Expressive Textile Art with Tilly McLeod

Class Description

In this fun and friendly workshop, you’ll learn how to create beautiful textile art with our experienced artist / tutor Tilly McLeod. No experience needed. Stitching is very relaxing and therapeutic.   The process starts with drawing or tracing a design onto the fusible paper. Designs are limitless, from very simple to quite detailed. I tend to be inspired by my surroundings, especially the sea and coast, picking out quirky scenes that are easy to replicate with this process. Choosing the right fabric and co-ordinating the colours and patterns is the fun part. There are many tutorials online showcasing what is called "raw edge applique", using fancy specialized sewing machines, pattern templates and intricate instructions. This method is simpler, user friendly and good for the planet and the soul. Once the outlines are drawn onto the fusible paper, the piece is cut out and adhered to the chosen fabric with an iron (or glue can be used instead). The picture will then be put together like a puzzle and stitched onto the calico background piece. Although I use a very basic sewing machine for the bigger pieces of the "puzzle" (to save time), hand stitching and a few simple embroidery stitches are optional if, like me, you enjoy those processes. There will be other additions available to use should you wish to, such as buttons, lace, fancy yarn, beads and charms, to add dimension, but if you can thread a needle and have a good pair of scissors, you're sure to have fun. Bring your ideas and imagination, inspirational designs, photos or pictures you would like to simplify and replicate in fabric, but start off with something simple. The freedom of creating something personal and unique from scraps, and having a framed little piece of your art after a few hours will be very rewarding, and you will never want to throw anything remotely useful away again! By the end of the workshop, you’ll take home your very own, unique textile art work, ready to be framed for your own home or to gift to someone special. What’s Included: ✨ A suitable frame will be provided. ✨ A variety of used / repurposed fabrics and textiles, offcuts, samples, items saved from potentially being sent to landfill What you need to bring: Special laces / buttons / fabrics A sharp scissors Prerequisites: All welcome Teens 14+ and adults. Current members will receive 5% member discount. Please use your membership number as the PROMO code to get the discount.