Here’s a little secret I’m almost embarrassed to share:
I didn’t immerse myself in any of the “Royal Events” for the coronation last week.
I know! I know! Even with all that embroidery to gaze upon!
When I finally had the time and the inclination, though, I scoured about for some good needlework chit-chat related to the grand event. Of course, the anointing screen worked on by the RSN was big news. It seemed to take the forefront in embroidery chatter.
But to me, the most impressive thing that I read about was Jenny Adin-Christie’s involvement in refurbishing the heralds’ garb, which she talked about here on Instagram. That is pretty cool! What a job! And I loved her pictures of the goldwork applied on the velvet.
But let’s morph into another subject here – along the same lines, but perhaps somewhat more accessible?
If you’re a fan of all levels and types of needlework, if you’re a lover of travel, if you’re a connoisseur of the royals scene (and I don’t mean KC baseball), if you have dreamed about someday indulging in the ultimate needlework-related vacation, then you’ve probably already heard about the world needlework convention that Needlework Tours and Cruises is hosting, co-sponsored by Inspirations Magazine.
If you haven’t, I’m bringing it up today so that you don’t miss an opportunity to participate in something that you may have been dreaming of doing for a long time!
I can’t really wax too poetic about the event, because I don’t know much more about it than what the ads say. The folks at Needlework Tours & Cruises (which is based out Australia) asked me to write about the convention here on Needle ‘n Thread in hopes of reaching a wider US audience. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive much extra info about it, so I can only tell you what I know from the ads and from the information I’ve read from designers and teachers who were invited to attend.
The Needlework Tours & Cruises convention for 2023 is split between a luxury hotel in London and a luxury estate venue just outside of London in Bedfordshire. The London proximity gives the group access to needlework-related events, venues, museum exhibitions and so forth in the London area, including the Knitting and Stitching Show, Parham House, the City of London Livery Company, and more. (Don’t forget the V&A while you’re there!). I think Michele Carragher is still lined up as one of the keynote speakers, as well as Robert Assant, who will speak about “All things Royal: Needlework for the Coronation.”
The event is a whopping 11 days long and it features 80+ classes in all kinds of techniques for all kinds of levels of stitchers. It looks like some of the world’s best-known embroidery designers and teachers were invited to participate, so you’ll find instructors from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the US to choose from.
If you check out the information on the website for booking, you’ll see there’s a event-only option (where you supply your own accommodations) or there’s the all-inclusive option that includes accommodations and extras. Event-only starts around $2,100 (no accommodations) and the all-inclusive is up in the $5,500 range for twin sharing ($6,500 if you want solo accommodations). Airfare is up to you, and kit costs are added to the final invoice.
Sounds like a trip of a lifetime to me, if this kind of travel and event is up your alley!
If nothing else, you can explore the information this weekend, check out the class line-up for a bit of inspiration, and indulge in a little daydreaming!
Hope you have a great Friday!
I live in the UK (NE Scotland) and was over the moon by all the stunning embroidery. For me, the absolute triumph was Princess Catherine’s stumpwork floral headpiece styled as a tiara. I have been scouring the Internet for close-up photos of the gorgeous piece. Also beautiful was the elegant fern goldwork on Penny Mordaunt’s moss-forest green headpiece, cloak, and gown (Ms Mordaunt was the lady with the Sword of State). But for me, the winner for Coronation embroidery has to have been the Princess of Wales stumpwork headpiece.
Yes, that was beautiful! And her daughter’s, too – a very elegant touch. I love silver metal thread – it’s so light and brilliant!
Are you on the list? I didn’t see you on the tutor list. You had my hopes up for a minute, Mary! I hope you were invited among the “famous designers and teachers”. I’ve wanted to take a class from you since I started reading Needle and Thread in 2008!
Is this the same company that was having a convention in Hawaii in 2021 cancelled because the Covid pandemic? I was thinking about it then since I lived in California.
Nope. I’m apparently just an advertiser. But hey – at least I’m good for something! 🙂
Now that you mention it, it’s kind of like getting invited to a bridal shower but not being invited to the wedding. 😮
Yes, same company as the Hawaii thing. In fact, I was invited to that – or maybe they asked for recommendations for US teachers? I don’t remember, but I couldn’t have gone to that one – it was bad timing all around.
I’ve heard good things about their tours, overall. I’m sure this one would be fabulous if you have the travel bug again.
You’ll have to come to Kansas one of these days! Gosh, 2008 was an age ago! Thanks for sticking around!
It does indeed sound like the trip of a lifetime…..the lineup of teachers is great…great location….but, be sure you read the fine print. The non-refundable deposit is $2000. If you need to make any changes, it costs you $400 per change. If you don’t get the teacher you want, you can pick another…but no refunds. They do not tell you which classes are filled. The real kicker, is that if they cancel the trip for any reason, you only get a 50% refund. They of course suggest travel insurance, which I agree with…but, travel insurance doesn’t cover this kind of stuff.
For more information on the Royal School of Needlework involvement in the Coronation embroidery there is a Zoom talk from the RSN on Wednesday 17 May at 7pm (UK time) called “The RSN and the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III”. Amongst other things it covers the annointing screen mentioned in your post. Cost is £6,
I dearly wish I could go! Unfortunately I’ve got a dear friend’s wedding half way through to attend. It sounds like a great time, I hope they do another one!