|
FibreCreate - Workshops
The FibreFest 2011 Masterclass Workshops are now finalised together with a brief review of both the Workshop Presenters and a description of the Workshop Content. Please remember places are limited and will be allocated on a first come basis. Amanda Hannaford
|
We have an exciting array of workshops and talks at Fibrefest this year to explore the textile and fibre artform. We have gathered together some of the finest artists, designers and tutors to share their knowledge, expertise and tips with you. |
Amanda has been handspinning and dyeing since the mid 80’s. She has been awarded a credit in the National Association of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers certificate in both spinning and dyeing, and also has a teaching certificate. She has taught at National Association Summer Schools and also teaches privately at her home near Truro in Cornwall. She is currently an active member of Somerset, Peter Tavy, Liskeard Spinners and the Online Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, and visits other groups and guilds both here and abroad to give talks and workshops. Amanda and her husband also run a thriving Etsy shop under the name of MandaCrafts and can be found at leading fibre events around the country. |
Master the Basics of Handspinning with Amanda Hannaford
Friday 19 August 10am – 4pm (including lunch break) | Workshop fee: £50
Five hours of intensive tuition, to give you a good grounding in the ancient craft of handspinning. Class numbers will be kept small to give everyone a chance to learn at their own speed.
We start the day with an introduction to wool fibre, with hints and tips on where to buy supplies and how to wash it if you are buying raw fleece. We then move on to preparing some clean fleece for spinning on hand-carders.
You will be taught how to use a top-whorl drop-spindle, and shown how to draft the fibres out to get the thickness of thread you want. We then move on to the spinning wheel; the workings of the wheel are explained and instruction is given on how to set up and maintain the wheel. There will be time to practice treadling the wheel before we move on to spinning on it. We will then learn to ply and make a two-ply yarn. You will then be shown how to make and tie a skein and should leave at the end of the day with your first skein of handspun yarn.
No previous experience of spinning required. Essential materials and equipment supplied, but please bring a wheel, hand carders or niddy-noddy, if you have them.
Bring an apron, notebook and pencil.
Dorset & Yorkshire Buttons with Amanda Hannaford
Saturday afternoon 20 August 1:30-3:30 | Workshop fee: £20
There have been many styles of buttons made by hand over the years, but this class will focus on two closely related types of button. We are going to be making needle-woven Dorset and Yorkshire buttons. The weaving technique is the same for both, but the form used and the starting stages differ to make two completely different styles of button. The flat circular Dorset button, worked on a small plastic or metal ring; and the Yorkshire button, worked on a cardboard or plastic form and then removed and either stuffed to make a spherical button or used to cover a plain disc button or bead. Handmade buttons are the perfect way to get an exact match and can often be made from the same yarn as your garment.
Instructions and materials will be supplied for both buttons.
No previous experience required.
Tunisian Crochet with Amanda Hannaford
Sunday afternoon 21 August 1:30-3:30 | Workshop fee: £20
Tunisian crochet is an old technique which has been rediscovered and is becoming increasingly popular. It is a halfway stage between knitting and crochet, being worked with a hook like crochet but worked in rows with all the stitches held on the hook like knitting; an easy technique to master. Everyone will learn how to set up and work the basic Tunisian crochet stitch and be shown simple shaping. A pattern will be provided so that you can go away and create your first garment.
Those with previous crochet experience may also like to learn other Tunisian stitches and how to work Tunisian crochet with a double-ended hook.
All tools and materials will be provided. No previous experience required.
Julie Hedges
www.juliehedges.co.uk
 |
Julie is an experienced weaver, braidmaker and teacher who worked in the Textiles Department at the Surrey Institute, Farnham until 2000. Since 1991 she has been researching the Indian technique of ply-split braiding, used traditionally for animal harnesses, developing it to make wearable and sculptural pieces in a variety of yarns. She has exhibited and sold her work in the UK, Europe & USA. Julie has written two books ‘Ply-Split Braiding, An Introduction’ published in 2006 and ‘Ply-Split Braiding, Further Techniques’ published in 2011. She teaches these techniques throughout the UK and has also taught in India and USA. |
Master the Basics of Ply-Split Braiding
Saturday morning 20 August 10:30-12:30 - Repeated Sunday morning 21 August 10:30-12:30 | Workshop fee: £20
You will learn some of the basic methods of ply splitting that have been used traditionally to make camel girths and animal harnesses in North West India.
Using prepared 4 ply cotton cords you will make several key fob sized samples.
You will be able to see how the technique can be developed into usable items by reference to my collection of samples and finished pieces.
The basic requirements for participants are enthusiasm, some patience and an enjoyment of working with yarn and colour.
Julie will supply gripfids that may be borrowed (free) or bought (cost £10)
Prepared 4 ply cotton cords will be supplied at no cost.
There will be a rope walk set up with an Apollo Cordwinder for making cords.
Please bring a notebook, pen and scissors.
Andrea Coleman, Felt maker
www.artfelt.co.uk
|
Andrea trained and worked as a jeweller, then as a graphic designer. She is a member of the International Feltmakers Association. Felt is the original stone-age fabric. The earliest evidence of its existence is from 8000 years ago; it possibly dates back even further. Andrea uses many of the same techniques as stone-age felters, working mainly with pure merino wool, and draws her inspiration from nature and the romance of traditional fairytales. She started feltmaking with a few friends who have sheep who asked a local feltmaker, Stephanie Odams, to teach them to make slippers. That was about nine years ago and she has not stopped since, being totally absorbed by this medium. She says: “It is so rewarding with the endless variety of ways that it can be used.” She now exhibits her work and regularly holds workshops for both adults and children. All enquiries welcome: |
An introduction to Nuno with Andrea Coleman
Saturday morning 20 August 10:30-12:30 | Workshop fee: £20
Nuno is the greatest innovation in feltmaking since the middle ages; a way of fusing wool and silk or thin open weave fabrics.
Experiment with different fabrics, from very floaty and light, to strong and sturdy.
Make a sampler using this very flexible technique. Once the technique is understood, the applications will be endless.
All materials and equipment supplied. No previous experience required.
Making felt jewellery using Nuno and wire techniques with Andrea Coleman
Saturday afternoon 20 August 1:30-3:30 | Workshop fee: £20
Nuno is the greatest innovation in feltmaking since the middle ages; a way of fusing wool and silk or thin open weave fabrics.
Experiment with different fabrics, from very floaty and light, to strong and sturdy.
Make a sampler using this very flexible technique. Once the technique is understood, the applications will be endless.
All materials and equipment supplied. No previous experience required.
Debbie Bamford, The Mulberry Dyer
www.mulberrydyer.co.uk
|
Debbie is a corporate member of the Society of Dyers and Colourists, holds a City and Guilds certificate in Art and Design – Embroidery and has many years experience working with natural dyes in both plant and extract form - dyeing fibre, yarn or cloth, solid colours or hand painted. She has spent more than 15 years researching and interpreting original recipes then experimenting and producing dyed textiles for prestigious museums and organisations such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Globe Theatre and Hampton Court Palace. She is now applying this expertise to the modern world, producing a range of naturally dyed fibres. Debbie runs courses in all aspects of natural dyeing, ranging from historic and traditional through to the latest techniques and applications. |
The Magic of Indigo with Debbie Bamford – The Mulberry Dyer
Sunday morning 21 August 10:30-12.30 | Workshop fee: £20
Dispel the myths and follow the magic! Learn how to set the vat and bring it into order, how to get deeper shades of blue and how to get the most from this king of dyestuffs.
We will cover the principles behind how the indigo vat works (theory) and play with a working dyebath to get some lovely shades of blue.
All equipment and materials are included. No previous knowledge required.
Explore Natural Dyes with with Andrea Coleman - The Mulberry Dyer
Sunday afternoon 21 August 1:30-3.30 | Workshop fee: £20
The dyes used from prehistoric times until the advent of synthetic dyes give vibrant, beautiful colours. Come and learn how to use natural dye extracts to get a range of colours from yellows through reds to purples and greens.
All equipment and materials included. No previous experience required.
Claire Crompton
www.clairecrompton.co.uk
|
|
Claire is the author of several knitting books, including 'The Knitter's Bible' and most recently a 'Stitch Library'. She has worked in the knitting industry since graduating with a degree in knitwear design, working as a designer and pattern writer for Hayfield and Sirdar. Her designs have appeared in several knitting magazines, including 'Let's Knit' and 'Knitting'. She has her own range of patterns and teaches workshops on knitting techniques.
Give your knitwear a professional finish with Claire Crompton
Saturday morning 20 August 10:30-12:30 | Workshop fee: £20
The finishing details make all the difference to a garment.
This workshop will show you techniques to make sure your knitwear has a professional finish. You will learn mattress stitch that creates almost-invisible seams; how to pick up stitches neatly and evenly around a neck or front edge; and ways of shaping that make sewing up easier to do. You will also learn how to block or press your knitting.
You will be supplied with samples to practise all these techniques and I will demonstrate blocking with a steam iron.
All yarns and needles used in the workshop will be provided and there will be a handout for you to take away.
Master Mitred Squares With Claire Crompton
Sunday morning 21 August 10:30-12:30 | Workshop fee: £20
Mitred Squares (also known as domino or modular knitting) is a great patchwork technique and easy to learn. Squares are joined together as you knit so there are no seams to sew and stunning colour effects can be created using one yarn at a time.
This workshop will introduce you to the basic techniques of making a square and joining squares together by picking up stitches. You will knit a sample of four squares and I will demonstrate how to use this to create your own throws, rugs, bags, scarves or garments.
All yarns and needles used in the workshop will be provided, and there will be a handout for you to take away.
You need basic knitting skills for this workshop. All materials and equipment provided.
Jane Deane
www.janedeane.co.uk
|
|
Jane is a spinner, weaver and dyer using, as far as possible, locally sourced fibres and environmentally sensitive dyes, most frequently natural extract dyes. She works from a studio at Duchy Square Centre, Princetown where she stocks Pure Tinctoria Dyes amongst others, and keeps a small stock of yarns supplied by Handweavers Gallery in London. Each year she rears a small number of silkworms, from the wild varieties, and uses the silk in her work. The creatures are always allowed to complete their lifecycle from egg to moth - as a handspinner she does not need to prevent the moth's emergence.
Silk Spinning with Jane Deane
Saturday afternoon 20 August 1:30-3:30 - Repeated Sunday afternoon 21 August 1:30-3:30 | Workshop fee: £20
Have you ever seen remarkably cheap silk fibres advertised and bought them, only to find when you open the packet you are looking at something that seems totally unlike silk and totally un-spinnable? Many of these preparations are the by-product of industrial silk processing and will produce fantastic yarns if you understand how to deal with them. The aim of this workshop is to gain this understanding, to spin various silk preparations and to have a small library of samples for future reference.
The fibres available to try will be:
-
Silk top, tussah and cultivated (mulberry)
-
Silk caps/hankies
-
Degummed cocoons
-
Throwsters’ waste
-
Silk noil, cultivated and tussah
Participants will need to bring:
-
Wheel or spindle
-
Lazy Kate and bobbins, or cardboard tubes for yarn storage, if you are bring a spindle
-
Hand carders, if you have a pair
-
Dog comb
-
Labels
-
Pen and paper
Participants will need to be competent spinners.
Master Mitred Squares With Claire Crompton
Sunday morning 21 August 10:30-12:30 | Workshop fee: £20
Mitred Squares (also known as domino or modular knitting) is a great patchwork technique and easy to learn. Squares are joined together as you knit so there are no seams to sew and stunning colour effects can be created using one yarn at a time.
This workshop will introduce you to the basic techniques of making a square and joining squares together by picking up stitches. You will knit a sample of four squares and I will demonstrate how to use this to create your own throws, rugs, bags, scarves or garments.
All yarns and needles used in the workshop will be provided, and there will be a handout for you to take away.
You need basic knitting skills for this workshop. All materials and equipment provided.
Ann Jackson
www.annejackson.co.uk
|
|
Anne Jackson is a textile artist using the medium of knotted tapestry. She trained at Middlesex Polytechnic, in the Constructed Textiles department, after completing a university degree in Medieval Art History. Her work is exhibited across the UK, in Europe and the United States, and is in public and private collections. Her current long-term project is 'The Witchcraft Series', in which she explores historic witch-persecutions across Europe and looks at the idea of witchcraft as a metaphor for many contemporary issues. Her work can be seen on her website.
Creative Thinking in Textiles with Anne Jackson
Saturday afternoon 20 August 1:30-3:30 - Sunday afternoon 21 August 1:30-3:30
A unique opportunity to work with a leading textile artist.
This two-hour workshop will provide an opportunity to look at the ideas we use in creating our textile artworks. Anne Jackson will present her own creative processes and ways of finding inspiration, and encourage workshop participants to do the same.
Anne explains:
“In the field of textiles, we often focus almost exclusively on the techniques we use to make our work. I like to provide a space where we can think about what we're really interested in expressing through our work, whether it be the beauty of a landscape, our excitement about a particular colour combination, or our deepest thoughts, feelings and memories. The workshop will consider design tools and methods from painting, drawing, photography, collage, and the internet, to whatever you would like to bring along and share. I hope participants will take away lots of new ideas and inspirations for their future work."
Jill Sheppard
|
Jill Shepherd (known as Wrigglefingers online) was born in the East End of London sometime in the past. She was educated at the University of Birmingham where she completed various degrees in 18th century Textile History. She qualified as a Textiles Teacher at Bath Spa University and has been teaching in schools and colleges for the last 10 years. Well-known for her enthusiastic embrace of all things yarn and cloth related and armed with a plethora of skills and an abiding love of colour, Jill has worked throughout the UK in schools, colleges, festivals and guild meetings and exhibited her work nationally. Her principal aim to give you the skills and enthusiasm to enjoy yourself as much as she does! |
Art Yarn Spinning With Jill Sheppard
Saturday morning 20 August 10:30-12:30
Sunday morning 21 August 10:30-12:30
Aimed at those who can spin but who would like help getting started with Art Spinning. Subjects covered will include:
- Using a drum carder to produce art batts
- Spinning a thick and thin single
- Spinning coils and nopps
- Spinning with inclusions and additions
- Plying for Art Yarns
The materials provided will include a small art batt for you to use in the session, but you will need to bring your wheel (although I have some spare - please let me know when booking the course) and a bobbin of pre-spun single yarn for the core yarn. If you forget I'll have some commercial yarn to use in an emergency!
If you wish to participate in one or more of the Masterclass Workshops please complete The Workshop Booking Form and return it with your cheque by post to:
FibreFest 2011 c/o The Orchard Loxbeare TIVERTON Devon. EX16 9RH