On this course, you will learn how to manipulate fabric to create decorative textures and structural forms by hand. This course is process focused: you will leave with a selection of practical samples, ideas and inspiration for further practice. You will be encouraged to relax and enjoy mastering the techniques, rather than concentrating on an end product. Over four days, you will use simple stitches and folds to create stunning organic cotton calico and silk organza samples.

Course aims: On completion of the course you will:

• Have a solid understanding of how fabrics are constructed and behave
• Know which materials and tools are suitable for the technique you choose and how to use them (fabrics, needles, threads, thimbles, embroidery hoops, etc.)

Know best practices for handwork across the following techniques:

• Ruching
• Pleating
• Canadian smocking (3 - 6 stitches, depending on speed)
• English smocking (4 - 6 stitches, depending on speed)
• Fabric origami and Shadowfolding (2 - 3 samples, depending on speed) Leave with a collection of samples neatly labelled with a header that can be stored in a three-ring binder Leave with a booklet of the techniques you have learned and a list of resources for further exploration

Included

On this course the College will supply:

• 2 metres Organic cotton calico
• 0.5 metres Silk organza
• Organic cotton sewing machine thread
• Perle 8 cotton

What students need to bring

• Sewing kits if you would prefer to use your own snips/pins, etc.
• Quilter’s ruler
• Fabric scissors
• Hera markers

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