‘Reverse Applique’ - day school with Morag Gray

 On yet another dismal day of interminable rain we cheered ourselves up using lovely fabrics to learn this technique from Morag. The first four pictures below are examples of Morag’s work, where she shows how to make the appliqué 3D and textured.

We were provided with a piece of velvet which we trimmed and edged to stop fraying. The idea is to layers contrasting fabrics on the front of the velvet and cut through them after stitching to reveal the velvet. The inspiration of Morag's pieces was Moroccan tiles. We cut a piece of paper to make our design shapes on, and then transferred the design to the back of the velvet. We pinned our contrasting fabrics onto the front, and machine stitched from the back along the lines of the design. (I finally discovered that using metallic thread in the bobbin, instead of on top, took all the grief out of using metallic and sparkly thread - thanks, Morag!)

Once we had attached the fabrics together we started to cut out some holes to fray and decorate. Most of us didn't get much farther, so I have only posted some of the works in progress below as nobody finished their pieces. I hope to add some finished work as when they are completed.

Thanks to Nancy for the lovely cakes!

Print and a pattern - a Journey: Talk by Astrid Weigel

 Today's talk was something a bit different, as it was about the conception and creation of design for textiles. Astrid took us through her career journey from watching her mother at the sewing machine making clothes and toys, inspiring her to a career in fabric. After leaving school she spent a year doing an Art Foundation course, which helped her choose her path. She did a two year course in fabric design and developed an interest in furnishing patterns particularly.

She has worked for luminaries such as Sandersons and John Lewis, before going freelance, producing designs for curtains, cushions, wall hangings and more. She had a break to raise her family, and then started again by having a website and Etsy shop, and now sells her work all over the world.

The process starts with drawings on paper, and making colourways, to screen printing. Astrid had brought along examples of the process, some of which you see below. Her designs are modern and very fresh, clean colours. Astrid will be taking a day school shortly where we can make a lampshade in the style of the one below. More of her work can be seen on her website www.astridweigel.com