Hand Stitching ONLINE: Theme #3: Texture

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/

Jude J: Texture Stitch Challenge

Texture was the theme for class #3 in the Spring session of Hand Stitching ONLINE (offered through The Art League School). Discussion focused on the concepts of Actual Texture (texture you can touch) versus Visual Texture (the representation of texture using marks) in art. Marks made with hand stitching can cover both categories as seen above in Jude J.'s piece. The marks created with stitch are representative of a nest or fur (visually) but one could also feel the actual texture of the raised stitches on the fabric's surface.

Barbara B. Texture Stitch Sampler

Another topic discussed was that of Stitch Density. Dense areas of stitching are more effective when surrounded by areas of less dense stitching.

Barbara B. Texture Stitch Challenge

In this class session, students were also challenged to create a "new" stitch by combining stitches covered in the first three sessions. Jill B. met the challenge and even drew these beautiful illustrations! 

"New" stitches by Jill B.

Sampler of "new" stitches by Jill B.

I continue to be inspired by watching my students explore each class theme. I hope you enjoy viewing their work with a focus on Texture.

Jill B.: Texture Stitch Challenge

Carolyn L.: Texture Stitch Sampler

Irene C.: Texture Stitch Sampler

Kristin A.: Texture Stitch Challenge

Judy P.: Texture Stitch Challenge using commercial fabric

Martha P.: Texture Stitch Challenge

Myania M.: Texture Stitch Challenge

Roberta A.: Texture Stitch Challenge

Sherry W.: Texture Stitch Sampler

Susan T.: Texture Stitch Challenge using hand painted fabric.

Susan T.: Texture Stitch Challenge using hand painted fabric

Hand Stitching (Fall 2017) Part 1

Judith K.-P.: Textures Challenge

New Year's resolution...get back to posting more frequently! Somehow December slipped away...due to lots of creative activity on my part (and multiple craft, home and trunk shows!).

I want to share here (and in tomorrow's blog post) some of the work created in the Fall 2017 Hand Stitching class. This multi-session class focused on a selection of basic stitches. Students worked on journal prompts, stitch samplers and stitching challenges focusing on weekly themes: line, pattern and rhythm, texture, layers and the construction of a book or hanging. I also had two returning students who used the class as an independent study. Such a rich treasure trove of work!

Linda H. : Line Sampler

Linda H: Looped Stitch Sampler

Linda H.: Layers Sampler

Barbara C: Line Sampler

Barbara C: Line Sampler detail

Barbara C.: Layers challenge

Barbara C.: Wall hanging final project

Barbara C. Wall hanging detail

Barbara C.: Wall hanging detail

Judith K.-P.: Line Challenge

Judith K.-P.: Texture Challenge

Judith K.-P.: Pattern/Rhythm Challenge

Judith K.-P.: Texture Challenge

Judith K.-P.: Layers Challenge

Judith K.-P.: Layers Challenge

Judith K.-P.: Layers Challenge

Judith K.-P.: Working on final project

I will be teaching a fast-track version of this class as a workshop this coming weekend. It's called Jumpstart in Hand Stitching. There are still spaces available. Leave a message if you'd like more information.

To Tell a Story with Cloth: Impressions, Connections, and Memories: Significant Object Portraits

Jan B.: When Jan was helping her mother to move, she discovered that her mom had pressed leaves in many of her books. This is a piece that celebrates that discovery.

In the third session of, To Tell a Story with Cloth: Impressions, Connections, and Memories, we focused on Significant Object Portraits. We talked/journaled about how certain objects can have strong connections to memories. They can trigger a memory or be a touchstone. These can be actual objects...but also memories of  "lost" objects...those that no longer exist but still have a strong hold on us.

Ann Z.: Memories of the Beach. Ann used carved blocks, aluminum printing plates/stencils, and moldable foam blocks. Hand stitched details.

Students designed and created a number of print blocks to tell stories about these special objects. They made Speedy Carve Blocks (carved), adhesive-backed craft foam blocks and aluminum pan printing plates, then printed fabrics to use in their story pieces. The Memory Challenge this week was to complete a piece that featured an object that has personal meaning or significance.

Alice A.: The Marketplace. Alice carved a print block, then printed it on two fabrics simultaneously. This is a childhood memory about the marketplace (in Mexico)...the colors and objects and the people.

Alice A.: Alice continued work on this piece from Session #2 by adding stitching.

Jan B.: A carved block and print. Memories of the leaves her mom pressed in books.

Jan B.: Jan is also working on a piece to honor her father. She made some moldable foam blocks using tools, nails, screws and washers.

Jan B.: Jan also did some sun printing at home!

Amy L.: "My piece is about my grandma's pink fuzzy bathrobe and her great hugs! I have really fond memories of her staying with my mom, sister and I when all the guys in our family were hunting or sleeping over at her house. She'd always have her pink fuzzy bathrobe and matching slippers. "

Judith K.-P.: Memories of Japan. Judith has strong memories of the fish market in Tokyo. This piece has many layers and textures. There is crocheted lace (representing coral) hiding under a layer of organza and stitching.

Judith K.-P.: A carved block that Judith is turning into a memory piece about flowers.

Judith K.-P.: Aluminum pan printing plate print of a teapot.

T.T.: Fabrics using print blocks and resists.

Karol L.: Memories of the Eastern Shore. Karol found that trips to the Eastern shore (Delaware and Maryland) renewed her during difficult times and was also a place where she spent many good times with family. 

Karol L.: Karol is putting all her memories together into a piece that she will be able to fold like a book.

Karol L. : Detail showing painted and printed fabrics.

Karol L.: In process. This panel will feature part of the boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach.

Judy M.: This piece is about Judy learning how to sew from her grandmother. She made her first outfit...a blouse and shorts. The fabric surrounding this memory is reminiscent of the lake near her grandparents' home.

Judy M.: A piece of painted and printed fabric that Judy is planning to turn into a memory cloth. We talked about the possible imagery we saw in it. Looking forward to seeing where Judy goes with this fabric!

If you would like to see student work from the first two classes:
Color Connections
Mapping Memories

I'll be teaching this class again this fall (evening class-TBA) at The Art League School in Alexandria, VA. If you'd like more information, please contact me.