RSN Crewelwork Course: Getting ready for school

Monday was our first day back to school after a glorious two week holiday for Easter. During those two weeks we had visitors and I managed to get quite a bit of stitching done. But the most important thing I did was to start my preparations for going to the Royal School of Needlework Certificate Course in Crewelwork this summer.I'll be attending the certificate course taught in Rugby by Nicola Jarvis. The RSN is offering the Crewelwork certificate course in three venues this summer: at Hampton Court in London, where the school is based, in Rugby and in Bristol. I was thrilled to discover that the course would be offered in Rugby as otherwise the total cost would have made it impossible for me to go. I could manage the tuition but not housing in London in addition.So, what's on my "school supply list"? Oh, lots of wonderful things! Firstly there are 5 books we need to have. They are:Erica Wilson Crewel WorkAnchor Crewel Work StitchesThe Royal School of Needlework Embroidery TechniquesBarbara Snook Embroidery StitchesBetty Barnden The Embroidery Stitch BibleI own the first and the third books on the list and was able to find the rest on Amazon from a second hand seller.4 different kinds of needles are required; embroidery No.5, No.7, Chenille No.24, No.22. I got online and ordered those right away from John James Needles. I have a few of each but I decided to be really well prepared and have one package of each size and kind of needle.Linen twill and Appleton wool are the stitching materials we will be using. It's suggested that we get our twill from the Royal School so I will wait until I arrive for that. We may bring any Appleton wool we have in our stash and the RSN has all that we could possibly need if additional amounts or colors are necessary.We will be stitching our crewel piece on a slate frame and those must be from the Royal School. On the first day we will get a starter pack which includes a frame if we don't already have one.This is the most fun "school started pack" I've ever had to get! There's lots more to do before I go and I'll be writing more about this fabulous adventure in the next 8 weeks.