Connecting to Memories: The Stitched Word: Mapping Memories

 

Carolyn L.: Memories of her grandparent's farm

The third session of Connecting to Memories: The Stitched Word, focused on creating Memory (mind) Maps around a memory connecting to place. This was interpreted in many different ways...from memories of a "touchstone" place such as a family farm or the ocean (Atlantic and Pacific) to a more recent memory of "the debate stage".  

Carolyn L.: Mind Map about her grandparent's farm. Focus on color.

I demoed a number of different applique and reverse applique techniques and was excited to see how the students incorporated a number of these techniques in their pieces.

Here are some of Jill B.'s applique samplers...

Again...I just love how the challenges mined precious gems of memories and the stitched results. 

Bobbie D.: What is Home? Twenty-nine in 5 different states and 3 different countries!

Sue W.: Love of Cape Cod (same with me!) and her new granddaughter whose initials are SEA and whose middle name means "star".

Vicki F-L.: The calmness and inspiration of the Pacific Ocean

Debra L.: "Pool". Summers there and swim team.

Rebecca S.: The sound of the winter wind at night. 

Jill B.: Her father's giant garden and her more modest one.

Jill B.: The elements needed to grow the garden.

Roberta A.: On Safari in Botswana.

Roberta A.: Following the tracks to find the animals.

Judy P.: Jazz band camp...an extended family affair.

Judy P.: Jazz and Summertime

Barbara B.: Three pieces to represent the three debates (Shut Up Man!, Throwing Shade, So Cute). These were eventually sewn together into a final piece called "Leading Voices" (and yes, the fly made an appearance) that will be part of the Tiny Pricks Project.

I will be teaching this class again in the Winter session at The Art League School. Click here for more information and to register.

Hand Stitching ONLINE: Theme #4: Layers

 Please join me for the Fall 2020 Hand Stitching class! Five 2.5 hour sessions (10:00 AM - 3:30 PM eastern US time) starting on Wednesday, September 30. For more information and to register: https://www.theartleague.org/shop/class/online/hand-stitching/

Jill B. Detail "Argonaut" 

This is the fourth in a series of blog posts showcasing the work of students from my Spring 2020 Hand Stitching class at The Art League School.

The fourth session of Hand Stitching ONLINE focused on the theme of Layers. Students learned a number of fabric manipulation techniques including variations of applique and reverse applique along with some additional stitches in order to jump to the next level with their pieces. Some students used nature as a muse. Jill B. was inspired by her favorite sea creature, the Argonaut.

Here is how she interpreted her muse in fabric and stitch.

Jill B.: Argonaut

I could tell that students were really enjoying being able to layer fabric, yarns and stitching in both their samplers and challenge pieces.

Jill B.: Layers Stitch Sampler

Barbara B.: Layers Stitch Challenge

Barbara B.: Layers Stitch Challenge

Carolyn L.: Layers Stitch Challenge

Heidi O.: Layers Stitch Sampler- Herringbone stitch

Martha P.: Layers Stitch Challenge

Irene C.: Layers Stitch Sampler

Jude J: Layers Stitch Challenge

Jude J.: Layers Stitch Challenge

Judy P.: Layers Stitch Challenge

Kristin A.: Layers Stitch Challenge -- 9 Patch

Kristin A.: Layers Stitch Challenge-- Reverse Applique

Paula S.  Layers Stitch Challenge

Roberta A.: Layers Stitch Challenge

Roberta A.: Layers Stitch Sampler

Susan S.: Layers Stitch Challenge--4 Patch

Susan T.: Layers Stitch Challenge

Susan T.: Layers Stitch Challenge--Reverse Applique

Myania decided to try stitching a two-sided piece for her challenge. This is a wonderful way to work back and forth between sides and also to see how stitches look on the "wrong" side. I liken it to blind contour drawing.

Myania M.: Stitch Journal

Myania M.: Layers Stitch Challenge --Two sided piece Side 1

Myania M.: Layers Stitch Challenge--Two sided piece Side 2

A number of these Stitch Challenge pieces became the covers for Stitch Sampler Books. I introduced the concept in the first session: To create an accordion style book to showcase the work from the entire class. Learning how to put one together was the topic for the last session of this class. I'll be ending here with this book cover design by Irene C. Hope you will consider joining me on the next Hand Stitching ONLINE adventure starting up on September 30. Or consider my other class, Connecting to Memories: The Stitched Word also starting on September 30 (evenings eastern US time).

Irene C. Sampler book cover

Boro and Beyond February in July

I'm determined to get caught up on blog posts from the last 6 months! The focus will primarily be on student work but I might throw in a few posts about my own work as well!

Here is work from the Boro and Beyond: The Versatile Running Stitch workshop that I gave in February at Artistic Artifacts. On the first day of class, we focused on using the Running stitch to create different types of line and pattern.

The second day focused on patchwork, applique and reverse applique, weaving and collage. We also played with surface darning and using running stitch to distort fabric.

I'll be teaching this workshop again on October 20 & 21 at Artistic Artifacts. Here is a link in case you want to sign up!

https://www.artisticartifacts.com/product/10110202018.html