I received my assessment from the Royal School of Needlework today and I am over the moon! It's been a long, long time since I've earned a grade for anything and, although I know it's the learning that counts, I was still interested to see what the professionals had to say about my stitching.But first...drum roll please...

Pass with Merit!!!

From the RSN Certificate Assessment Information:Students are measured up against the finest embroiderers in the world and the gradings are much higher than other comparable courses. It is a great achievement to gain a Pass on an RSN course and this is what our tutors areaiming for you to accomplish. If you gain a Pass grade you can be assured that your work isof the appropriate standard required by the RSNMerit 80% to 89% - this level indicates that you have demonstrated relevant and accomplished application of basic technical and practical skills; highly effective application of fundamental professional skills and a strong ability to work independently.I am so chuffed! Proud! Amazed! Thankful! Relieved!Here are a few of the comments the assessors made about my work. Concerning the paint lines being completely covered: "There are a few paint lines showing: i.e. the needle woven edge of the main flower. Otherwise good."I agree. See photo below. (Of course, I had to look at an enlarged photo on the computer screen to see it! But that's why they're the pro's and I'm not - yet!)Color/Shading:"Good overall color balance. Very good use of shading throughout" (Yippee!) "Perhaps the piece would have benefited from the seeding in the two leaves to be in a gold color" Fair point. Might have pulled it together and added a spark of brighter color. I like it how it is, but it's good input.Variety of stitches: "An interesting variety of stitches, which work well in the design, you have included extra stitches such as tete de boeuf and pistal stitch. Well done"Accuracy of stitches:"We can see an improvement in your points and the edges of your shapes as you have stitched your work. The edges are uneven in the central hillock." Yep, they are. But if that's the worst thing I did, I'm happy!Where I lost the most points was on the mounting, specifically on the back. Attaching the fabric to the back of the mounted embroidery was really difficult for me. The curved needle was tricky to use and I did it at the very end of the last day. I admit, I worked quickly to get finished and at that point in the course I was not doing my best work. Fair dues.So a pass with merit. Wow Zow! Who would have thought? Not me, that's for sure! Next up at the RSN - goldwork. But that's a ways off and there's so much to do between then and now!