Join Julie for Spring/Summer 2021 Zoom Workshops and Classes

 

Fabric Stash Book cover in process

Hooray! It's Spring here at Thread Born Studio in Northern Virginia USA. Zoom workshops and classes are continuing. I hope you will consider joining me for some stitching fun this Spring into Summer. I'll be adding more workshops to the calendar and will update here as that happens. If you see a project you like but the time frame doesn't work for you, contact me at threadborn@gmail.com and we might be able to set up a new workshop slot. 

I will also be teaching again at The Art League School. Two brand new multi-session classes!

Cape Cod Map in process, using old cargo shorts.

Connecting to Memories: Mapping Memories with Stitch is a continuation of my memory-inspired stitching classes. In this class, we will focus on how map formats can be used to express memories related to place, time and family. This is for students who are confident hand stitchers and feel comfortable tackling conceptual assignments. The class starts on May 5 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (Eastern US time) and runs for five consecutive Wednesdays. Click on the highlighted class title to register through the school.

Stitch Play using adjectives to describe formats and stitches.

Stitch Play is an idea I've been playing with for a number of years. Most recently, I offered a Stitch Play assignment to TextileArtist.org's Stitch Club. Each week, students will be challenged to play a stitching "game" that will push them out of their stitching comfort zone. Some will be games of chance, others will be following a set of proscribed instructions, some will involve word play. This is for students of all stitching levels. The class starts on June 2 from 10:00 AM- 12:30 PM (Eastern USA time). It will run for five consecutive Wednesdays. Click the highlighted class title to register through the school.

To register for one of the following workshops, please contact me directly at threadborn@gmail.com. To learn more about each workshop, see the descriptions and photos below. All workshops are Eastern USA time on the Zoom platform. All times include a break time. I record all my workshops and have the recordings available for one month beyond the workshop. Hope you'll consider joining me!

May 22 (10:00 AM - 3:30 PM) Fabric Stash Cloth Book $65. Optional $15 book cover kit.

June 5 (10:00 AM- 3:30 PM) Stitch Mandalas $65.

June 19 (1:00-6:30 PM) Talisman Pouch $65. Optional $20 kit.

July 3 (1:00-5:15 PM) Bitty Boro Needle Book $50. Optional $15 kit.

FABRIC STASH CLOTH BOOK

This project was originally inspired by a small swatch book of Japanese fabrics. Different-sized swatches made for interesting combinations of pattern and color. Create your own version showcasing treasures from your own fabric collection or insert cloth pages for future hand stitching and collaging. The book cover features a textural layered variation of reverse applique with the option of adding a Trapunto (stuffed) element. Complete your book with a stab stitch binding. Cover kit available in selected colors for an additional $15 plus shipping.

Inside pages. You can highlight special fabrics from your stash.

STITCH MANDALAS

Hand stitching can be a meditative practice. Mandala, which means circle in the ancient language of Sanskrit, is a form often used in meditation to center and focus one's attention. In this workshop, students spend the day in meditative stitching, creating a series of Stitch Mandalas. Julie will teach variations of a select number of basic embroidery stitches that can be worked within a circular format with beautiful results. Stitches covered will include variations of: Running, Blanket/Buttonhole, Straight and Couching stitches and needle woven Spider's Webs. Students will create a series of samplers featuring their Stitch Mandalas.

TALISMAN POUCH

Design a beautiful hand-stitched pouch to hold a special object (a beach stone, crystal or other talisman). Combine layers of fabric, cheesecloth, silk sari ribbon, yarns and tulle with hand stitching to create a rich, tactile art object. Add a shell embellishment and a bead closure for finishing touches. Kit available in select colors includes everything (except thread) $20 plus shipping.

BITTY BORO NEEDLE BOOK

Create a sweet Bitty Needlebook to hold your favorite needles. This one can easily slip in with your stitching projects. Decorate with Sashiko-style stitch patterns, bind with beads and add a decorative closure. This is a new workshop that folks have been urging me to teach every since I started making them to sell. They are just lovely to hold in your hand! Kit includes all materials (except thread). $15 plus shipping.

Inside of the needle book. 

Fabric Stash Cloth Book Workshop March 4

Page spread showing hand-dyed doily over a page made from a Japanese silk print overlaid with hand-painted cheesecloth and netting.

Hi there-
I'm taking a little "promotional" break from the Hand Stitching Continued blog posts to let you know about a new workshop that's coming up on March 4 at Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria, VA.

Cover made with Indigo-dyed checked fabric. I sandwiched two layers of sheers and some cheesecloth, cutting away to reveal the layers.

The workshop is called, Fabric Stash Cloth Book. It's an opportunity to play with your (possibly growing) fabric stash to create a little cloth book using a very simple stitched binding.

Some dyed lace. The book page peeking through!

This page made with a Japanese shibori silk, and Sari ribbon (fabric strips). I sandwiched a sheer pink and then carefully cut away to reveal the backing fabric. Lots of Running stitch to distort the fabric.

I made my first book after receiving a little Japanese fabric sample book from my friend Mary who is now living in Japan. That inspired me and became the impetus for my annual summer family art project. That project, in turn, inspired this workshop.

Japanese silk fabric with cheese cloth and netting.

For my sample book, I decided to play with layering...literally sandwiching fabrics and then cutting away to reveal some of the layers. I had a great time experimenting with some of the sheer and netted fabrics in my stash. I also decided to play with some of the Inspiration Packs (the new Indigo ones!) from Artistic Artifacts along with their Sari Silk ribbon and some of the variegated threads from their AMAZING Wonder-Fil Perle Cottons.

An insert of painted cheesecloth overlaying the page below.

Pulling back the painted cheesecloth to reveal the page below.

Again I sandwiched sheers between layers. This time did a turned-edge reverse applique and also stuffed some areas.

The great thing about this technique is that you can also add lace or cheesecloth and have interesting overlays between pages.  I really think that there is SO MUCH potential in the creation of these little books...

This is the back side of the previous page. I did a little cutting away on this side too.

If you are local to the shop (or within driving distance), I hope that you'll sign up! If you don't think you have an adequate stash...no problem! I'll be bringing my bag of fabric scraps and Artistic Artifacts is just brimming with gorgeous fabrics, lace, thread and other luscious goodies!

Back cover. Notice a bit of cheesecloth peeking out!

Hope to see you on the 4th!