Textiles: recycle fabrics using kantha stitch
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: VX172
- Dates: 28/04/24 - 26/05/24
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sun, Daytime
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Amarjeet Nandhra
Course Code: VX172
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
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What is the course about?
Do you have a collection of fabrics that have memories or stories associated with them? Never quite known what to do with them? Well come and recycle life back into these pieces. You will use kantha-inspired stitches and patterns and investigate the decorative or narrative language of stitch, create your own unique kantha piece. What students liked most about this course run in 2015/16: "Being able to work on a personal project. 2 full days to develop personal project. Being with other like minded people. Good group / class atmosphere. Inspiring course! Techniques that can be continued at home."
What will we cover?
Kantha work uses the simplest stitch in the language of embroidery, the running stitch. You will cover the different ways and arrangements that create the vocabulary of kantha. Develop and use your own personal patterns and motifs to inform your stitching, consider using these stitches in a decorative and or narrative manner. You will recycle your old and new fabrics/paper using a combination of layering, patching and piecing techniques.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
All Students:
- Explore Kantha quilting as a method of recycling and reusing a range of materials
- Demonstrate an understanding of the different arrangements of running stitch used in kantha work
- Create and use personal patterns and motifs
- Produce a small quilt or a set of samples
Students with some experience will also:
- Produce quilt or samples exploring a decorative or narrative approach
- Demonstrate a high standard of design and craftsmanship.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for all levels; beginners will be introduced to a range of basic recycling and kantha quilting techniques. More experienced students will have the opportunity to try out a wide range of experimental techniques, creating a visual narrative in their work and build on current skills. An open mind and a willingness to explore are also desirable. Please be aware that the class will be made up of students of differing levels of experience.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be set practical exercises, which are supported by demonstrations, discussions, illustration and handouts. Tutorials will take place individually, with small groups and with the group as a whole. Extension exercises can be set if requested, to be completed at home.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Basic materials are provided. However the nature of the course is to recycle your own fabrics that have memories and stories associated with them so please bring your own fabrics to use.
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When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The techniques learnt on this course can to be translated into a variety of textile outcomes.There are a range of classes in Contemporary Textiles and Crafts where you can explore the possibilities such as Experimental Hand Stitch.
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General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 14:00 then 16:00 – 18:00.
Amarjeet Nandhra is an artist and educator, originally trained in Graphic and Printed Communications. She went on to gain a first class honours degree in Creative Arts. She has exhibited nationally and internationally , both independently and as a member of Studio 21 Textile art and Textile Study Group . Amarjeet’s teaching experience covers a range of courses; printmaking, mixed media and contemporary stitched textiles. She has taught at Diploma level, City & Guilds and Adult Education, both in Spain and the UK. Her current practice explores the narrative of cloth within a social, economic and cultural setting. This work examines the hidden meaning, looking beyond the aesthetic sensibility of these textiles.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.