Class requirements for Jenny Bowker's 2-day class -

Creative Stitching

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© Jenny Bowker 2007
www.jennybowker.com

Some things will be used in several different sessions. You don’t need to buy them twice.

Each session will be quite short, and it is not worth going out to purchase large amounts of different things if you already have some items at home. There may be some things that members of the class can share.

The class is intended as a two day class. In one day we can cover some but probably not all of the topics. They may not be done in the order given here.

The classes with be broken into several sessions, each followed by the making of small pieces, some no bigger than postcards, some larger.

General items for every session

  • Your sewing machine in good condition, the manual that comes with it, the extension table and several spare bobbins
  • Your usual sewing accessories, pins, scissors, spare needles, and any feet and accessories which come with your machine. Darning or free motion foot is essential
  • A blank note book, pens and pencils
  • A small selection of scrap fabrics – with cottons, and extending the range with silks, velvets, satins, lace, trims and braids – we might only use a little. Pieces made in the class might only be postcard sized!
  • We will need a couple of irons and ironing boards in the classroom. You do not all need one.

Working with Metallic and specialty threads

  • A selection of specialty threads . This could include shiny metal foil type threads, rayon, lumpy and heavier threads or very fine cords, ribbons, and thicker cords for couching, even heavier cotton threads and wools.
  • Two bobbins with Bobbin fill or Bottom Line if you have it – otherwise just some spare empty bobbins.
  • For some exercises (and you may choose not to do them) we will be altering bobbin cases to loosen the bobbin tension. If you have a second bobbin case for embroidery bring it with you. It is not worth buying one as you might never do this again.
  • A selection of different sewing machine needles – size 90 universal, size 75 and 90 embroidery needles, metallica needles, topstitch needles. Most of these will work better in the larger sizes. You do not need all the needles listed, bring what you can as I think supplies are limited. I will have some spare needles with me.
  • Any background fabric you choose, but plainer colours look best with this exercise.
  • Lightweight iron-on interfacing can be useful to add extra support for your stitching. If it is not available in Kuwait , bring some firm paper.

Playing With Thread

  • Two fat quarters of fabric in different colours – at least one of them plain
  • Some of the items you used above, but rayon or shiny threads are most useful for this exercise
  • Bring several different values in one colour –light, medium and dark

Keeping and maintaining a visual diary

  • Just your visual diary - I like a blank firmly bound book with at least A4 (quarto?) pages.

Drawing with the machine

  • Two pieces (about ten inches square is enough) of heavy weight fabric – like artist’s canvas or linen. If this is not easily available make two quilt sandwiches with some left over thin batting and pin with safety pins.
  • A free motion foot for your machine - If you have a Bernina bring foot number 29. If you have an Aurora just be prepared for everyone to be very jealous of you!
  • Two photocopied images that you like – to use as ‘cheats’ if you choose
  • Thread in a contrasting colour or metallic
  • One word – or more if you wish – blown up on the computer or photocopier so each letter is about 1 inch or 2.5 cm high. This can be your name, or just a word you like. If printing on the computer save your ink by printing it ‘hollow’.

How to develop an art quilt

  • Assorted items which might have inspired you – pictures, poetry, pieces of writing, - even objects. This session is more discussion that sewing.

Work in a series

  • Just your visual diary – I would love to have another two full days as this makes a great class on its own.

Curved and free form piecing

  • Rotary cutter
  • Mat to cut on (not too small)
  • Fabrics - Brighter colours and plains or hand-dyed types of fabric work best for this. You will need about six fat quarters. You will not use all of it.

If you have any questions you can contact me:
Jenny Bowker
Email: jenny.bowker@gmail.com