Classes available
Autumn Leaf Thread-painting
Duration: 2 day class
Class suitable for beginners to advanced quilters.
In this class, students will learn how to use water-soluble fabric to create a beautiful 3D thread-painted autumn leaf. The class will focus on learning about different thread types, needles and colour blending so students will feel confident experimenting with this style of stitching. Students will be surprised at how easy (and forgiving!) this artform can be, once you understand the important elements of this versatile technique.
Optional thread kit for the project will be available for purchase.
Student supply list will be provided.
Beginners Free-motion Quilting
Duration: 2 day class (or 1 day if students prepare the appliqué before the class or purchase a pre-printed block)
Class suitable for beginners to intermediate quilters .
This class is designed to teach students the basics of free-motion stitching/quilting with their domestic sewing machine. It includes exploring the importance of thread choice and using the correct corresponding needle types.
Starting with a raw-edge fusible appliqué, students will practise free-motion designs and experiment with embellishing their fabric with thread. They will learn about using ditch and echo quilting to enhance the design of a quilt block. Faux trapunto and the effect of batting choices on the final product will also be discussed.
At the end of the workshop students will have confidence in using their machines to enhance their future fabric projects with delightful stitching!
Student supply list will be provided.
Fundamentals of Thread-painting
Duration: 1 or 2 day class
Class suitable for beginners to advanced quilters.
If you have ever been curious about using your sewing machine as a drawing tool and want to learn how to make beautiful works of art with thread, this is your chance! This workshop is designed for beginner to advanced quilters who want to expand their understanding of the wonderful world of thread.
In this two-day workshop I will take you through all you need to know to get you started. In the morning we will get down into the nitty-gritty of supplies and techniques required to thread-paint, and walk you through basic exercises to warm up your special thread-painting muscles. Then in the afternoon, you will begin working on your own colourful butterfly, flower or shell piece to practise your thread shading and directional stitching skills. On the second day we will continue on our pieces, and if you finish, you can start on another one of the three class projects or choose your own thread-painting subject.
After this class you will be fully equipped to tackle an array of different thread-painting subjects and immerse yourself in this unique textile art form.
Students will be able to choose one of the projects illustrated.
There is a kit fee of $15 per student to cover specialist supplies. Optional thread kits for each project will be available for purchase.
Student supply list will be provided.
Free-motion Feathered Friends
Duration: 3-4 day class
Class suitable for students with some free-motion sewing experience.
Create your own unique thread-painted bird using either your own reference photo or one of mine. Learn techniques for transferring the image and using suitable stabilisers for your work. Refresh your knowledge of thread types and needles so you can confidently choose the best materials and tools for you project. Learn tips for thread shading, blending, creating life-like eyes and detailed feathers to make your feathered friend come to life.
There is a kit fee of $15 per student to cover specialist supplies.
Student supply list will be provided.
3-Dimensional Flowers in Thread
Duration: 2 day class
Class suitable for students with some free-motion sewing experience.
Learn techniques to make stunning 3D flowers using thread and water-soluble fabric. Bring images of your favourite flower to class or use one of my patterns and understand how to break down the complex shapes to successfully re-create them using your sewing machine. I will provide tips and tricks for free-motion machine stitching, use of colour and shading. We will discuss ideas for adding small details that will elevate your piece to the next level. We will also work on leaves and buds so your flower will look as though it has just been picked. Imagine having a display of flowers that don’t need watering and never wilt!
Student supply list will be provided.
Create your own Sea Turtle art quilt
Duration: 4 day class
Class suitable for beginners to advanced quilters.
In this workshop you will create your own realistic Green Sea Turtle art quilt. You will learn a variety of painting techniques with acrylic paint and textile medium on cotton fabric. You will then use free-motion stitching to add texture and details to your painting. I will also teach you how to use staged trapunto to add a 3D effect. Once you have learnt these skills, you will be able to make your own original painted textile artworks for any subject that inspires you.
There is a kit fee of $70 per student which will include paints, textile medium, cotton fabric (the type I prefer to paint on), trapunto batting and dark batting, clear plastic and other bits and pieces that we need.
Student supply list will be provided.