Knit Felt Embellish

by - Tuesday, May 26, 2009

2009 Maiwa Textile Symposium
Workshop

Instructor Venessa Bentley

This was one of our most popular workshops last year. Knitting then felting fabric in the washing machine continues to provide exciting opportunities for design and embellishment. During this three-day workshop participants will complete two very different felted bag structures – one squared-off and based on a garter-stitch rectangle, the other rounded and knit from the top down. Both provide ideal backgrounds for embellishment and stitch patterning. Techniques explored in this workshop are entrelac and mitred squares, embellishment – including beads and needle felting – and shibori.

On day one at the Loft, participants will work on the basics of felted knitting, produce both structures of the bag, and explore stitch pattern techniques.

Day two takes place at Maiwa East where knitting will continue while the washing machines are put to use to felt (through the fulling process) the completed pieces.

On day three we return to the Loft to embellish the knitted and felted pieces using additional knitting as well as needle felting with a variety of fibre, stitching, and beading.

Only very basic knitting skills are required for this workshop.

VENESSA BENTLEY

Venessa Bentley grew up knitting and stitching and now works as an instructor, designer, and consultant in the needle, fibre, and textile arts. Venessa graduated from the Textile Arts Diploma Program at Capilano College. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree, a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Fine Arts Education, and a Professional Teaching Certificate from Simon Fraser University. She is currently working on her Master Spinner certificate through Olds College, Alberta. Venessa serves on the Board of Directors for Circle Craft and is a member of the Langley Weavers and Spinners Guild, the Canadian Guild of Knitters, the Westcoast Knitters, the Knitting Guild of America, and the Surface Design Association. She works from her own studio and the Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio on Granville Island.

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