Welcome to the Virtual Studio 2020

Thread Born "Virtual" Studio Fall Update

Zoom workshops will be continuing into the Fall. Some workshops are already on the schedule including a brand new workshop: Boro-Style Clutch Bag on October 31!

Here are the workshops presently on my schedule that still have space. Please email me if you would like to join a workshop or work with me to set up one (threadborn@gmail.com):

Saturday, September 26 (1-6:30 PM eastern US time): Fabric Stash Cloth Book

Saturday, October 3 (1-6:30 PM eastern US time): Stitch Mandalas

Saturday, October 17 (10 AM - 3:30 PM eastern US time): Talisman Pouch

Saturday, October 31 (10 AM - 3:30 PM eastern US time): Boro-Style Clutch Bag

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Welcome to summer in Thread Born Studio...it's definitely not a typical summer where I'd be welcoming small groups of you into my home studio to hang out and learn something new. This year, everything's been a bit different!

For the past couple of months, I've been teaching hand stitching classes online via Zoom. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it...could I continue to build a sense of community even when I had 18 people in my class? Would students get the full benefit and learn without my seeing their work in process? Turns out that the answer is "Yes"! I had a very successful and satisfying five session beginning hand stitching class through The Art League School followed by a three session hand stitching continued class. This has given me the confidence to hold summer workshops via Zoom this August.

So how does this work? First you will want to contact me to get on my mailing list. You can either leave a comment here or connect with me on Facebook (Julie Basseches Booth) or Instagram (boothjb4757). I will send out information about how to schedule a workshop starting tomorrow, including costs, available dates and kit options. For now, I will explain how I put a workshop group together and a list of workshops that I'm happy to teach.

Below are descriptions of three and five hour workshops. Since we can't be in the actual studio this year, I'm only teaching stitching classes (no painting and printing). If you see something that interests you, get in touch with me with some dates/times that are good for you (and me!). I will then match you up with others who want to take the workshop too. I need at least three people to run the workshop and I'm limiting the size to six (so we can keep it more intimate). You could also get your own group together with a date/time-- that will guarantee that the class is a go. Once the class is scheduled, I'll send a receipt for payment and a supply list. If the workshop has a kit option, you can decide if you want to  purchase a kit and have it mailed to you (separate cost) or if you live in the Washington DC area, we can arrange for curbside pickup.

Here are this summer's workshop options:

Introduction to Boro-Style Stitching: Running Stitch/Sashiko Patterns (3 hour workshop)
Explore the possibilities of using Boro-Style patching and simple Running stitch to create intricate designs. Julie will show you how you can combine rows, columns and diagonals of stitch to design patterns. Students will stitch a small sampler. Kit option available.

Mending sampler

Introduction to Visible Mending (3 hour workshop)
Mending clothes has become a socially-conscious endeavor and an artistic statement. Students will have the option to work on mending a piece of their own clothing or work on a mending sampler. Julie will show you some approaches to visible mending (mending that's meant to stand out!) and enhancing including different patching techniques, reverse applique and surface darning.

Cargo shorts with decorative patches.

Hand Stitching Primer/Refresher (3 hour workshop)
Here's an opportunity to start your hand stitching adventure or refresh your memory about certain stitches. Julie will teach you a small selection of stitches and give you tips on how you can modify them for different effects. Students will create a small stitch sampler.

Stitched Word Sampler (3 hour workshop)
Starting with a short phrase or saying, learn how to use simple stitches and stitch combinations to design a stitched word sampler. Julie will suggest the best stitches to use and guide you as you design your piece.

Wrapped Stone Talismans (3 hour workshop)
Do you have a collection of stones from a special place? Learn how to turn your precious finds into one-of-a-kind talismans with the addition of waxed linen, fiber and beads. Julie will show you a number of wrapping, stacking and embellishing techniques to make them even more special. Kit with small selection of waxed linen threads and beads available.

Talisman Pouch (5 hour workshop)
Design a beautiful hand-stitched pouch to hold a special object (maybe your Wrapped Stone Talisman!). Combine layers of fabric, cheesecloth, silk sari ribbon, yarns and tulle with hand stitching to create a rich, tactile art object. Add shell embellishments and a bead closure for finishing touches. Kit available in select colors.

Fabric Stash Book (5 hour workshop)
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 fabric collection. The book cover features a textural layered variation of reverse applique with the option to add a Trapunto element. Complete your book with a stab stitch binding. Kit available for covers in select colors.

Sample book spread.

Itty Bitty Boro Book (5 hour workshop)
Similar to last year's offering but even smaller (and cuter!). Design a small format (3" squares) accordion-style cloth book using special fabric scraps from your own collection. Arrange your scraps on wool fabric squares and embellish with Sashiko-style Running stitch patterns for a beautiful and rustic book. Two kit versions available: felt backings/ribbon/buttons or that with the addition of interesting fabric scraps.

Stitch Mandalas (5 hour workshop)
Spend the day in meditative stitching creating a series of Stitch Mandalas. Learn a selection of stitches and a variety of approaches to stitching in circles.

NEW WORKSHOP: Boro-Style Clutch Bag (5 hour workshop)

Create a Boro-Style Clutch Bag by collaging your favorite fabric scraps onto a wool felt base. Add beautiful stitched details with Running stitch/Sashiko-Style patterns. Fashion a buttonhole or loop closure with a special button to add the finishing touch! Option to add a twined yarn strap (I will demo how to make one). Optional kit in two different sizes (large and small bag): includes felt backing, fabric scraps, button (option to upgrade to a vintage Czech glass button).

Hope to see you in the Virtual Studio! -- Julie

Spin and Stitch Workshop

Some wonderful nubby threads made by Raquel R.

This past weekend, I team-taught a wonderful new workshop called, Spin and Stitch: Make Your Own Thread to Stitch (at The Art League School in Alexandria, VA). This is the first time in the fiber department that two teachers worked together to design a workshop. Sylvia De Mar and I have had this in the works for over a year. It was such a great success, that we hope that there will be other opportunities within the fiber department, and maybe even beyond, to work on rich collaborations. I hope that you enjoy the photos of what we did.

The spindle and some fibers.

On Day #1, Sylvia taught the class (and me too!) how to spin with a supported spindle. She provided us with a colorful selection of hand-dyed (by her) fibers including wool, silk, cotton and a synthetic.

A selection of fibers to spin.

For me it took a bit to understand the rhythm of twisting the fibers and releasing so that the twist traveled further up the fiber. It was a bit like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time. But eventually, it seemed a bit more natural. Here are a couple of the students spinning...

And here are some of the threads that we spun...

On Day #2, I had students use their threads to create a sampler (though some jumped right in to work on an art piece) and an expressive art piece. I suggested some tricks for working with our "wonky" threads. I have to say the "wonkiness" really appealed to me...especially making French Knots.

French knots in my sampler.

I provided a selection of hand woven fabric scraps, tulle, and two types of cheesecloth for students to play with. I also supplemented with yarns and pearl cotton threads.

Tulle explosion!

Here are the results...so expressive and colorful! Some samplers....

Ann Z.

Peggy G.

Ruthie B.

Andrea B.

Sylvia D.

Sharon G.

Expressive art pieces...

Raquel R.

Susan P.

Susan P.

Ruthie B.

Sharon G.

Jamie F.

Ann Z.

Peggy G.

Sylvia D.

Gail S.

Gail S.

If you live in the Washington DC area, Sylvia and I are talking about holding the workshop again this summer...stay tuned!

Roy II Reminder: Orange

Just a reminder that we are a week away from another Search for Roy G Biv (the rainbow). This month's color is ORANGE. Hope you will join in the fun!

You'll find the rules here.

I've been alternating between being chained to my laptop and spending innumerable hours in the studio. Hooray! The handouts for my 2-day workshop, A Story in the Making are complete! The samples are in various stages of completion...which is actually not a bad thing as it means that I can demonstrate techniques on them.

Here are some in process:

A note to myself for the future...try to avoid teaching two new workshops two weekends in a row!

My trip to Savannah in a week and a half is looking very inviting, at the moment....