How to Take Part in the Abstract Challenge
We're so excited you'd like to join us!
Our Abstract Challenge runs from 4th January to 12th April 2027, with 15 weeks of creative prompts exploring everything from abstract art and collage to embroidery, appliqué and decorative painting.
There are just a few things to organise before we begin. We've explained everything below so you can get signed up, choose your materials and be ready to start creating in January.
Step 1. Become a Makers Space member
Sign up by 30th November 2026
To take part in the Abstract Challenge, you'll need to become a member of our Makers Space, follow the link here. The entire challenge is hosted through a separate virtual community platform which is packed with resources you'll use in the challenge.
Your membership gives you access to all 15 weeks of the challenge, along with four virtual courses to help you learn the different techniques. We'll direct you to the relevant lessons throughout the challenge, so you don't need any previous experience to join us.
Although the Abstract Challenge finishes in April, you'll still have plenty of time to explore everything else the Makers Space has to offer. Throughout your membership year, you'll be able to enjoy our virtual courses, explore our creative resources, join our fortnightly drop-in calls, take part in our shorter summer challenge and continue learning and experimenting alongside our community.
Already a Studio member?
You'll need to upgrade your existing membership to a Maker's to take part in the Abstract Challenge. You can do this by purchasing a Maker's Membership following the link below, then send us an email to studio@thefabledthread.com and we will cancel and refund any remaining amount on your current membership plan.
Step 2. Choose your materials
There are two ways to get everything you need for the challenge, depending on how much you already have at home.
Option A: Buy the Complete Challenge Bundle — £220
We've put together a complete bundle containing all the main materials you'll need throughout the 15 weeks. You'll receive coloured collage papers and crayons, embroidery threads, embroidery and appliqué fabrics, paintbrushes, six coordinating paint colours, two frames and mounting kits.
Everything has been carefully selected to work together, with coordinating colours across the different techniques. You can choose between three colour palettes for your bundle (shown below).
There are just a few everyday supplies you'll need to provide yourself, which we'll explain in more detail once sign-ups have closed.
Please order your Complete Challenge Bundle by 30th November 2026.
Option B: Source your own materials
We know plenty of you already have cupboards rather full of creative supplies, so you absolutely don't have to buy the Complete Challenge Bundle to participate. You're welcome to use materials you already own and buy just the things you're missing.
We've broken down the materials into four sections below, along with the relevant products available from our shop.
Please make sure you have everything ready by 31st December 2026.
1. Designing materials
You'll need coloured collage papers and crayons in six coordinating colours to experiment with composition, shape and colour. Our specially selected papers and crayons are only available as part of the Complete Challenge Bundle, so if you're sourcing your own materials, you'll need to find your own. You'll also be using our Improvisations playing cards and dice.
2. Embroidery materials
You'll need fabric and six colours of embroidery thread, in coordinating colours with your collage papers, applique fabrics and crayons. Our Improvisations embroidery thread bundles are available in three colour palettes which match our applique bundles.
3. Appliqué materials
You'll need six colours of fabric and Bondaweb to create your larger appliqué piece. Our Improvisations fabric bundles are available in three colour palettes, designed to coordinate with our embroidery threads. So if you want to get fabric and threads for both finished pieces from us, you'll need to buy one of each bundle.
4. Frames and decorative painting
Framing is an important part of the challenge, as we'll be exploring how the frame itself interacts with your artwork. You'll need two frames: a small frame for embroidery and a larger frame for applique, along with materials to mounting your pieces, paintbrushes and some decorative paints in colours which match the fabrics and threads.
Note: the Complete Challenge Bundle includes six coordinating paint colours, but if you're buying separately, our freestyle painting bundles contain three colours each. These are still find for the challenge.
Choose the things you need
A note about additional supplies
Whether you're buying the Complete Challenge Bundle or putting together your own materials, there are a few smaller everyday supplies you'll need, such as pens, paper, scissors and an embroidery hoop.
We'll send everyone a complete checklist at the beginning of December, once sign-ups have closed, so you'll know exactly what to get before the challenge begins.
Step 3. Get ready to create!
Once you've joined the Makers Space and organised how you're getting your materials, there's nothing more you need to do for now.
At the beginning of December, once we have our full list of participants, we'll email everyone with everything they need to know before the challenge begins. This will include a complete checklist of any additional supplies you'll need to source, along with guidance on getting ready for January.
If you're sourcing your own materials, you'll have until 31st December to make sure everything is ready. Then, on Monday 4th January, we'll release your first creative prompt inside the Makers Space.
Every Monday after that, you'll receive a new prompt to guide you through the next stage of the creative process, all the way through to 12th April.