Drawing with stitch

Explore the use of hand and machine stitch as drawing tools. Experiment with stitch as a mark, linear qualities, stitched surfaces and appliqué. All levels welcome. Basic materials included.

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Key course information

Dates
29/01/12 - 19/02/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
4 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £197^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VX987

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

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 able to explore various ways of drawing with stitch, building up a range of ways of making marks and lines. You will be able to develop your drawing skills and apply them through stitched textiles using a variety of techniques and combinations of fibres and threads, including machine and hand stitching and appliqué.

What topics will we cover?

You will explore mark-making, tone, line, texture and colour mixing through the use of both hand and machine stitch. You will use some drawing exercises in more traditional art medium and then translate some of these into fabric and thread. You will be encouraged to think about composition through the use of a viewfinder.

Beginners will be shown how to use the sewing machine for both measured and ‘free’ embroidery and you will explore tensions, thread thickness and colour mixing using both the machine and simple hand stitches. Your stitched drawings will work with outline, tonal “filling’ , colour mixing, and interpretation of texture.

More experienced students will be able to extend their knowledge by pushing these techniques further through discussion with the tutor.

As well as stitch, you will use appliqué with both plain and patterned fabrics using bondaweb.

You will look at the work of a variety of textile artists and designers who use stitch to draw, and discuss the qualities that you find exciting or interesting.

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

- Use bondaweb to appliqué fabrics together
- Use the sewing machine to draw and create stitch textures
- Use hand stitch to create line qualities and textures
- Create a fabric drawing
- Demonstrate some knowledge of contemporary stitched textile practice

More experienced students will also:
- Produce a fabric drawing demonstrating the use of a range of textile and stitch techniques.

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

All levels welcome. No previous experience is needed, simply an interest in drawing, fabrics and stitch. Beginners will be introduced to the sewing machine and will learn how to use it to produce a stitched drawing, whilst more experienced students will have the opportunity to advance their skills, applying a range of techniques.

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 use numbers and be able to do simple 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?

There will be group demonstrations with practical samples and other visual examples backed up with technical hand outs. You will be encouraged to discuss and ask questions and keep a sketch book of your ideas. Group demonstrations will be followed by practical work with individual tuition or small group demos. There will be no formal homework but suggestions will be given for optional work outside of class, to build on the course experience.

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

Basic materials are provided. As the project develops, you may wish to purchase materials more relevant to your ideas or bring things from home, such as a small selection of patterned fabrics and coloured embroidery threads. Some additional machine threads can be purchased in the class.

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?

There are lots of textile courses at City Lit including 'Creative stitched textiles' and 'The textile course', which run termly, and various short courses in textiles, sewing felt, knitting and drawing.

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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