Stitched Textiles course London: City Lit

Creative stitched textiles

Create experimental textile samples exploring machine embroidery, manipulative and decorative stitch techniques and related textile approaches. Study terms independently or as part of a year course. Beginners and experienced students welcome.

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Key course information

Dates
18/04/12 - 20/06/12

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
10 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £212
Senior fee: £212
Concession: £115

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VX958

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

Explore machine and hand embroidery using a broad range of decorative, textural and manipulative stitch techniques. You will develop a range of samples testing techniques and using your personal sketchbook research to inform designs. A personal project will enable you to develop experimental stitch samples or individual functional textile items from themed design work. Terms can be studied individually and each term will have a different theme or focus.

What topics will we cover?

The course can be taken on a termly basis, although new techniques are taught and developed over the whole year. Each term will have a broad theme from which you will select an area on which to base your work. You will collect research and ideas in a sketchbook and use this to inform your design work and samples exploring techniques and materials. The emphasis will be on machine stitch with some hand work and related textile techniques for colouring and manipulating cloth.

Beginners will be introduced to the sewing machine and the possibilities of machine stitch patterns and free-machine embroidery. You will learn hand embroidery stitches and techniques for joining, colouring and manipulating cloth. You will create a series of samples, inspired by the theme, exploring these techniques.

More experienced students will have the chance to experiment with a wide range of stitch techniques and build on current skills. You will explore textural stitch surfaces, extend the possibilities of markmaking and colour mixing with stitch, and use experimental approaches to the application of colour to cloth. You will be encouraged to explore and develop your designs in relation to the terms theme through your research and sketchbook work.

All students will be introduced to a variety of relevant contemporary embroiderers. Individual and group tutorials will encourage the development of work either towards a series of samples or a finished piece.

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

Beginners:
- Use a sketchbook to collect research, ideas, notes and drawings.
- Demonstrate the use of the sewing machine and free machine embroidery.
- Demonstrate practical experience of a variety of textile techniques, shown in the production of samples.
- Demonstrate some knowledge of contemporary stitched textile practice

Experienced Students:
-Use a sketchbook to compile a focussed collection of research, ideas, notes, drawings and examples of artists / makers work.
- Produce a range of samples demonstrating the use of experimental machine stitch techniques
- Produce a range of samples, based on your chosen theme, exploring a variety of textile techniques.
- Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary stitched textile practice.

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

This course is for all levels. No previous experience is required. Beginners will be introduced to the sewing machine and learn basic embroidery techniques, free machine embroidery and some textural and manipulative techniques. More experienced students will have the opportunity to try out a wide range of experimental stitch techniques and build on current skills.

If you are a complete newcomer to textiles (have not used a machine or hand sewing needle before and do not have any art and design experience) you might find it useful to first complete the course VX108 Textiles: basics for beginners, as this will introduce you to the basic principles making it easier to learn further textile techniques within a mixed ability group.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussions. You should be able to use numbers and understand basic measurements.

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 to you take part fully in this class.

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

You will be shown demonstrations of a variety of techniques and textile samples illustrating the possibilities of methods and materials. You will see illustrations of artists’ work and discuss these in relation to the techniques covered. You will also receive hand outs on techniques, individual tuition, group discussion and complete practical work. There will be a small amount of homework each session to enable you to expand on the work covered during the taught sessions.

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

Basic materials are provided.

You will need to bring a sketchbook to each session, which you will use to gather research, samples of techniques, drawings / notes and examples of materials.

As your project develops, you may wish to purchase materials – fabrics, threads, papers etc - which are more relevant to your ideas or bring things from home.

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. You will get regular feedback from your tutor. At the end of your study programme you will be asked to self-assess your own progress and achievement against the course objectives above.

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. There will be an opportunity to evaluate your course at the end.

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?

The City Lit offers The textile course 1, and the Textile course 2: advanced practice, well as a range of short courses in manipulated and printed textiles, felt, sewing and clothes making, knitting, crochet and art and design. Please refer to the prospectus or discuss your route with your tutor or department staff.

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.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
18/04/12 to 20/06/12	Wed	18:00 - 21:00	10 weeks	£212	£212	£115	VX958	Started	» Select
28/09/11 to 30/11/11	Wed	18:00 - 21:00	10 weeks	£212	£212	£115	VX954	Finished	» Select
11/01/12 to 14/03/12	Wed	18:00 - 21:00	10 weeks	£212	£212	£115	VX956	Finished	» Select

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