THIS IS A 3-DAY CLASS (AUGUST 8TH, 9TH AND 10TH)

Start with a dozen ways to begin abstracted work through small scale sketches, then learn the ins and outs of improvisational piecing. From exercises in composition, to sewn collages, to scaling up, the fun of working without a pattern or “designing from thin air” just begins. We’ll dive into composing a large piece improvisationaly, and end with a strong visual work to finish large. This class provides a great foundation in design as well as a great way to sharpen skills in creating abstractly!   

Materials required:

Sewing machine – if you have a “light weight” machine, that is fine, with simple foot (not one with ¼” guide) and the usual sewing supplies

o   Paper scissors, fabric scissors

o   Large cutting mat, medium to large rotary cutter

o   Note book and pen, pencil, colored pencils (about 6)

o   Sharpie markers: one black, one red

o   Straight edge ruler (see through used for piecing)

o   Glue stick

o   Old calendar (we will use the photos) of photographic images (no cartoons or graphics)

o   Three printed photos (of yours, or you have the right to use) printed on regular paper or photo paper in a size between 4 x 6 and 8 x 10

o   4 – 6 transparent page protectors (like you use in a three-ring binder)

o   6 – 8 blank pages of copy paper

o   3-4 sheets tracing paper 8 ½ x 11 or similar size

Fabric

o   ½ Yard of white or plain light fabric

o   ¼ yard of black or very dark fabric

o   Bring 3 one-gallon size plastic bags of fabric scraps, one each of light, medium and dark. No pieces smaller than 3” x 3”

o   5 to 10 fat quarters, or pieces that are about that size.

Ten 1 -1 ½ yard cuts of fabric NO LARGER (we will only pick 2) with good contrast to each other. They should “play well together” but still be different enough from each other to contrast. Choose from commercial or hand-made fabric, keeping an eye out for large scale graphic, fabrics that change color or design across the piece, or bold and changing patterns.

Please note that refunds will not be given if you cancel or are unable to attend the workshop.