This workshop will take place at Orbis Community

Unit 9 Interchange Centre, West StreetGateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE8 1BH

The two-day workshop (10am-4pm) will equip students with the skills and confidence to develop and strengthen their artistic practice, through learning versatile techniques and discussing current conversations surrounding textiles in a contemporary art context. Students will learn how to set up and use a sewing machine, learn essential skills and adaptable techniques that can be applied to various fine art disciplines. We will also explore uses of other materials that can be passed through a sewing machine, looking at materials such as paper, polythene and even finely woven steel, from an alternative angle. Discussion about students current works will be encouraged, and how the skills they learn during this session might feed into their own practice.

Day 1

Day one will focus on learning how to set up and use a sewing machine, including threading up, filling and inserting a bobbin, essential stitches and seams. Students will get to grips with using tension, different sized stitches and build confidence sewing. Troubleshooting will be addressed, and there will be a discussion on the influence and inspiration of textiles on fine art practice, with current trends and themes.

Following practical exercises such as setting up, a precision exercise for more accurate sewing, and learning how to stitch straight, curved and pointed seams, I will give an overview of different types of fabric manipulations and how they can be applied and developed. The students will have a range of techniques to choose from that create texture and form, and we will practice one of these techniques in the afternoon.

Day 2

A continuation from day one, today will be about developing different fabric manipulation skills, as well as looking at different material types. Following discussions on day one about the different techniques and how they may apply to the students work, the students will learn up to another four techniques for their portfolios and creative development.

Introduction to Machine Sewing with Melanie Kyles