This hand-stitch course will explore a variety of slow textile techniques, using traditional skills as inspiration. Old quilt samples, Japanese Boro pieces and hand-mended scraps are among the textile treasures from the tutor’s collection, and you will be exploring these and learning to read the textiles.
You will use simple stitching, plain-sewing and patchwork techniques, and a palette of thread and fabric repurposed and naturally dyed by the tutor. You will explore the possibilities of developing a daily textile practice through the use of a stitch journal. There will be opportunities to explore the pleasure and wellbeing benefits that can be found from slow textile processes.
This course will encourage a reflective way of working and will lead to the beginnings of a resonant, personal piece of work. There is an emphasis on sampling and testing ideas, rather than one outcome.
You can expect to explore the process in a relaxed supportive environment. The tutor will encourage you to develop your work through observation and experimentation.
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)
Claire Wellesley-Smith is an artist and author. She has an MA in
Visual Arts and specialises in slow textile processes including the
use of natural dyes and hand stitch. She has many years experience
of teaching adults textile-based processes as part of long-term
projects. Her book, Slow Stitch: Mindful and Contemplative Textile
Art was published by Batsford in 2015.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Places available - Book now
1 place available - Book now
Places available - Book now
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