Julie Hedges
I introduce students to the versatile Ply-Splitting technique which are worked on to gain an understanding of methods. They then go on to design and develop their own project.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?An understanding of appropriate yarn and colour selection and cord making and Ply-Split braiding methods, enabling them to design items of their choice. These may be anything from Textile Jewellery and accessories to sculptural pieces.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?Ply-Split Braiding & decorative twisted cordmking, developing designs in for jewellery, accessories and 3 dimensional sculptural pieces.
What inspires you own work?The use of colour, texture and sequence are important to me and are used to emphasise the shapes I make. The structure, colour and texture of natural forms all influence my work.
I am interested in the idea that the form of the piece is the result of the constraints made by its structure. Appropriate yarn selection, dyeing, cord making and the versatile Ply - Splitting technique are combined to achieve this.
Where can students see examples of your work?On my Website.
Where did you gain your training/experience? (include any qualifications)After gaining a 2/1 Dip Ad in Textiles/Fashion at Liverpool, now John Moores University I went on to work in the Textiles Department at The Surrey Institute of Art & Design, Farnham, helping students with their dyeing & weaving.
In 1989 I attended a workshop on Ply - Split Braiding given by Peter Collingwood, in conjunction with the Animal Regalia exhibition held at Farnham. Following this, I became fascinated by Ply- Splitting and have since researched this and allied techniques both in UK and India.
I hold a C&G Teaching Adults certificate gained at Guildford College.
What teaching experience have you had?I have taught workshops in Ply – Splitting during the last 18 years throughout the UK & have also taught in India. I regularly teach groups from the Weavers Spinners & Dyers Guild, Embroiderers Guild & Basketmakers Association and I also teach small groups in my own studio.
Have you written any books/had articles published?My book: Ply-Split Braiding. An Introduction to Designs in Single Course Twining was published in 2006.
I have written articles for a number of Textile journals and magazines.
Worcestershire Guild of Designer Craftsmen.
Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Crafts
The Braid Society
The Basketmakers Association