Lucy Barter

Teaches at SF School of Needlework and Design

Lucy Barter is from Suffolk, England, and is a graduate of the University of Northumbria, where she obtained a BA Honors Degree in Fashion Design. Specializing in children’s wear, she designed for established children’s fashion labels in Britain and America, including the Gap, Gymboree and Pottery Barn Kids. While designing, Lucy developed a special interest in the finer details and embellishments of the garments and sought to further her studies and passion for needlework by enrolling into the Royal School of Needlework’s Apprenticeship program in 2003.

During the apprenticeship, Lucy worked on many exciting projects, including the Alter Frontal for Canterbury Cathedral, conservation of a Walter Crane 19th Century screen, and an album cover for Sir Paul McCartney. Lucy graduated with distinction at the top of her class in 2006 while also winning the acclaimed Clothworkers Guild Kneeler Prize. Lucy then stayed with the Royal School of Needlework for a short while to teach new students in the Apprenticeship program.

In 2007, Lucy moved to San Francisco and immediately opened her own business – Forever Embroidery Studio. Lucy’s passion and primary mission is to continue the sharing of traditional embroidery techniques passed on to her while at the Royal School of Needlework. Lucy continues to teach embroidery classes and also specializes in restoration and conservation works on commission. From 2007 to 2015, Lucy acted as an ambassador and instructor for the Royal School of Needlework in the USA.

Lucy’s knowledge and expertise has not gone unnoticed in the San Francisco Bay Area, she is the resident embroidery teacher at Filoli, a country house and garden owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and designated a California Historic Landmark. Lucy has lectured at many of the SF bay area embroidery guilds, at the Commonwealth Club, and at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco.  She can also be seen teaching on line with Craftsy.com, where her class in Goldwork is attracting global attention.