Design and make a unique appliqué collaged item. Be inspired by everyday materials that you find. Repair old things and make something new.

Using layers of found papers, fabric patches and stitch, this workshop explores traditional patchwork and appliqué methods and techniques. This course will encourage a creative approach to finding, gathering and reusing redundant objects and reclaimed textile materials.

The day will begin by arranging and layering found papers and selected found ephemera with pre-loved fabrics. You will then use appliqué, shadow and cutwork methods to reveal the inlaid materials. This will be followed by hand and machine quilting stitches and looking at composition methods by cutting up and rearranging your materials.

Finally, you will use a stitched construction method to make a finished piece. Outcomes vary from an experimental quilted roll, a collar or a small hanging.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials, including recycled or vintage cloth, trimmings and edgings, found objects, recycled fabric scraps and recycled papers. On this course the College will supply some additional materials and equipment

What students need to bring

• Sewing kit essentials: sewing needles, hand and machine threads
• Feel free to bring any of these items if you have them to make your artwork more personal to you:
• Recycled or vintage cloth e.g. unwanted or worn tablecloth, garments, bed sheet/pillowcase
• Items decorated with interesting patterns, colours, or stitches
• Recycled fabric scraps, e.g. old embroidered table linen, velvet, lightweight thin cotton (plain or patterned)
• Trimmings and edgings, e.g. bric-a-brac, pompoms
• Miscellaneous haberdashery, e.g. old buttons, bottle lids, found objects (e.g. puzzle pieces, lids, tags, switches, handles), random bits from the kitchen drawer
• Recycled papers, e.g. graphic packaging from food and household products, old dress patterns, envelopes (for the blue inside), broken books and maps

Available to buy

Available from tutor: Your tutor will bring an assortment of fabrics, edging and trimmings. Please bring some pocket money for these extras, including cuts of wool blanket, linen and cotton organdy.

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