Indian Mirror Work using authentic shisha and, an alternative method of attaching machine embroidery glass. I can show you how to attach shisha so they don't fall out! The mirrors can then be embellished further with stitch and beads. We will work on felt and produce a sampler for future reference. Indian Applique taking inspiration from the colourful applique from Rajasthan using the cut and fold method. The appliqued patches can be embellished with shisha and embroidery. Indian Book Bag In India very precious books are covered with cloth or enclosed in a bag. My Indian book bag designed to take an iPad. Indian stitch design on the front with a fabric wrap to close. Kantha stitching making a sampler of kantha stitches to include kantha quilting, darning stitch, chatri stitch and border stitches. Small kantha purse stitching covers kantha quilting, left and chakra (wheel motifs). The stitched square is folded into an envelope shop. A twisted cord with beads and tassel to finish. Banjara Bag the Banjara people are nomadic and bags of various sizes are used to store food and personal belongings. Larger bags are embellished with tassels, cowrie shells and shisha. The foundation running stitch forms the base for interlaced stitching. The patterns are very simple but effective. The use of different coloured threads makes Banjara work so vibrant. A String of Elephants an opportunity to use up scraps of fabric! Machine or hand stitched elephants, stuffed, embellished, strung on a rope with beads in between. Finish off with bells and a tassel. Procion dyeing shibori techniques, stitched resist tying binding etc. Or, you can come along and do your own thing. Indigo dyeing shibori techniques as above, but mark making with soya wax. The cloth will prepared in the morning and the indigo vat will be ready for dipping and dyeing after lunch. Be amazed as the cloth turns into a magical blue. Messy Day a chance to play! We will explore printing without a press using found objects, making your own stamps with thin foam and the not so humble potato! You can print on fabric or paper.
Workshops in the conservatory, Broadstone, Dorset This year I want to take a different approach - no programme as such, rather I invite you to get together with a group of friends, minimum of 4 four students and a maximum of six. You can book workshop at a date convenient to yourselves. It need not be a Saturday! Contact me! Group workshops - have needle-will travel Talks - Travels and Textiles a talk accompanied with Indian textiles gathered on my journeys and my work inspired India
