$495 includes 65 lab fee

September 12, 13, 14, 15, 2013 - Class Limit 12

Maiwa Loft: Above the Net Loft, Granville Is. Vancouver BC

Students of all levels can explore imagery and surface design using freestyle machine embroidery. Emphasis will be on creating a surface saturated with layers of thread. Individual styles of “markmaking” through shading, hatching, and visually mixing thread colours will be stressed. This course does not use computerized sewing machines.

After a few exercises designed to help students understand the process, the class will begin work on individual projects. Students will create a design, sketch their design on cotton canvas with acrylic paint, then proceed to develop their idea with thread. No painting skills are necessary as the paint only serves as a guide for stitching. Students may work with fabric collage and/or dissolvable stabilizers and may use other materials if they wish. 

Carol will teach her technique for applying a heat-transfer image to fabric for the purpose of freestyle machine embroidery and will bring a selection of images already printed.

Techniques for accommodating large pieces, tips for troubleshooting, and options for finishing and mounting will be discussed. Informal discussions about developing ideas and evaluating work will be encouraged. Students may work either three-dimensionally or two-dimensionally.

Students need a sewing machine in good working order. The machine should be able to lower its feed dogs and needs a darning or a freestyle embroidery foot. 

Instructor Bio

Carol Shinn is from Fort Collins, USA. Her BFA is from the University of Colorado and her MFA from Arizona State University. She has taught many workshops across the United States and held teaching positions at Arizona State University and Mesa Community College, Arizona. Her work has been in numerous books and magazines and is in many public and private collections including the Museum of Art and Design, NY, NY, and the Denver Art Museum. She was a prizewinner in the 2009 International Pfaff Embroidery Challenge. Carol is the author of Freestyle Machine Embroidery: Techniques and Inspiration of Fiber Art. 

www.carolshinn.com.