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.

Included

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.

What students need to bring

• At least 2 metres (in total) of pre-loved, recycled or flawed vintage cloth e.g. a damaged or worn tablecloth, bed sheet, pillowcase, curtain or something decorated with an interesting pattern, colour or stitches
• A mix of recycled fabric scraps - old embroidered table linen, velvet, lightweight thin cotton plain or patterned
• Recycled papers - graphic packaging from food and household products, old dress patterns, envelopes (for the blue inside), broken books and maps, scraps of wallpaper or draw liners
• Trimmings and edgings e.g. – bric-a-brac, pompoms, etc.
• Old buttons, bottle lids and random bits of haberdashery
• Hand and machine threads - if you have them
• Fabric and paper scissors – if you have them

Useful, but not essential:

• A pre-worked patchwork or stitch sample (possibly unfinished) that longs for a new home
• You might like to plan your colour palette e.g. - complimentary colours, tints and tones, etc.

Additional information

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

Terms & Conditions