For centuries women have used cloth as a tool of comfort and as an expression of beauty within their homes. Creating cloth for warmth, cloth for shelter, our female predecessors embellished these linens with hand stitch using laborious and time consuming techniques thereby enhancing the functional beauty of objects which enveloped and protected their families. Inspired by these women I hope my creations pay tribute to and recognise the devotion expressed in cloth by our female ancestors .







''the use of traditional often time consuming process alludes to the devotion of a mother''. c K. A. Ruane 2007







Friday, July 29, 2016

Wrapped and Bound in Stitch

March 2016 2

I received this email today, such lovely words. (and I didn't pay her...lol)
It came at a very appropriate time too as today is the day I list my new class, wrapped and bound in stitch.
You have become a loyal and faithful "Online" friend to me and many others. You provide understanding along with a depth of stability to your students, and are always there to offer your wisdom and knowledge. It is calming and beneficial to the mind and body to find such an inspirational teacher who offers integrity and loyalty at all times
The new class begins on September 5, four weeks from now. You can register here.

A wrapping cloth, a wrapping cloth with a story bound up in stitch.
Beginning Monday September 5 for 16 weeks.
*** ''The wrapping cloth series evolved from my research into Motherhood and these pieces serve as a tribute to women who throughout time have used cloth as a tool of comfort for their families.'' ***
Two posts a week on a private password protected blog. A minimum of two hours video per week.
Learn how to embellish cloth, decoratively embroider seams and create adornments before incorporating each of your embroidered pieces into one cloth, a wrapping cloth.
Using process which date back to those used by our stitching ancestors the aim of this class is to create an encrusted and embroidered wrapping cloth created from smaller, embellished cloth pieces which will be joined with richly embroidered seams. Inspiration for my cloth will be drawn from fairy tale stories, childlike imagery, simple shapes and delicate patterning.
***Inspiration for your cloth can be drawn from any source of your choosing and I will assist you in identifying pattern, colour and shape from your chosen imagery if it differs from mine.***
There will be pockets, there will be surface adornments in the form of buttons, Suffolk puffs, beads and knots. Fabric will be manipulated with pleating, ruching, cutting and tearing. We will couch gimp, we will create bullion knots, French knots, chain stitch, cutwork and applique ......
Access to all resources, 'videos and blog posts' is permanent, forever.
A list of suggested materials will be sent to you on registration.
Please allow 24 hours from registration to receipt of all class information.
**you do not need to have participated in any of my previous online learning programmes in order to participate in ''patched pockets.''***
No prerequisites. Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced stitcher.
In addition to a private blog you will be given access to a private Flickr group where you will be able to interact with other members of the group, upload images of your work, receive feedback, give feedback, share technique, hints, tips.....
Previous online learning programmes I have hosted have resulted in the formation of a tightly knit group of like minded people who share the creative process in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. It's almost as if groups ''hold hands'' throughout. For me, this is one of the most appealing and rewarding aspects of these classes.
(I am also aware that some people prefer to work quietly with minimal interaction. That is OK too.)
There are no deadlines, no set tasks. You are under no obligation to create what I am creating. Many people in previous classes have merely taken notes in order to apply ideas to their own work. Please take as much or as little as you wish from this programme, tailor my demonstrations to suit your own creative needs.

1 comment:

Lois Evensen said...

What beautiful words! I love seeing your work. Just wonderful.