The course will begin with working a simple stitch on a natural wooden frame, held together with wrapping. Simple looped stitches will be tensioned in rows across the frame until the space is filled. The stitches could be varied and the loops arranged to create different patterns, or could be worked randomly. Tensioning of the stitches will also vary the surface of the work.

Further exploration of filling space with more complex stitches can be sampled on pieces of plain fabric or with willow rings and additional self-constructed frames. At the end of the course, you will have at least two completed frames or fabric samples.

Mary will demonstrate techniques, provide visual notes and offer individual support to enable you to create your own stitched pieces. This is a suitable day for students with no experience of looping or stitching.

Please note, the work is small and can be tiring on the hands; please consider this before booking. This course is one of several individual courses with Mary Crabb, each exploring different textile and sculptural basketry techniques, which may also be of interest.

Included

Willow rods and branched materials, willow rings, various threads, needles and instruction sheets are provided.

What students need to bring

• Notebook/sketchbook and pencil, as you may wish to note additional information

• Reading glasses if you need them for close work

• A camera (optional)

• An apron and covered footwear

• Small scissors

• If you have any fine threads you may like to stitch with, bring a selection. These should be no finer than dressmaking cotton and no thicker than sock-weight knitting yarn.

• For making frames, if you have any interesting sticks or wood you would like to use to build a small frame, please bring them - not longer than 30cm/12”.

• Asthma and hayfever sufferers are advised to bring their medication, as occasionally the fibres from some threads and strings may bring on symptoms.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions