Diana Nagorna Master Classes 

I am counting down the days to another class with Diana Nagorna at Lena's lovely workshop in Washington. I absolutely loved the course we had in January and learnt so much benefiting from two amazing teachers Lena and Diana at the same time. We were taught so many techniques and tips combining different fibres and fabrics and since then I have been working hard on samples along with trying to perfect a fine even layout and I have even made two more coats !

Cont.. No doubt Diana will have many more techniques for us to learn. The new course looks great and I know we are going to make so many amazing items. Looking forward to a wonderful creative break with fab lunches (made by Lenas Mum) and good company with old and new friends. Lynn Edmonds

I had never made any clothing before this class and it's since given me confidence to make a top at home. I learnt new ways to layout wool and also how to use a sander for the first time. Things that I really enjoyed about the workshop was the amazing lunches from your lovely mum. Eating together was really nice. Being able to see examples of what Diana made, look at her samples and try on her coats was also very useful.

Before I attended Diana Nagorna’s coat-making master classes at Lena Archbold’s studio in Washington, Tyne and Wear, I had some felt-making experience, but had never attempted anything as large as a coat! I had followed Diana for about six years and admired her unique felted garments, so naturally I was delighted to be able to attend an in- person class. Without Diana’s instruction, and Lena’s back-up assistance and occasional translation, I would never have been able to make a coat.

Apart from learning about wool types, making a pattern layout, shrinkage, using a sander, decoration and embellishment techniques, I felt truly honoured to be working alongside these two masters and 11 other keen felt makers of various abilities. I am delighted with my coat. I chose the colours of orange, blue and white to emulate the colours of a kingfisher, but when Diana named it ‘Nemo’ (after the cartoon fish) I was more than happy with that!