EXPLORING EXPRESSIVE STITCHING

Many of us are familiar with traditional embroidery. In this class, we will learn a few basic stitches then enter the world of improvised, expressive stitching. By altering thread thickness, length of stitches, building up layers, using matt or shiny threads, distorting, wrapping, altering tension, adding beads or sequins we will push our understanding of the expressive possibilities of one stitch. These explorations will be gathered up in a roll up book format for future reference. After this class, students will have a systematic approach to exploring the expressive possibilities of other stitches on their own. I'll share examples of my own work and how I use expressive stitching to celebrate the natural world.


Supplies: Before we delve into the heart of the supply list, spend some time looking for an image that inspires a colorway you love. You will be creating stitches that will be set into a roll up book format and all your thread and fabric colors should ideally harmonize. You can choose primary colors (red, yellow, blue), a secondary triad (orange, purple and green), color compliments (orange and blue or purple and yellow or red and green), harmonious colors (colors close on a color wheel like yellow green, green, green blue) or my personal favorite, a monotone. Choose one color but 4 shades of light and dark value of this one color. Or just bring colors you love. (This is your class!!) Supplies provided for you: Precut and marked linen fabric ready for stitching. 1 Eight-inch embroidery hoop 2 needles #10 2 needles # 5 2 needles chenille size 20 Several hanks of metallic embroidery floss 1 heat erasing marking pen 1 air erasable marking pen You will have access to an assortment of novelty threads, yarns, ribbons, and beads. Please bring: 1) Fabric to create a book cover- ¾ yard cotton quilting fabric Scrap cloth of cotton for testing stitches approximately 12” x 12” 2) OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED: A small clamp (from Home Depot) to attach your hoop to the table for hands free stitching. Or a Sitting Embroidery holder. The table clamp costs a few dollars. 3)Hand Sewing kit including: sewing pins, tape measure, thimble, various size needles* small embroidery scissors, fabric scissors, paper scissors scotch tape, hand sewing thread that matches your above cover fabric, Band-Aids (Blood is an occupational hazard of working with needle and thread. Wear your Band-Aid with pride.) 4) Please do not buy cut rate embroidery floss. It’s not color fast! Bring 4-5 hanks of 6 strand DMC embroidery floss, 2-3 hanks of pearl cotton DMC. Then go wild…bring chunky or thin knitting yarn, thin ribbons, metallic threads, shiny threads, thin wire, fishing line. Any linear element that can be threaded with a needle might work. You can also think about deconstructing woven fabric. Throw in beads if you have some and a few sequins, safety pins, buttons, nuts, washers or buttons. Enjoy hanging out in the hardware store and thinking about different uses for the “stuff” there. 5) 18” x 2” clear ruler, tape measure, sketchbook, pen and pencil. 6) Don’t forget to bring the image that inspired your colorway! We can all enjoy and learn from each other’s creative path. *An assortment of embroidery needles will work well moving forward. The kit will have needles suitable for the DMC threads you will buy for class. But it’s useful to bring more needles than you think you will need. I often thread up 20 needles if I’m working on a project.
Location: Kavanagh Building
Days: Saturday: September 14, 2024; 9:30am - 4:30pm ;
Class ID: 323310620
Class Price: $185
Member Price: $160
Materials Fee: $40