Maria Thomas
Teaching and making textiles for over 30 years, Maria has designed textiles for fashion and exhibited regularly.
Ref: S2D36597
In this workshop, you will embark on a journey of creativity by transforming used cloth into a textile art object—a house coat.
Under Maria’s expert guidance, you will use a pre-prepared jacket pattern to craft a one-of-a-kind garment through cloth and paper collage. You will explore the art of pattern layout, incorporating recycled papers and vintage fabrics, while constructing original appliqué and quilted designs.
Begin by planning a colour palette that resonates with you, and gather intriguing bits and bobs that inspire your vision. Embracing limitations can often lead to unexpected creativity, providing a solid foundation for your design.
The primary goal of this workshop is to create an heirloom piece—an artistic garment that tells a story—rather than a conventional fashion jacket. Join us in this exploration of creativity and self-expression.
On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials, including a pre-prepared jacket sewing pattern, a padded coat hanger, found papers and wrappers and a bit bag of scrap fabric. On this course the College will supply a selection of threads and the use of equipment including sewing machines, fabric scissors, unpickers, pins and chalk to use during the course.
Useful, but not essential:
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
Teaching and making textiles for over 30 years, Maria has designed textiles for fashion and exhibited regularly.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.