Ref: D1D40396
The course will begin with working a simple stitch on a natural wooden frame, held together with wrapping. Simple looped stitches will be tensioned in rows across the frame until the space is filled. The stitches could be varied and the loops arranged to create different patterns, or could be worked randomly. Tensioning of the stitches will also vary the surface of the work.
Further exploration of filling space with more complex stitches can be sampled on pieces of plain fabric or with willow rings and additional self-constructed frames. At the end of the course, students will have at least two completed frames or fabric samples.
Mary will demonstrate techniques, provide visual notes and offer individual support to enable you create your own stitched pieces. A suitable day for students with no experience of looping or stitching.
Please note, the work is small and can be tiring on the hands; please consider this before booking. This course is one of five individual courses with Mary Crabb during May and June, each exploring different textile and sculptural basketry techniques which may also be of interest.
Willow rods and branched materials, willow rings, various threads, needles and instruction sheets
Asthma and hay fever suffers are recommended to bring their medication as occasionally the fibres from some threads and strings may bring on symptoms.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 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.
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.
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.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
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.
Mary Crabb is an award-winning contemporary basketmaker. Having originally worked in willow, Mary now works with fine flexible materials, both natural and man-made, to create small, detailed and decorative woven forms exploring the connection between basketry and textiles.
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