Stitched mixed media textiles – making connections with Louise Baldwin

Art textiles

Ref: SWE32315

Location: West Dean
£332
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About this course

Explore ways of constructing, breaking down and reconstructing a series of stitched mixed media works. Create pieces that bring together everyday found materials, ephemera and fabric with careful or random stitch that may suggest an abstract narrative.

Course Description

You will be using simple hand and machine stitch in both a functional decorative or emotional way alongside various collage methods using glue, staples and perhaps nailing depending on your choice of materials.

After an initial presentation with a quick practical materials challenge, the course will be structured with some short demonstrations of simple stitch techniques and ways of joining so that you can work freely towards producing a series of small experimental samples that may be refined and lead to finished pieces.

As you join, cut up, stitch, staple, layer, sand down and reconnect your materials you will be encouraged to investigate the qualities and the inherent value that we place on certain materials and perhaps subvert them by using them in unusual ways or combinations as we develop small compositions and assemblages.

Stitch methods will include: couching, random weave stitch and using a thick thread in the bobbin of a sewing machine.

There will be group demonstrations, discussions and individual help throughout the course and additional demonstrations or techniques can be added as and when individual students require.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including small pieces of wool felt and scrap fabrics and a box of oddments of mixed media materials. Small clamps, sandpaper, white paint, wire.
  • Carpet tacks and PVA glue will be provided by the College.

What students need to bring

  • A selection of scrap card or papers that you find interesting e.g. flattened out packaging, old books, postcards, playing cards, wallpaper gold paper, letters.
  • Scissors for paper and fabric
  • A few small pieces of fabric - perhaps with a meaning for you – such as a piece of lace or silk scarf
  • Hand stitch needles – good strong needles, including darning needles
  • A small range of hand embroidery threads
  • Machine threads just a couple of colours
  • A little collection of odds and ends like buttons, beads, wooden pegs, metal zip, pieces of plastic or metal. The kind of stuff you hold on to for no real reason.
  • Any odd bits of wire, plastic string, etc. you may have.
  • Stapler and staples
  • Sketchbook
  • A couple of paint brushes and a glue brush may also be useful
  • The College sewing machines will be available for use, alongside some basic hand tools, Bring your own sewing machine if you would prefer to use it.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Sketchbooks, paper and undyed fabric, eg calico if required.
  • Some hand and machine sewing needles, and machine threads.
  • Craft knife
  • Available from tutor:
  • 3mm thick wool felt 25x30cm @ £4.50 a sheet

Additional information

Wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals. There may be restrictions on equipment available to students in tutor’s absence.

Tutors

Louise Baldwin

Louise Baldwin studied at Goldsmiths College and alongside her own studio practice has been teaching adults for over 25 years. She has worked in the Crafts Council Collection and she has exhibited throughout the UK, Europe, Japan and America.  She is a member of 62 Group and Art Textiles Made in Britain.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.