah Homfrey Embroidery is a fantastic You Tube channel where she teaches. She’s a graduate of the Royal School and has a shop for all the stuff. (In Britain, don’t know how shipping to the US is) It’s like going back to art school, she’s a really good instructor - some people can teach and she has the gift. I never did do much work, but shocked myself and a friend explaining how an Indian metal work evening bag was made. 🤣 They get a very thorough education at that school, I’m really impressed with what Ms Homfrey covers.

Years ago I spent a week staying at Hampton Court. I remember peering thru the windows at the wonderful work they were doing. I love to do embroidery, either stand-alone pieces or onto my clothes. I know that once you get the hang of the stitches, you will be great. Thank you for the look inside the school!

Never have I wished so hard for a trip across the pond! I’d take every class they offer if I could! Embroidery is definitely one of my clothing weaknesses!!! 🤩🤩

The maticulous details of needlework embroidery is stunning compared to my now machine embroidery. I started out embroiderying with a hoop, at my grandmother's knee & moved onto machine embroidery; as my hands were not as nimble as they were in younger years. What a thrill to see the needle come back to life. Thank you for your video visit. Best wishes on your newest velvet project... burn marks can crush & ruin velvet easily.

I did end up buying their Book of Embroidery. I absolutely love it. It’s so full of information that is useful for historical costuming.

Can't wait to see how it works. Thanks for letting us go on your journey

I'm a second year in the RSN degree course, when you came into my class I really wanted to say hello but I was in a technical stitch lecture! I've been a fan for ages, and the last place I expected to see you was at uni.

I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THE STITCH BANK!!!!! What an incredile resource!!! Thanks for sharing! Also really excited to see if you decide to go with "like new" or "as old" colours!

❤❤❤ Good job, Cathy! ❤❤❤ Love aside, you have a way with sharing your passion and igniting creative action in others. You’re a Diamond in the rough that is YT. Your contribution is so much deeper, richer, more meaningful, that just executing a project for entertainment. Cannot WAIT for the next video!

Wow, what a treat of a video to have with my morning coffee. I was entranced the whole way through, and it’s even more magical that the conversation was taking place in such a beautiful historic building. I’m pretty motivated to get my work done for the day now, thank you 💗🌸

The online resources are exciting. Glad you let us know!

Color!?! How is it that I never considered that the coat’s embroidery was colorful? It’s a whole new world you’ve opened for me, Cathy. Thank you, as always. And here’s to accidental purchases! I’ve made one or two…

I have the first book and it is amazing. I must revisit Hampton Court Palace one day, I went there many years ago. The RSN is an absolute treasure.

Hi Cathy, what a fascinating visit. There is so much information and historical I site into your project . The embroidery is going to teadious, an time consuming but worth it .

So wonderful to see this beautiful art of embroidery passed on to new enthusiasts! Lovely resource at ALL our fingertips, too! I had no idea! Thank you!

Thank you for introducing the RSN to me, and probably a lot of other viewers. What a gorgeous coat, what an ambitious project! I wish I knew about the school when I was in London last fall, it will be a definite must-see next time I visit. In the meantime, you inspire me to attempt something gorgeous!

Love hearing your voice! You're absolutely wonderful to watch

Cant wait to see the process…..keep us posted.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am so excited by what you shared-so inspired. What a fun project. Have you heard of Sarah Homfray Embroidery? She is a graduate of RSN, a gifted artist, and, like you, a gifted teacher. She would be a wonderful resource for you. And to see you collaborate. . .it would be amazing. (Each of you are on my list of remarkable artists.) She has a RU-vid channel and has a large collection of lessons, from basic to advanced. Thank you for taking us along on this journey-it’s a privilege.

I actually found this super interesting and absolutely beautiful as always I enjoy all of your videos thank you so much for taking the time to share with all of us I know that this is hard work so I really really appreciate you doing it absolutely beautiful and so interesting

Thank you, Cathy!

Hmm the RSN exhibition sounds like a perfect outing for any WI group. I shall suggest it to as many people as I can.

I look forward to watching what colors you choose!!

This is such a beautiful project! I know I say it a lot, but I can't wait to see it!! Also, I knew Cathy would be acquiring a new book or two!!!

Really interesting and that stitch library looks fantastic for sewers and illustrating embroidery

Living the dream!

I watch a lot of Kathy and Bernadette so this is "right up my St.". I think that there are people around the world who are inspired by certain materials and fabric is one of mine. I was born in Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire and was born into a weaving world but had no idea about the beauty that the cloth we weaved could be. I'm 81 years now and still love to find material that pleases me. Thank You so much.

Wow, super informative. Thank you. Doesn’t it help to have people in the know. 👌💕

How wonderful! Thank you for sharing Cathy. I feel I've grown from watching today and I look forward to diving into the Royal School of Needlework!

How wonderful. Didn't know RSN even existed. I'm straight over to the website and can't wait to see you buy the fabric and start the making part of that beautiful coat 👏 😊

I have read a lot of books that have featured costumes and it fascinating it’s gorgeous

Lovely video. Thank you for taking us. Just seeing that wall of wool made me start salivating. I'm a knitter and a painter and that's just like the nickel in the candy store concept. Now I'm excited to get started on some hand work, oh dear 😵‍💫.....,

This is so cool love watching about embroidery . Never heard of Royal school of needlework. Love the embroidery panels beautiful work!!The coat is going to be beautiful when you have it done!

Riveting stuff! I am not so secretly hoping you go for the original non faded shades, oh this is so thrilling!

I enjoy stitching on my clothes. I'm putting Teresa Wentzler's Egyptian Sampler onto a black satin coat. I can't wait to see yours.

Greetings from Fairbanks Alaska! Your premier starts at 10am for me, and this is the part I'm most interested in. I can't wait to learn the words to use to look up how to so specific embroidery things to garments for me and my children. Especially the old school bougie embroidery and embellishments.

Saw the title and clicked so fast! I am trying to make a great coat with embroidery too! I have thick tan cotton velvet. The stitche bank sounds awesome.

I don't know if you've taken this into account; but when this coat was made, the hand embroidery machine was available. Some of the work on this jacket, since it wasn't bespoke, might have been done with the embroidery machine rather than all by hand.

Looking forward to the next step. 😀

Thank you for sharing this wonderful resource! Fantastic!

Love the work that the RSN do ,a real national treasure,how lucky that you got to go and get some advice

So interesting and great to discover the RSN website.

What an inspiring school 🤩 so lovely to see all those things love it.

Hi, I'm glad you had a great time 😊, I'm a student at the RSN and you came in during our goldwork lesson it's lovely discovering your channel!! That's my crewelwork frame at 2:10 :) awesome content !!!

Thank you for sharing some of your time at the RSN with us. The place, and their work, looks _fascinating!_ Looking forward to seeing how the embroidery goes!

What a wonderful introduction to the Royal School of Needlework! Gosh there is so much to Rosen with embroidery! I do cross stitch.. which is so much easier with just a few stitches… embroidery is a skill I would love to learn. I will check out the website and books. Cannot wait to see how the coat progresses… it’s such a fun project!

I’m just here for the pretty stuff! ❤️

LOL! I just went to order from the RSN website (because OF COURSE I want to learn how to embroider!) and the shipping & VAT (???) was 3 times the cost of what I ordered! OMG! International purchases are something else!!! Needless to say, I canceled my order (insert sad face). But I got a good laugh!! LOL! This coat is going to look so amazing when you are done!! I think you'll have to wear it to the museum and stand next to the original - it would be awesome!

This was a great video! The stitch library is a great resource. I’ve saved this one for future reference! I will definitely be checking the school

I really enjoyed watching this I work across the road from Hampton court palace I never knew that embroidery school was there.

I'm so excited that you posted this update. It has been so long I was afraid it might have been scrapped. Ah! I'm so stoked to see this masterpiece

wow! What an excellent showcase of the school. Adding the book to my xmas list. Can't wait to see your work on the coat

This was absolutely fascinating!! I love embroidery.

always well worth the wait. much luck in your project. can't wait til the next video. how exciting

Such a great resource. Thx for sharing it

THIS school is so COOL thank your exploring and sharing.

I can't wait to see how it comes out! This video was a real knowledge treat!

What a beautiful craft

Lovely to learn and watch. The Royal School of Needlework is on my travel bucket list now!

Thank you so much. Looking forward to your project and using this website.

How wonderful! Thank you for sharing

Wow it’s amazing to see the school of needlework. Thank you for sharing your experience!

I went and found this web page- omg, it blew my mind away. They have done an amazing job!!! Amazing , I repeat it’s an Amazing site

Cathy excellent Q&A video very interesting & informative! The coat takes another step to completion , really looking forward to seeing the next episode! Thank you

That was a great and interesting episode. Thank you so much for this and also thanks RSE to make this possible

Oh Cathy , that was the best youtube video I've seen in a long time ! Your coat is going to be fabulous 💜x

What a fantastic 'tips'! So interesting how my emotions waiver watching this. The overwhelming amount of work and excitement of thrilling work. Overall great video and massive inspiration. 😍

I admire you work so much ❤️

I really enjoyed this one Cathy.

Yet another lovely video, Cathy! 🥰 You share the historical creative journey so beautifully. Thank you ❤ I might have "accidentally bought some books" in my time too. 🙂

I look forward to your videos so very much. Thank you for going into such great detail. Love it!

I love your document, Cathy, lovely inspiring way to encourage us , needle lovers to go on in our amelioration process and future projects! Thanks so much from Spain!!¡

This is so lovely!

My mom taught me basic embroidery when I was maybe 5 or 6 years old. I've been dabbling at it for 61 years now! I feel daunted by the idea of embroidering on velvet but I now you will find a way! Good luck 💜

Oh, Cathy! How beautiful! Thank you for sharing this with us!

Fabulous!!!!! ❤❤❤

Cathy, field trips with you are SO much fun! Thank you for making such wonderful locations digitally accessible to those of us across the pond :)

I somehow got he sudden urge to learn more about embroidery, thank you so much for another wonderfully delightful, interesting video ♥

What a wonderful day out! I am learning about goldwork right now with a kit and tutorials I got for my birthday. It is very different from anything I have done before! I am looking forward to seeing your progress with the whole project but particularly with the embroidery. I would suggest doing a sample first so you can get your hand in - its often about the rhythm and you don't want to be all over the place with the couching while you find your stride! And books - of course you bought some! It would be rude not to. Now I have to go and buy the exhibition linked book which I hadn't see. Thanks 😂