Workshops I’ve offered in the past

DYEING CLASSES

Starting at $100 per hour. Materials and supplies can be provided upon request for an additional fee.

SNOW DYEING: 2-3 DAYS

Learn one of the easiest and most dramatic effects of dyeing fabric using snow. Students will be shown different folding techniques and results and will continue the day with experimenting. Day 2 results with rinsing and fixing processes towards finished dried fabrics. March, April or winter Chinook weather recommended. Summer supply of snow can be modified to ice, or sourcing snow from ice arenas. 

IMMERSION DYEING: 2-3 DAYS

Learning with Procion fibre reactive dyes, students will start with the basics of mixing the colour wheel. From here students will be able to understand how to mix any colour. We’ll learn different stitch resist techniques and Indigo dye processes. Recipes to try and notes will be provided. Lot’s of tips and tricks shared including how to keep accurate and useful records and samples. This is a broad topic and can be tailored to group interests.

THICKENED DYEING: 2-3 DAYS

Taking it to the next level by adding thickener to dye gives a different method to applying colour and texture to fabrics. Stamping, mono-printing, silkscreen printing are some examples. On day three, resists are introduced such as, flour paste, wax and other mixtures to create original marks to create one-of-a-kind fabrics.

DISCHARGE TECHNIQUES: 2-3 DAYS

Another interesting fabric manipulation is discharging (taking the colour out of fabric). Using bleach pen and discharge paste, students will create a unique custom piece of fabric using a photo for inspiration. On day two students will make a small art quilt. Students will create a small sample book for future reference. On day three we introduce free motion stitching and work towards a finished original art quilt.

SNOW DYED PILLOW

*Must take snow dyeing workshop first or have an interesting dyed piece of fabric to work on. As well, have basic free motion quilting knowledge.

What can I make with all this dyed fabric? Pillows! Students will develop the courage they need to take their original fabric and turn it into something they can use. Step-by-step students will design and make their unique pillow. 

SNOW DYED T-SHIRT: 2 HALF DAYS

Using snow or ice students will learn the easy and quick process of making a unique wearable piece of art. Students will be introduced to colour combinations, folding and clamping techniques. Set up your shirt and leave the ice to melt. Return on day two for random results that are unique and fun. We finish the process so that the t-shirt stays bright and holds its colour. More time can be arranged. 

ART TECHNIQUE CLASSES

LANDSCAPE ART QUILTING: 2-3 DAYS

Working from a photo or painting, students are shown how to look at a landscape, analyze it, and translate it to fabric using a variety of construction methods. Students will work towards creating an 11” x 17” size art quilt with a detailed explanation of techniques, tips and tricks. Alison will work with each participant to set their project goals. (Would pair nicely with a free-motion art quilt workshop)

FREE MOTION QUILTING: 1 DAY

An introductory level instruction will be given about the specialty method of anchoring down a quilt. The class will include sewing machine best practices, threads, needles, tips and tricks for sewing art quilts. Students can expect a full day of experimenting and practice through a number of lessons to gain the courage to tackle an art quilt project. Recommended for beginners, intermediate and advanced quilters.

COLLAGE QUILTS: 2-3 DAYS

Working with motif fabrics, students will design, plan and execute their botanical, animal or face of choice or other favourite image onto a quilt. Students will learn composition techniques that will be helpful for other projects. The class will analyze and talk about the kinds of fabrics that make their collages unique.

USING TECHNOLOGY

BEGINNER PROCREATE on the iPad: 1 DAY

Learn the basic tools and how to use Procreate on the iPad. We will also create a unique image using the web and experiment with many artistic mediums with one pencil. All the power to design, plan and create art. A game changing technology to me.

EMBROIDERY TECHNIQUES

UPCYCLE YOUR JEANS: 1/2 or 1 DAY

Learn basic embroidery and mending techniques including English Paper Piecing (full day only). Enough ideas to start you on your way to create a one-of-a-kind-wearable. There is nothing like extending the life of your favourite pair of jeans and giving them new wearable possibilities.