2012 Workshop Details

Saturday 10th March
Shibori with Cathy Moon

Create unique shibori design scarves using microwave for dying. We will use silk scarf lengths and apply stitched, wrapped and arashi shibori techniques to produce individual designs.

Acid dyes will be used for dyeing.

Material fee of $10 to cover dyes and additives

Requirement List

• Silk cut into scarf lengths
• 1 metre silk fabric for samples (tutor can supply this at nominal cost $8-10 per metre)
• gloves
• apron
• 2 microwave safe containers
• string
• strong sewing thread such as top stitching thread
• scissors
• sewing needles
• 1bucket

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Sunday 18th March
Nuno Felt Scarf – The Real Deal with Phillipa Rooke

The amazingly versatile nuno technique originated in Australia almost two decades ago.  This workshop goes back to explore the first ideas about nuno, looks at shaping, laying out techniques, use of silk fibre, and the all-important fulling.  We will make a scarf length surfaced in silk fibre.  Suitable for beginners and intermediate level.

You will need to bring:

• Bubble wrap  3m long x 70cm wide
• Broomstick size dowel 70cm long
• Polyester curtain voille 2.5m x 70cm
• Several old towels
• 2m x 50cm tissue silk
• Pen and paper
• Approx 30gm fine micron merino wool sliver
• Packet of silk tops (+ any other form of silk fibre eg cap, hankie but not essential)
• Sprinkle bottle (milk bottle with hot needle holes in lid)
• Scissors
• Cake of soap

There will be tissue silk, wool sliver and silk tops available on the day for those who may need them.

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Sat & Sun 24th & 25th March
Yarn Dyeing with Tess Murray

Basic dying using acid levelling dyes on protein fibres (animal fibres). Colours will include basic or primary colours so each participant will build a reference file. This will be a group exercise. Class format will be demonstration/participation. Time will be spent r4ecording and mounting dye samples for future reference. Depending on the number of participants, more or less samples will be produced. Dyes and fibre will be provided. – Materials cost = $10

Requirements:-

• Wear old clothes or protective clothing and covered shoes
• Arch lever file or similar
• Approx 10 cardboard strips about 7-10cm wide and 25cm long, with holes along one long edge about 2.5cm apart. Holes on the opposite edge to fit arch lever file (sheets or card are available at newsagents)
• Newspaper to cover floor and tables
• Crochet hook that will fit comfortably through holes (for threading samples)
• Eight bottles with lids, for shared dye at end of class
• Lables for bottles
• Old scissors
• Pen
• Eyelet punch if you have one
• Dyes and fibre provided – materials fee $10

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Thursdays 12th 19th & 26th April 7pm – 9pm
Spinning Novelty Yarns with Karen Alpert

Please Note: Students need to be able to spin a balanced 2-ply yarn with their spinning wheel before attending this course.

Learning Objectives:

After this course you will understand the techniques needed to spin thick and thin singles yarn, coiled yarn, and wrapped yarns. These novelty yarns can be used to knit, crochet or weave an entire garment/accessory, or as a feature yarn in your projects.

Techniques:

• Thick and Thin
• Coils
• Wrapping (with carded batts) with and without decorative wrapping thread
• Wrapping with clouded mohair (with and without keeper thread)

Materials:

• Commercial sliver/combed top – at least 50g
• 2-ply commercial wool yarn (coordinate with sliver) – I use Bendigo 2-ply wool. A 200g cone will be enough for many skeins of yarn.
• Carded batt (available at workshop for $10 for 50g batt)
• Mohair (at least 25g) available at workshop for $3
• Rayon viscose thread (machine embroidery thread) 1 spool

Equipment:

• Spinning wheel. Bring bulky flyer if you have one (not essential)
• Lazy Kate
• NiddyNoddy

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Saturday 28th April
Stitch, Draw Deconstruct and Reconstruct with Susan Fell Mclean

This workshop is about getting ideas going and developing work beyond technique, to express concepts.  Techniques explored will cover discharge block printing and combinations with transparencies of organza and rich textures, small felted pieces, the deconstruction of fabrics and then reconstruction into compositions. Stitch will be investigated as a drawing tool – using a variety of stitches including blindfold stitching.  Participants will develop a series of small art works with different approaches which might be bound into a book, or presented as a frieze.

Requirements:

• embroidery hoop
• sewing kit
• white thread,  coloured and black threads.
• Raid your fabric stash for silk scraps and other fabrics rich in texture or colour, and some old lace – some to put on a share table.

I will supply the other materials  – discharge paste and things for block printing, drawing materials, calico, wool bats and fibres for felting, coloured organza’s and a range of silks and cottons. Charge for materials: $20

Please see this link for examples of Susan’s work.

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Sat & Sun 12 & 13th May
Felted silk overdress/Garment with Phillipa Rooke

Make a lovely light flowing silk garment which will make any outfit just that bit special. We will use fine tissue silk and wool fibres in the colours of your choice, and learn the nuno technique. This can be an overdress or a long vest type garment.

Requirements:-

• 300cm x 120cm bubble wrap
• 120cm length broomstick size dowel
• 275cm polyester curtaining voile
• 250cm tissue silk
• 50gm approx superfine merino wool sliver
• small packet silk tops
• Several old towels
• Sprinkle bottle (plastic milk bottle with FINE holes in lid)
• Cake of soap
• Sewing needles and fancy thread to match your wool and silk
• Scissors
• Pins

I will have tissue silk, wool sliver and silk tops available on the day. If you are unable to access any of the other requirements please phone me on 3369 2003.

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Sunday 20th May 10am-3pm
Spindle Spinning with Joan Apthorp

*Please note that this workshop is from 10am to 3pm

In this workshop you will learn how to use a handspindle to make thread from fibres. We will use prepared wool sliver, but fibre preparation will be discussed. The spindle has been used by the whole human race for at least 10,000 years, and is still used in some parts of the world as the principal way of producing yarn for clothing. It is a very efficient tool.

Spindles are a portable and affordable way to make your own yarn. Even if you have a spinning-wheel, it is useful to have spindles to take when travelling, and to use when demonstrating.

Requirements:

• If you have a spindle, you can bring it, but if you don’t I’ll have home-made ones you can borrow or buy ($5).
• If you have wool sliver (tops) or carded batts you can bring it/them, but if not I’ll have wool sliver available (Bendigo Woollen Mills, inexpensive).
• And you’ll need to bring lunch; sandwiches can be bought at a nearby convenience store.

Tea and coffee supplied.

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Saturday 9 June
Felted slippers and Fancy Footwear with Phillipa Rooke

Make yourself a warm cosy pair of slippers or slip-ons in a colour and surface design of your choice. We will be moulding them to fit your foot to perfection.

Requirements:-

• 120cm x 65cm bubble wrap
• 65cm length broomstick size dowel
• 60cm x 60cm stiff tulle netting
• 200gm maximum wool sliver (may be less depending on choice of footwear)
• Plastic jug
• Several old towels
• Pen and paper
• Marker pen
• Scissors
• Cake of soap

I will have wool sliver available on the day, and resist material and other equipment. If you are unable to access any of the other requirements please phone me on 3369 2003.

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Sunday 10th June
Three Dimensional Felt (hats, bags, containers) with Phillipa Rooke

There is a way to build 3 dimensional pieces and avoid the bulky ‘seam’, and this workshop explores that very particular laying out method to ensure an even thickness in the finished article. Shaping and finishing techniques will be covered, as well as the use of simple but effective implements to produce a professional finish to your chosen piece, be it hat, bag, or other 3 dimensional form.

Requirements:-

• Several old towels
• Bucket or strong plastic bag
• Plastic jug
• Stiff Tulle 1 meter
• Bubble wrap 1.2m x 70cm
• Broomstick size dowel 70cm long
• 300 gm wool sliver should be maximum anyone will need (I will have some available on the day)
• Small pieces of silk fabric, scraps of ribbon or lace, small amount of wool sliver, bring along anything you would like to try for decoration.
• Tape measure
• (Hat block if you want to make a hat – let me know if you need me to bring one) Sprinkle bottle (milk bottle with hot needle holes in lid)
• Felting tool (not essential)
• Marker pen
• Pen and paper
• Scissors
• Cake of soap

If you cannot access any of the above, please phone me on 3369 2003.

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Sunday 17th June
Beginning Spinning with Karen Alpert

Learning Objectives:

After this course you will understand the basics of yarn construction. You will learn the basics of using a spinning wheel and adjusting its tension. You should be able to spin a basic 2-ply yarn from wool fibre.

Techniques:

• Semi-worsted spinning (flicker) in the grease
• Woolen spinning (rolags) in the grease
• Spinning pre-dyed sliver
• Plying & winding into a skein on niddynoddy

Materials:

• Beginner’s pack from Emporium ($5 on the day).
• Commercial or hand-dyed sliver (your choice of colour). Choose a medium staple wool or wool blend. Preferred wool types: Corriedale, Blue-faced Leicester, Polwarth, Merino (not Optim, English Leicester or Wensleydale). Suitable wool will be available in the Emporium.

Equipment:

• Spinning wheel
• Lazy Kate
• NiddyNoddy
• Hand cards (if you have them)
• Flicker (if you have one)

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Saturday & Sunday 23rd &amd; 24th June
Cables & Lace Throw – a Crochet workshop with Chantelle Hills

A textured throw Cushion Cover, using crochet cables and lace patterns.

Participants will learn how to read crochet symbols and charts, written explanations, how to translate between American and British crochet terminology, crochet cables and crochet lace, all the while making your own individualized crochet throw. Knowledge of basic crochet stitches is required.

On the day we will learn each of the stitches and complete a cushion cover, but there will not be enough time to complete a throw, but you will leave with all the knowledge required.

Requirements for Cushion Cover 40x40cm

• Bernat Super Saver 10ply (suggestion only) Any yarn can be used, I suggest solid or semi solid colours.
• Colours A,B,C,D,E,G,H – Approx 50g each
• Colour F approx. 100g (this colour does the edging also)
• 40cmx40cm cushion insert
• If using 10ply yarn hook sizes 5mm and 5.5mm.
• Scissors
• Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)
• Lunch and drinks

Requirements for Complete Throw

To make 140cm x 170cm Throw

Bernat Super Saver 10ply (suggestion only) Any yarn can be used, I suggest solid or semi solid colours.

• Colour A, D, E, F, G = 300g each total 1500g
• Colour B, C, H = 150g each total 450g
• If using 10ply yarn hook sizes 5mm and 5.5mm.
• Scissors
• Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)
• Lunch and drinks

I will have crochet hooks and tapestry needles available on the day. If you are have any questions about the requirements please phone me on 3299 6191

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Sunday 8th July
Using Batts for Felted Bags & Rugs with Phillipa Rooke

Thick Corriedale wool batts form the basis for sturdy floor rugs or large sculptural bags in this workshop.  The stronger Corriedale wool lends itself beautifully to these uses.  We will look at the process for each of these techniques, and the shaping for the large bag.  Participants will have to choose one project only.

Requirements:-

·       Bubble wrap 180cm x 120cm for rug/120cm x 70cm for bag

• Dowel either 120cm for rug or 70cm for bag
• Bennett & Greggor wool batt 90cm X120cm – I will have a selection of natural colours of these batts at approx $25 ea on the day.
• Coloured wool sliver and/or pre-felts for decoration
• Marker pen
• Scissors
• Pen & paper
• Plastic jug
• Bucket
• Several old towels
• Bar soap

And in addition for bags:-

• Stiff tulle 60cm X50cm
• Also I will provide resist material which you can take for a small fee of approx $4

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Sat and Sun 14th & 15th July
Natural Dyeing with Anne Leon

Discover the amazing colours attainable from local plants.

Learn to dye natural fibres like wool, silk and bamboo using a variety of plant materials and minimal chemicals.

Explore simple Shibori techniques to create intricate patterns on fabrics, as well as clamping and tie-dyeing.

This course aims to encourage lots of sampling and experimentation for participants to create great reference for future work.

Let yourself be inspired for more!

WHAT TO BRING:

• A material fee of $35 will provide students with a small selection of sampling fabrics.
• some silk and wool if you have small pieces at home.
• (students can buy extra fabric at the workshop)
• comfortable shoes and old clothes.
• an assortment of varying sized glass beads (not precious}, strong beading thread, hand-sewing needles, quick unpick, for Shibori .
• your own scissors clearly identified.
• lunch and drinks.

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Sunday 22nd July
Felted Silk & Wool Scarf with Phillipa Rooke

Make a warm lustrous scarf which is beautifully fine. We will explore a method of laying out wool fibres for a fineness in the finished fabric, and learn how to manage silk tops for felting onto the surface.

Requirements:-

• 200cm x 60cm bubble wrap
• 200cm x 60cm old cotton sheeting
• 60cm length of broomstick size dowel
• 150cm length of fine wool sliver (300cm if sliver is not thick)
• 50gm silk tops
• Several old towels
• Steam iron (not essential)
• Sprinkle bottle (plastic milk bottle with FINE holes in the lid)
• Cake of soap
• Plastic bag

I will have fine wool sliver and silk tops available on the day. Please phone me on 3369 2003 if you cannot access any of the other requirements.

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Sat & Sun 11th & 12th August
Advanced Felt – using Fabrics With Fibre with Phillipa Rooke

This workshop will be an investigation into creating new textile fabrics. We will look at using fabrics of varying weights and densities to create subtle and interesting textures on the surface of fine felts, and use stitch to enhance design and add more dense fabrics to build on the design. The textiles created may then be combined to form a coat or skirt or wall hanging as desired.

Requirements:-

• 3m x 1.2m bubble wrap
• 1m x 1m bubble wrap
• 1.2m broomstick sized dowel
• 2.75m polyester voile
• 1m polyester voile
• several old towels
• sprinkle bottle (can be a milk bottle with FINE holes in lid)
• bar soap
• tape measure
• paper and pen
• plastic jug
• bucket
• Pins and sewing needles
• Scissors

Materials:-

• Fancy sewing threads
• A range of wool slivers in various microns if you have them (eg fine merino, merino X, Leicester, Polwarth, Corriedale, Romney)
• A variety of fabrics in silks/ cottons, varying from light tissue silks and voiles, very open weave fabrics through to heavier fabrics which may be considered ‘not suitable for felting’.
• Any other fibres, fancy bits you may like to experiment with.

NOTE:- the tutor will have a variety of fabrics and wools available for purchase at varying prices.

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Sat & Sun 25th & 26th August
Beginning Weaving with Ursula Stehle

Learn how to warp, dress and weave on a multi-shaft loom.This workshop will lead you through winding your first warp, beaming your loom, threading, sleying and weaving. At the end you will go home with your own woven piece of fabric! Bring your own loom or use one from the guild.

This workshop is just an introduction into weaving and there is plenty to be learnt afterwards. The two days is therefore also open for participants who have already attended a beginning workshop before and need a refresher or a step further.

Workshop has limit to 8 participants.

Requirements

• For your first piece of weaving, we are going to use a 4 ply cotton. Available at Spotlight or other sewing shops (sometimes even Crazy Clarks or Warehouse has it). You need 2 colours of 4 ply cotton, 2 balls each.
• Equipment (warping board, table loom, reed) will be supplied by QSWFA.
• However, if you have purchased your own gear and would like to use it, please don’t hesitate to bring it along. It is a good way to learn how to use it properly.
• You also need a measuring tape, pins and a pair of scissors.
• Squared paper or graph paper.
• Note book and pencil
• Lunch… Fun and creativity!

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Sunday 16th September
The Blousy Bloom and other Felted Blossoms with Phillipa Rooke

Learn how to make the famous ‘blousy bloom’, and a variety of other flowers for brooches and decorating hats bags and garments. The “Judith Shaw Rose” will also be demonstrated.

Requirements:-

• 1.5m x 50cm bubble wrap
• 50cm long broomstick size dowel
• 50cm x 1m synthetic voile
• several old towels
• plastic jug
• a variety of colours of small amounts of wool sliver
• small pieces of fabric, scraps of ribbon, lace, net, anything you might like to try
• fancy threads and sewing needle

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Sunday 21st October
Felted Lattice Wrap with Phillipa Rooke

A simple lattice design felted onto silk fabric s a stunning look! In this workshop you will gain an understanding of how to lay out and work the piece, so that both horizontal and vertical lines stay in place, and felt firmly to the fabric.

Requirements:-

• 3.5 x 1.5 meters bubble wrap (May I suggest Paddington Hardware)
• 1.5 meters broomstick size dowel
• 3 x 1.5 meters synthetic voile curtaining
• 2.5 x 1.2 meters of fine silk fabric (Tissue silk, Paj, crinkle chiffon – I will have a selection on the day if needed)
• Approx 200 gms fine (eg 19 micron) merino wool sliver (I will have a selection on the day if needed)
• Several old towels
• Marking pen
• Ruler/tape measure
• Plastic jug
• Bar of soap
• Sprinkle bottle (make fine holes in lid with hot needle)

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Sat & Sun 27th & 28th October
Decorative & Functional Ties (Intermediate & Advanced Weaving) with Kay Faulkner

Usually the focus for tied unit weaves is on developing block pattern. This workshop focuses on the design of the actual ties. This is a very different approach to tied unit weaves. Starting with variations of two ties (and not the traditional approach) through to multi shaft ties, an understanding will be reached as to the great potential of tie design with focus on both function and decoration.

This workshop will cover both the theory and practical weaving. An eight shaft loom is the minimum requirement. Loom to be dressed before class.

If enough students only wish to do 1 day of theory, the workshop can be structured in such a way to accomodate this.

Skill level: intermediate-experienced. Must know how to read a draft.

Billeting can be arranged for country members.

Please phone Phillipa on 3369 2003 if you cannot access any of the above.