Three Day Course
Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November
A three day bonanza with much acclaimed Alyson – Explore those ideas and get stitching.
Learn a simple technique with stunning design results.
Who hasn’t doodled? We have all created patterns and lines in an un-self-conscious way whilst thinking about something else. We will develop this idea through improvised grids, engaging and enjoyable mark-making and observation drawing of details. The patterns and designs we make in this way will be developed into designs for you to use. We will explore how these can be developed into your own textile and paper artworks with collage and stitch techniques. We will discover how to make and use our own print blocks and use a variety of printing techniques on paper and fabric, how to use bonding, layering and burning techniques with fabrics with hand and/or machine stitching and added embellishments such as beads and cords. Your outcomes will be unique to the path you follow on the course and be useful for many creative directions. The course is suitable for anyone wanting to learn or improve skills in simple, effective design methods.
You are free to decide whether you use hand stitching or machine stitching or both during the course. I will guide you if you want to learn or improve your machine sewing skills as part of the course.
Includes homemade lunch and refreshments each day
About the tutor
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden is an experienced freelance artist in fine art textiles, an author of several
books and numerous articles, a tutor and a gallery director. Awards include the Bernina Award for
the most Innovative use of the sewing machine, NZ, 2015. In addition, Alysn has professional
qualifications in Textiles and Embroidery, Professional Arts Practice, E-commerce. Alysn lived in the
Midlands of England for most of her life, and developed the Beetroot Tree Gallery, moving to New
Zealand in 2012.
Tutor Statement:
Alysn says: “I have an experimental and curious nature leading to continuously evolving works and
media; investigating new dimensions as they develop. The history and meaning of the materials I
choose is often critically important to the development of the pieces. Currently I am working in
copper, bronze, brass, stainless steel and pewter in the form of metal shims and woven metal fabrics
and wires, combined with a variety of papers, fabrics, pens, paints, threads and natural objects. I find
that it is a continuing pleasure to adapt my ideas into formats which can be taken on by fibre artists,
embroiderers or other creatives”
What you will need to bring
Paper scissors
Pencils/pencil sharpener
Black/coloured drawing pen/s
Brushes, water pots
Baking parchment
Sewing Machine and requisites (including free motion/darning foot attachment if you have one)
Hand sewing requisites
Iron and ironing cloth
Pad of newspaper or fabric for printing
Print rollers x 2 per person