In this beginner one day workshop you will create a hand embroidered milkweed design and apply this to an item of clothing to create a uniquely embellished piece. The botanical designs provided in the class are based on embroideries made by Amanda McCavour, inspired by her art installation that is up now at the Toronto Botanical Garden.
In this class, you will learn how to use water soluble fabric to transfer the provided designs to a piece of clothing that you bring in or a small piece of linen provided in your class kit. Couching Stitch, French Knot, Fly Stitch, Chain Stitch and Satin Stitch will be applied to the designs.
During the class we will slow down and think about how stitching can be used to trace drawn lines and add a special feature to a loved item of clothing. At the end of the class you will come away with a one of a kind embroidery that will show off the hand embroidery skills you have learned.
Please bring in an item of clothing that you would like to stitch onto. I recommend denim or woven items like a jean jacket, collared shirt, scarf or canvas bag. Wondering if you have the right type of item? Bring in a few options and we can discuss prior to starting the project as a class. You will also have the option of using linen fabric provided to create a patch that can be applied to an item of clothing after the class. All materials other than your item of clothing will be provided in your course kit.
All materials are included.
Beginners welcome.
Materials provided:
- 5” or 6” wooden embroidery hoop
- Needle Threader
- Sewing Needles
- Embroidery Floss (3 shades of green, 2 shades of purple)
- 10” x 10” piece of linen fabric
- 4 Botanical Template Designs
- 2 Markers
- Small scissors
- Water Soluble Fabric
- A workshop handout outlining the stitches we will use in the class
- 5” x 5” sheet of Heat-n-bond for patches
Optional Items for students to bring in:
1. An item of clothing that you would like to embroidery onto. Ideally you can bring in something that is woven and does not have much stretch to it. I would suggest bringing in a few options to choose from.
**If you don’t have an item of clothing, linen fabric will be provided to stitch into.
Sunday, July 7th from 10:00AM-5:00PM
Registration: Public $125, TBG Members $110 (plus applicable taxes and fees)
About Amanda McCavour
Amanda McCavour is a Canadian artist who works with stitch to create large-scale embroidered installations.
Her immersive installations speak to themes of memory, environment, colour and line. She is interested in finding connections between scientific research and decorative patterns found in textiles and wallpaper. Her lace-like pieces are made by sewing into fabric that dissolves in water. When the fabric is dissolved, the thread drawings interlock together even without a base. Plants and their ecologies are similarly linked—a biological network is a bound system that sustains a community of plants.
McCavour holds a BFA from York University and an MFA in Fibers and Material Studies from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. McCavour shows her work in galleries nationally and internationally and has completed residencies at Harbourfront Centre’s Textile Studio in Toronto, and the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture in Dawson City, Yukon. She has been recognized by the Ontario Crafts Council, The Canada Council for the Arts, The Handweavers and Spinners Guild of America, The Ontario Society of Artists, The Surface Design Association, and The Embroiderers Guild of America.
https://amandamccavour.com/
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- This is an in-person, indoor, Adult Education program at the Toronto Botanical Garden.
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