Golden Hinde are a small family run business specialising in goldwork embroidery. They produce Quality English Embroidery kits and sell wires and threads as well as all your sundry embroidery equipment to make your own designs come alive. I spoke with the founder Sarah about how she got into embroidery.
How did you get into embroidery?
A lot of people get an interest from sewing with their grans, but neither of my grannies sewed. It was actually my mum who has always been the creative inspiration in my life. I did bits and bobs, completing my textiles GCSE and Art A level. However, when mum started doing more of the goldwork it just clicked with me and I found I was actually very good at it.
What are your favourite stitches and why?
Couching is definitely my favourite stitch, I find it very therapeutic. I could just sit for hours and couch and couch and couch.
What stitches would you like to learn?
From an early age, I used to draw blackwork patterns on graph paper. I did a whole sheet of it, where ever it went I don’t know. It’s certainly been on my to do list, but so far I haven’t found the time to fit it in – life gets in the way. Having seen all the inspirational blackwork at the shows produced by the Royal School of Needlework apprentices this further increased my desire to one day do blackwork. Now the time is upon me and I have enlisted Jen Goodwin to come and teach myself and my class it, so I will soon be ticking Blackwork off my wish list.
What other textiles would you like to explore?
Although I don’t do much in the way of textiles normally, I do love going on courses and dabbling. I am currently working on a piece that brings both textiles and goldwork together. I’m extremely excited about it and it will be going in my book which is coming out at the end of September.
What kinds of images or drawings do you like stitching and why?
My favourite images are peacocks and trees. These seem to be a reoccurring theme in my life. The beauty and majesty of peacocks has always inspired me and trees bring you back to nature.
Where do you buy your materials, thread and equipment from?
I am extremely lucky as I don’t have to buy any materials or equipment. For over 20 years I have built up the business that is Golden Hinde and we specialise in goldwork and embroidery products, so the world is my oyster.
How do feel about sharing your work on Instagram?
It’s a little bit of a catch 22 you want people to see your work and I share a lot of my students work, from showing their work in progress to it being a completed piece. But there is always the risk that people will copy you. I always put watermarks on my pictures. It is however a wonderful platform for sharing your work and I receive a lot of amazing comments from people.
What other ways do you promote your work?
Facebook and Twitter and have my own website too. I am currently writing a book which is almost finished, it has been a long time in the making and a very steep learning curve, but it is nearly there now so it should be printed in the Autumn. I’m very excited about it. I also advertise in a number of magazines and go to the Alexandra Palace and Harrogate shows, I have been going there for nearly 15 years now. I have a showcase stand close to our main shop stand this year at both Alexandra Palace and Harrogate, plus I have added Dublin and I am so excited to be exhibiting at all three. I love meeting all the textile people, friends, customers.
Do you ever get worried about people copying your designs?
It is always a worry and I have friends who have had their ideas copied. The kits that I have designed for Golden Hinde are all copyright protected, so people cannot copy them. The projects my students work on are often things I have designed for them myself, or they draw inspiration from general life or designs they have seen from books or artists and I always credit the designer where possible if and when posting on social media.
Who are some of your favourite embroidery artists to follow on social media?
On Instagram, there are so many it is so hard to limit it, I love all the little insects on Insta at the moment. Rie Wenham, Humayrah and Hattie McGill. For textiles and goldwork pieces definitely Katie Tume and for animalistic qualities it has definitely got to be Georgina Bellamy.
Outside of Instagram, textiles wise Annemieka Mein, because she is inspirational as she makes nature looks so realistic and creates beautiful pieces that blow your mind. On the goldwork front definitely Jane Lemon and Beryl Dean who are both no longer with us. Their design work was amazing and can still be seen today in churches and Abbeys. They would design pieces with the thought of seeing the piece both close up and at a distance. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Jane twice and she was so enthusiastic about her work, that is how I always want to be seen, enthusiastic in all the work I do and teach.
Lastly, what do you love about embroidery?
Embroidery is a state of mind, being able to pick something up at any time of the day and stitch. If you’re feeling down you can lose yourself for hours in the world of embroidery and it will lift your soul. I just love it, designing, creating and being part of the process that produces amazing works of art, that will live on for future generations.
Follow Golden Hinde on Instagram here