WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

In Tattered Forms, workshop participants will be invited to explore ways to make secondhand textiles into sculptural shapes. Using braided rag rugs and finger crochet as inspiration, the workshop will offer discussion and methods to make use of old and surplus textiles into non-traditional vessels and forms, both functional and non-functional. Participants are encouraged to bring scrap fabric to share and exchange with other attendees… like old bedsheets, stained tablecloths, secondhand clothes, and any fiber that needs a place within our creativity. Previous experience with fibers is not required.

SKILL LEVEL: LOW

This workshop requires no sophisticated skill sets. Basic hand sewing OR crochet skills could prove helpful, but are not necessary to participate.

MATERIALS PROVIDED:

Old textiles, fabric scissors, embroidery thread, sewing needles, oversized crochet hooks, and other basic supplies. 

PARTICIPANT MATERIALS:

Hands & Old Textiles
Where available, gather scrap fabric to share and exchange with other participants like old bedsheets, stained tablecloths, secondhand clothes, fabric remnants, and any fiber you don’t mind tearing/cutting.

TECHNIQUES EXPLORED:

Braiding, knotting, finger crochet, and basic hand stitching. 

**The workshop will take place at Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center. Participants will take a one-hour break for lunch at noon.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Join “Gee’s Bend Raised” artist, Mary Virginia Pettway, for a hand pieced story-quilt workshop. Mary Virginia will share stitches and techniques passed down to her through generations of quilters, while incorporating her own unique visual storytelling methods and practices. While most materials will be provided, students are encouraged to bring fabrics with them that hold special meaning. These fabrics will be incorporated into both the quilt square created, and the associated quilt story. Techniques covered in this class will include: basic stitches, pattern design, selection of fabrics, Gee’s Bend piecing methods, and a discussion about finishing and display techniques and styles.

SKILL LEVEL: LOW

This workshop requires no sophisticated skill sets. Basic hand sewing skills could prove helpful, but are not necessary to participate.

MATERIALS PROVIDED:

Fabric scissors, thread, sewing needles, rotary cutters, cutting mats, basic fabrics for use by students, and other basic supplies. 

PARTICIPANT MATERIALS:

Hands & Old Textiles
Fabrics and fabric scraps with special meaning or “stories” to incorporate into their quilt.

TECHNIQUES EXPLORED:

Basic stitches, pattern design, selection of fabrics, and Gee’s Bend piecing methods.

**The workshop will take place at Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center.