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

Patterns in nature

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© Jenny Bowker 2007
www.jennybowker.com

This workshop will teach you to play with a selection of patterns found in nature to produce designs suitable for contemporary quilts.

Pattern is defined in the Concise Oxford dictionary as "a regular form or order … or design." We will look at the way pattern appears in nature - while there is usually an underlying structure there is often a lot of variation within the basic design. We can play with patterns that nature produces for us or produce patterns of our own using several different elements from nature in simple repeat blocks.

It is a design based workshop where you will not produce a finished quilt, but will work with many small samples in paper or fabric. The first day will be spent in working up a design, the second with trying out different ways to use it in a number of different sewing techniques.

Skill level. A willingness to work in new ways is necessary for this class. Some experience is useful but not essential.

Requirements list

This list is a basic idea of things that might be useful to you in the class. We might not use every item, so don't go to a lot of expense acquiring them. Items with a * beside them are core items which are necessary. Others - bring them if you have them.

  • *A selection of photographs or images of nature in magazines or books with patterning ideas. Because we will be designing patterns based on these images we will not be breaching copyright in using another's image as a starting point. It is better to have a wide selection of ideas than only one or two. If you have access to a camera in the time leading up to the class you could take it out and look at patterns in rocks or pebbles on beaches, the way the light changes on water, reflections, patterns on bark, the shapes of leaves against the sky, leaf litter - anything that appeals to you. Take a lot of close ups and views from slightly further away. I will bring a selection of photocopies which would work as starting points if you are unable to find things that you wish to work with.
  • *A Visual Diary. These are blank paged notebooks available from art supply shops. Buy at least an A4 size - no smaller.
  • *Fine Overhead Projector pen, permanent and black, as it must be able to write on acetate.
  • *Several sheets of Acetate (A4) - available in newsagents as Overhead Projection Transparencies.
  • *Some tracing paper of reasonable quality.
  • *Scissors for cutting fabric AND scissors for cutting paper. Small sharp scissors are also very useful.
  • *HB pencil and something to sharpen it with
  • Coloured pencils or felt tipped pens
  • A ruler
  • *A good, broad selection of fabrics in the colour and value ranges you are likely to want. These can be similar to colours in your original images or wildly different - and it is interesting to try both. Cottons are easy to work with and hand dyes can be wonderful - but keep in mind that you are making up class samples and keep your most precious pieces for your quilt.
    Black and coloured organza can be very useful. Silks and satins can also work in this context.
    Good quality calico, Quilter's muslin or homespun, prewashed. This could be used as a foundation.

For the second day only

  • Sewing machine in good working order. Please be sure that you are familiar with your machine.
  • Power boards and extension leads if the organiser does not supply them.
  • An iron and something to use it on (a folded cotton sheet or small board is enough) if the organiser does not supply them.
  • Usual sewing tools - pins, quick unpick, accessory box et cetera.
  • 30 cm fresh Vliesofix, full width - do not fold it but keep it flat or rolled.
  • A good sized sheet of Glad Bake to protect your iron from the Vliesofix.
  • Free darning or quilting foot. Useful if you have it but you can cope without. Please make sure that you know how to put it on your machine and make it work - some machines can be very different!
  • A selection of thread in colours similar to fabrics you have selected. If you are not sure what to use, bring a good selection of colours and neutrals. Rayon thread can be used for extra sheen.
  • Rotary cutter, cutting mat and ruler

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL - a sense of fun and adventure and a willingness to stretch your skills.