About the Scholarship
Devised in honour of Evelyn Baxter, a prominent SWI member and advocate for craftsmanship, the Evelyn Baxter Scholarship Programme promotes traditional crafts and skills among women across Scotland. Each year, scholars receive expert tuition and then share their knowledge with SWI members and communities, helping preserve Scotland’s cultural heritage.

For 2027, the craft subject is Beginners' Needle felting, taught by Lou Washington, SWI member and Royal Highland Show Handcraft Championship winner.

Successful scholars will:
  • Receive two full days of tuition
  • Travel expenses and accommodation if required
  • Learn to teach and deliver lessons on needle felting techniques
  • Represent the Evelyn Baxter Programme throughout 2027 by teaching Federation-level classes across Scotland
Eligibility

Applicants must:
  • Be a current SWI member.
  • Demonstrate skill and interest in needle felting.
  • Complete the below skills questionnaire
  • Be willing and able to:
    • Attend the 2-day tailored teaching programme.
    • Travel across Scotland to deliver classes in 2027.
    • Represent SWI as a scholar, working with central office and members.
Some experience in sharing skills or teaching is desirable, but not essential. Enthusiasm, communication skills, and willingness to learn are equally valuable.

The Two-Day Training Programme
The successful applicants will take part in a two-day tailored training programme at SWI Central Office (EH6 5PH).
  • Day 1 – Teacher Preparation: Under the guidance of Lou, scholars will learn how to design and deliver a basic needle felting training session. This day focuses on lesson structure, teaching methods, and preparing to support learners effectively.
  • Day 2 – Practice Teaching: Scholars will deliver a practice class to a small group of members (maximum 10 participants) while being supported and mentored by Lou. This gives scholars the chance to put their teaching skills into action in a safe, supported environment before delivering Federation-level classes later on in 2027.
Important Dates
  • Application deadline: Friday 6th November, 2026
  • Interviews via Zoom: week commencing November 9th, 2026
  • Training (SWI Central Office, EH6 5PH): Monday 23rd – Tuesday 24th November, 2026
  • Scholars announced: December 2026
  • Programme setup: December - February 2027 (liaise with Federations to arrange classes)
  • Start delivering Federation classes: March 2027
Quick Application Form

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Name (Required.)

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Address (Required.)

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Phone number (Required.)

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Which Federation are you with? (Required.)

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What is your membership number? (Required.)

Needle felting Experience
This section is to see what your previous needle felting experience and knowledge is. There are no right or wrong answers.

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What needles have you used? (Required.)

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What types of wool have you used? (Required.)

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What different fibres have you used? (Required.)

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How did you learn to felt? (Required.)

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Have you taught needle felting before? (Required.)

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What types of felting have you done? (Required.)

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Have you tried any of these effects before?

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Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from?

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Why do you felt?

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Please use this space if you would like to add anything else about your needle felting experience.

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Agreement
I confirm that I am a current SWI member and, if successful, I am willing to:
  • Attend the 2-day tailored teaching programme.
  • Deliver Federation-level classes across Scotland during 2027.
  • Represent the SWI as an Evelyn Baxter Scholar.
 (Required.)

Contact for Queries
For further information, please contact: beth.spencer@theswi.org.uk

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