Fashioning fabrics: personality pockets and pouches

Attached or separate, pockets can add personality. Take a fresh look at a functional form to add character, expression and embellishment. Structure cloth, create hidden or striking openings, tell a story, or be highly decorative.

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Key course information

Dates
20/04/12 - 18/05/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
5 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £123
Senior fee: £123
Concession: £71

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VX118

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

You will be introduced to a range of historical and cultural sources and encouraged to research starting points for designing and making detached or integrated pocket forms.

We will develop a series of pattern templates, from the functional to the extravagant and customize these to suit your individual interests. There will be practical demonstrations using hand and machine stitch techniques, combining decorative and structural methods.

We will explore textile techniques to add or reduce volume, translucent and opaque layers, intriguing openings, and ways of attaching or inserting to existing garments. Your personal response will add character to a unique wearable accessory.

What topics will we cover?

This course will introduce ways of gathering and developing ideas through research, drawing, collage and surface pattern in order to create ideas for small containers. References to colour. fabric and fashion trends will help inform your ideas. You might add clues to a personal identity or narrative. We will develop a series of pattern blocks as a basis for constructing pocket or pouch forms.

Stitched textile methods will give you a range of decorative possibilities that can be incorporated into your designs, including structured surfaces, appliqué and layering, embroidery and embellishment.

You will then design and make a personality pocket, either from a suggested theme, or developed with your own personality or narrative in mind.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Research and gather design inspiration from a range of sources
- Use this to produce design ideas for a unique accessory or garment detail
- Develop fabric construction and decoration techniques
- Make a unique wearable form.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for people with some experience with hand and machine stitch who want to take this into new areas, or for who wish to develop skills and inspiration to design and make small accessories or garment additions.

If you have skills but little design experience you will be able to explore research and design development to inspire your making.

If you have basic skills in hand and machine embroidery, there will be opportunities to develop these in new ways, combining textile techniques and materials with research into garment details to construct striking pouches with a creative twist. Technical demonstrations will allow for individual explorations and you may wish to add in your own ways of working.

For people with a fashion or clothing interest, this course could provide starting points for original garment details or ways to customize or upcycle old clothing. Within the framework of each session, you will be encouraged to be individual in your approach.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to make basic measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be mainly practical, with a focus for each session and samples to get you thinking imaginatively.
We will start with a visual presentation outlining areas for research and examples of contemporary practice, followed by a practical session in aspects of design development using simple drawing and collage to capture ideas, and ways of continuing this in your own time. The use of a sketchbook to record your thoughts and develop your work will be encouraged.

Material qualities will be discussed and possibilities for using recycled materials for you to source between sessions.
Stitch and construction techniques will be demonstrated with opportunities for individual experimentation and further suggestions based on individual interest. The final session will bring all these aspects together into a simple piece.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need to bring the following:
· A sketchbook, pen, pencils, favorite drawing media
· Scissors, glue stick, sewing kit, selection of decorative threads
· You will need to source your own more special fabrics and garments for recycling to suit personal preferences. This will be discussed in class. Basic materials are provided.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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