17 minute read
Textiles
The Textiles Department at Lillstreet welcomes and accommodates students of all levels. Our classes explore traditional methods as well as contemporary experimentation. Whether you sew, print, dye, weave, embroider, knit, or crochet, we have the perfect class for you. Our student population is diverse- from professional artists and entrepreneurs to those who enjoy working with their hands and want to explore something new. Our teaching artists will guide you as you turn your project ideas into one-of-a-kind completed works of functional, decorative, or fine art. We welcome and support all bodies and gender expressions. Ages 13+ welcome in all classes.
First-Time Artists
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First-Time Sewing 5 Weeks If you’re intimidated by threading a machine or straying from the straight stitch, join our club. Formal instruction includes operating a sewing machine, cutting patterns and expanding your sewing vocabulary. Everyone leaves with an apron and a lined grocery tote in their favorite fabrics. No materials needed on the first day. Material fee includes thread and some notions.
Tuesday 10am-1pm Shannon Thompson Session I: Starts March 31 Session II: Starts May 5
Sunday 10am-1pm Mel Phillips Session I: Starts April 5 Jenny Hanna Session II: May 10 $180, Members $175 $5 Material Fee
First-Time Screen Printing on Fabric 5 Weeks Whether you are interested in onesies, custom yardage or band t-shirts, this class shows how easy it can be to put your designs onto fabric. Our studio is equipped with a UV exposure unit, aluminum screens, and large print tables. Projects can include tote bags, gifts, or fabric for sewing and quilting. Material fee includes some ink and general printing supplies. Students provide fabric.
Friday 6-9pm Amy Taylor Session I: Starts April 3
First-Time Embroidery 5 Weeks Explore embroidery with a contemporary spin. Each week you will learn new stitches, including the chain stitch, bullion knot, and turkey work, presented on a custom sampler designed and printed by the teaching artist. Build layers of lovely thread onto your cloth, leaving with a finished sampler to show off your skills. Material fee includes all supplies.
First-Time Frame Loom Weaving 5 Weeks
Develop the skills to make your own wall hangings and beyond by learning needle weaving on a frame loom. Every week, practice techniques like plain weave, soumak, rya, twill and more. We will also discuss weaving history, terminology, tools, and finishing. You will leave with several samples to be proud of.
First-Time Knitting 5 Weeks
Cast on with us and learn the fundamentals of knitting. Our teaching artist will show you how to knit and purl stitches and how to cast on and bind off. Explore yarn and experiment with color combinations and textures. You will leave with a Springtime scarf or cowl that is uniquely you. Materials will be provided on the first day.
24 SPRING CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEKS OF MARCH 30 AND MAY 4 First-Time Cross Stitch 5 Weeks
Learn how to design and complete your own cross stitch patterns. You will discover the basics of counted cross stitch and graduate to working with a printed cross stitch pattern. Bring an image of your choice to turn into a pixel style embroidery. You will leave with a completed project and the skills to keep stitching. Some materials are provided.
First-Time Crochet 5 Weeks
All it takes is a hook and a ball of yarn, and soon you’ll be crocheting your way to scarves, blankets and other cozy projects! Learn new skills like increasing, decreasing, and stitching in the round. You will leave with at least one finished project to wear or gift. One hook and yarn for your first day will be provided.
Beginner/ Advanced Beginner
Zippers & Buttons 4 or 5 Weeks Reinforce the basics while learning new skills. Take home a set of coordinating pillows, a zip pouch and additional smaller, skill-building projects. Selftaught stitchers with basic knowledge are welcome to take this class for formal instruction. Material fee includes thread and some notions. No materials needed on the first day.
Prerequisite: First-Time Sewing or similar experience.
Quilting I 5 Weeks Is quilting something that you want to try, but embarking on a large project seems intimidating? Become acquainted with quilting basics, covering six block patterns to create a small quilted project. You’ll gain the confidence to start larger projects. No materials needed on the first day. You are invited to bring in sample fabrics and ideas. Material fee includes some thread and notions.
Prerequisite: First-Time Sewing or similar experience.
Garment Repairs & Alterations 5 Weeks Whether you’re repairing an old favorite or tailoring a new garment to your body, this class fits perfectly! Learn to take shirts in and jeans up; mend holes, fix hems, and sew on buttons. Come to class the first day with your uncompleted mending and alterations projects. We’ll complete them together with necessary demonstrations.
Prerequisite: First-Time Sewing or similar experience.
Sew Your Own Pajama Pants 4 Weeks Learn multiple apparel construction finishes, including working with elastic and creating buttonholes. You will learn how to draft your own pattern to create a custom fit pair of pajama pants in your choice of fabric. This class is a great beginner level follow up class to First Time Sewing. Prerequisite: First-Time Sewing or equivalent experience.
Indigo and Natural Dye 5 Weeks All around us, certain flowers, tree barks, and fruits can be used as natural dyes. Experience this incredible process through various methods of natural dyeing, including indigo, cochineal, and other materials. We’ll experiment with Shibori (including stitching, pleating, twisting), over-dyeing techniques, and mordants to create a spectrum of colors. You provide fabrics after the first week. Dyeing to Print 5 Weeks Learn how to make monoprints on fabric during this five week course. This experimental class encourages students to embrace play and intuition. You will be taught various immersion dye techniques, color removing, and stencil screenprinting. Work with Textile Artist in Resident, Cassie Tompkins, to develop your designs, and screenprint with deColourant, dye, and inks onto fabric.
Prerequisite: First-Time Printing or Dye class or similar experience.
Color Theory with Fiber Reactive Dyes 5 Weeks Learn the basics of color theory and applied color mixing techniques using fiber reactive dyes. Experiments include immersion dyeing, overdyeing, ice dyeing, and Shibori as methods of adding layers of color to cloth. Leave with a variety of colorful plant-based fabric samples for future projects. Prerequisite: First-Time Printing or Dye class or similar experience.
Screen Printing on Fabric II: Printing with Dyes 5 Weeks Expand your Screen Printing on Fabric skills by learning how to add color and pattern to fabric with dyes. Printing with dyes allows color and image to soak into fibers, making it the perfect process for soft, translucent, or delicate fabrics. Silk fabric provided on the first day. Please bring additional material for experimentation.
All levels welcome
Saturday 10am-1pm Amy Taylor Session I: Starts April 4 $185, Members $180 $30 Material Fee Prerequisite: First-Time Screen Printing or similar experience
Weaving II: Color and Structure 5 Weeks Learn how to use simple combinations of color and woven structures to create unique effects in your weavings. Make a ‘color and weave’ sample each week using techniques like shadow weave and color mixing with yarn. Decode weave patterns and discover contemporary woven art and makers while expanding the breadth of your weaving skills.
Prerequisite: One frame-loom weaving class or similar experience.
Tapestry Techniques 5 Week Learn a survey of techniques to make weavings from images. We will borrow techniques from several sources, including Medieval tapestry, cartooning, tapestry weave, yarn color blending, and joining techniques. This class focuses on skill-building, experimentation, and design. You will leave with new skills and a personal composition. Prerequisite: One frame-loom weaving class or similar experience.
Embroidery II: Art and Design Concepts 5 Weeks Dive deeper into the possibilities of embroidery while learning the elements and principles of art and design as they relate to needle and thread. You will make two samplers exploring color and line value. Leave with your samplers, new skills, and knowledge and inspiration for future embroidery projects.
Prerequisite: First Time Embroidery or equivalent experience
Guided Quilting Projects 10 Weeks
Begin a quilting project or revisit your unfinished work. This class allows you to work individually while tapping into the creative energy of your classmates and instructor. Incorporate quilting techniques into your art practice and conquer the range of technical issues that arise as you take your ideas from concept to quilt. Prerequisite: Quilting I or similar quilting experience
Discover a wide range of natural dye techniques. We will explore various colors, tannins, and mordants on a variety of fabrics while achieving saturated color on cotton. Learn new shibori techniques, more about the mordanting processes, and the range and strength of color from dyes such as indigo, cochineal, logwood, and madder. Prerequisite: Any department Natural Dye class or similar experience
Independent Print Projects 5 Weeks While reinforcing the basics we’ll introduce you to some new techniques including pattern design methods, and printing with thickened dyes which yield different results depending on fabric types. Utilize equipment and open studio time to perfect the process, knock out projects and get inspired by fellow classmates! Materials fee includes some dyes in class.
Prerequisite: First-Time Screen Printing on Fabric or similar experience
Quilting II: Improv Piecing 5 Weeks Flex your artistic muscles and create unique pieced quilt tops using improvisational techniques. Break all the rules and get more creative in your piecing of curves, strips, and other shapes. Explore mixing elements and styles and finding your aesthetic. Students can use fabric found in the textile studio or bring scraps and yardage to class
Prerequisite: Quilting I or equivalent experience
Tuesday 6:30-9:30pm Sarah Evans Session II: Starts May 5 $195, Members $190 $10 Material Fee Thursday 10am-1pm Elizabeth Kumor Session I: Starts April 2 Session II: Starts May 7 $195, Members $190 $5 Material Fee
Knitting for Baby 5 Weeks Make a tiny treasure for the little one in your life. Learn how to knit hats, blankets, sweaters, and toys for babies and small children. You will choose one project to focus on during class, and learn the best yarns, needle gauges, and sizing for your project. Prerequisite: First-Time Knitting or equivalent experience.
Are you interested in making clothing for little ones? In this course, you will learn the essential skills of sewing for children; fabric selection, pattern reading, basic sewing skills, and finishing techniques will be covered. The instructor will work with you to create a simple heirloom project such as a bonnet, bloomer or tunic (newborn to 6 years). Prerequisite: First Time Sewing or similar sewing experience.
Carryalls and Shoulder Bags 5 Weeks Expand your sewing know-how and your wardrobe by making a flatbottomed zippered carry-all and a small shoulder bag with an adjustable strap. You’ll have the opportunity to customize the patterns and learn how to make your own designs. This is the perfect class to take after completing our Zippers & Buttons class.
Prerequisite: First Time Sewing and Zippers and Buttons or similar experience.
Guided Sewing Projects 10 Weeks
You’ve got the sewing basics down, now take the next step to complete your one-of-a-kind sewing projects. An experienced instructor will help you select an appropriate project and walk you through the steps to complete it. Demonstrations will be determined by class projects but may include serger instruction and sewing machine feet attachments. Material fee covers thread/notions use in class. Prerequisite: Two department sewing classes or similar experience
Make clothing that fits your body and personality perfectly! Put your basic sewing skills to work as you investigate commercial sewing patterns and explore different kinds of fabric. The option to alter patterns for style and fit is encouraged in this more independent environment. An instructor will teach methods for professional finishes that will make you proud to wear what you’ve made. Prerequisite: Two department sewing classes or equivalent experience
Fashion II: Custom Fit Pants 10 Weeks Say goodbye to problematic pants! You will learn how to alter a commercial pants pattern of your choice for fit and style. We will dig deep into pockets, zippers, and specialty seams. This class is perfect for an experienced stitcher looking to expand their skills and their closet. Leave with a pair to wear!
Prerequisite: Two department sewing classes or equivalent experience
Fashion III: Pattern Draft from Your Measurements 10 Weeks
Learn how to use your own measurements to draft a custom fit set of slopers, the basis for all patterns. Explore drafting and draping techniques, make a muslin to test for fit, learn how to resolve fitting issues, and discover how to use your sloper to create patterns of your designs. Prerequisite: Two department sewing classes or equivalent experience
Indigo Extravaganza Workshop 1 Day Explore the history and techniques of indigo dye. We will apply shibori resist techniques to silk and cotton, learn how to build an indigo bath, and see visual resources and samples of this exceptional dye. Some sample fabric will be provided, but please bring any pre-washed natural fibers you’d like to dye. Dress for mess. No experience necessary All levels welcome
Saturday, April 4 5-9pm Amy Taylor
$95, Members $90 $20 Material Fee
Contemporary Mending Techniques 1 Day Practice sustainability by creatively mending your loved and worn garments. We will first introduce you to several contemporary, decorative mending techniques through a stitched sampler. Then you will mend your own garment. A calm class environment will enable you to slow down and repair. Please bring a clothing item to mend.
Basic sewing skills required
Saturday, April 18 5-8pm Marcy Thomas
$75, Members $70 $5 Material Fee
Color onto Cloth 1 Day Experiment and play with color-ways for printing and dyeing fabric. Learn how to mix dyes and inks to achieve specific colors, values, and saturation of dyes and inks. This workshop is focused on color theory, creating recipes and testing how different fabrics affect your color. No experience necessary All levels welcome
Sunday, April 19 5-8pm Tabor Shiles
Topics in Quilting: Needle Turn Applique 1 Day Learn how to needle-turn applique with precision. Our Teaching Artist will guide you through designing, cutting, basting, and needle turning your expertly finished sampler. Drawing inspiration from the folding and cutting methods of Hawaiian quilting traditions, you will explore ways to adapt this technique for a design that is uniquely you.
Basic sewing experience required
Sunday, April 26 5-8pm Jennie Goodman
$75, Members $70 $5 Material Fee
Needle Felted Pet Portraits 1 Day Learn to draw with felted wool. This workshop will explore needle felting techniques to create a small portrait of your pet. You will use needle tools to felt wool roving the colors of your pet. Please bring a printed color photo of your pet to work from.
No experience necessary All levels welcome
Sunday, May 3 5-8pm Rivven Prink
$75, Members $70 $10 Material Fee
Eco Dye with Fresh Flowers 1 Day Make naturally dyed material by applying flowers and plants directly onto fabric. Leave with a unique scarf and step-by-step guide to repeat the process at home. All materials provided. You are welcome to bring additional, pre-washed, natural (cotton, rayon, and silk) fibers you’d like to dye. Dress for mess.
No experience necessary All levels welcome
Saturday, May 9 5-8pm Amy Taylor
$75, Members $70 $20 Material Fee
Explorations in Print and Dye 1 Day Discover alternative printing and dyeing techniques in this experimental workshop. You will work with found objects, styrofoam blocks, brushes, and spray bottles to create patterns on cloth. Explore markmaking, color mixing, and use MX dyes for various applications. Leave with several samples and new ways to further explore color. All materials provided.
No experience necessary All levels welcome
Friday, May 29 6-9pm Rachel Davis
$75, Members $70 $15 Material Fee
Topics in Quilting: Ask an Expert 1 Day Conquer the range of technical issues that arise as you take your ideas from concept to quilt. Our expert Quilting Artist will assist you with your next steps, roadblocks, and questions. This workshop provides an opportunity to tap into the creative knowledge of your instructor and classmates. Bring a quilt project and your questions.
Basic sewing experience required
Sunday, May 31 5-8pm Sarah Evans $75, Members $70
Stretch and Serger Basics 1 Day Learn how to work with a serger to create professional edge finishing and stitching techniques. Troubleshoot with with our expert Teaching Artist and discover how to conquer the challenges of sewing with stretch fabrics. You will make a collection of stitch samples. Instruction includes how to thread a serger.
Basic sewing experience required
Topics in Quilting: Paper Piecing 1 Day Learn the basics of foundation paper piecing (machine stitching fabric onto paper) to enhance your quilting skills. This technique is a great solution for intricate patchwork, challenging images and perfect for utilizing your small scraps of fabric. Some fabric provided but please bring any scraps you may have.
Basic sewing machine skills required All levels welcome
Sunday, June 7 5-8pm Jordana Robinson
$75, Members $70 $5 Material Fee
Visiting Artist Workshop
Lecture and Garment Mending Workshop: Luxury and the Decline of Craft
Abigail Glaum-Lathbury investigates the fashion industries’ production of luxury and our understanding of value with her project, Genuine Unauthorized Clothing Clone Institute. Get the inside scoop on garment production, labor, and craft. Join us for an artist talk followed by a mending workshop. Bring an item of clothing, or two, to mend by hand or machine.
Sunday, May 24 5-8pm Abigail Glaum Lathbury
$100 $5 Materials Fee
Sunday, May 17 5-8pm Amy Taylor
$75, Members $70 $5 Material Fee
