Inspired by the work of the Barcelona-based Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, this course will offer the chance to explore and develop a combination of skills in a creative way. Gaudi’s free-flowing works were greatly influenced by nature, with curved shapes and very few straight lines, incorporating swirls, curves, stained glass, ceramics, pillars, grillwork, columns and woodwork. He was open minded with the materials he used, with much emphasis on decoration. His most well known works include the Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and Casa Batllo.

The aim of this course is to explore the variety of textures and stitch effects which can be produced using simple materials and a basic sewing machine.

You will explore the use of shape, form and pattern, including mosaics, and discover ways of interpreting these ideas with fabric and stitch. Techniques will include piecing and layering natural fabrics, fabric painting, stencilling and freehand machine stitching. After demonstrations of the techniques, you will create a small sample which will introduce you to the techniques. You will then develop an individual design with one-to-one guidance and encouragement from the tutor. Coloured papers will be used to plan an abstract colour scheme.

The first evening session will consist of an illustrated talk, showing examples of Gaudi’s work and how the tutor has created her own designs from these inspirations.

Group reviews will be held during and at the end of the course, so that ideas can be shared and discussed.

Included

• Fabric paints, three dimensional paint mediums.

What students need to bring

• Sewing machine and darning foot, with your machine manual and an extension table, if you have one (the college have machines if you wish to use these)
• a selection of plain, un-dyed fabrics, e.g. cotton, calico, muslin, scrim, linen, slub silk – pre-washed/ shrunk and ideally varying in texture and tone
• Stitch’nTear or Vilene stabiliser Fabric
• selection of coloured papers for design – tissue, cartridge
• machine threads, according to your chosen colour scheme. these can be machine embroidery or basic polyester threads
• Working overall/shirt for painting
• Pencil/paper/glue stick/tracing paper (transparent – not greaseproof paper)
• Scissors for paper and Fabric
• Pins/needles
• Any images of Gaudi designs which you may have

Available to buy

Available from shop: We have a generously stocked craft shop, which opens daily from 8.30am–2pm.

• Madeira 30 machine embroidery threads
• Sewing machine needles

For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.

Available from tutor:

• Wooden Embroidery Frames, 20 – 25cm
• Madeira 40 machine embroidery threads
• Coloured silk fabric
• Organza fabric
• Calico backing fabric (pre-shrunk to remove the dressing)
• Bondaweb

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 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
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
Teaching finishes: 3pm

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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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