Surface Tension

Ailie says:

“This workshop is based on sharing my approach to my own work, where I use cloth, hand stitch, and collage to create mood and narrative.

I will demonstrate some of my favourite techniques, and the way I use them to achieve the desired effect. The inclusion of distressed and manipulated fabrics, paint and paper, and odd found materials, allows you to create many different qualities and textures in a surface to work on.

The final layer is created with thread and stitch, which further transforms the surface. Stitching is my Super Power and I will show you how to use the simplest stitches in many different ways for maximum impact.

You can put these skills into practice, making a series of small samples to experience how they can work to support your own personal interest. With these examples, we will make a simple concertina book, which can be useful as a future reference, or it can tell a story, if you choose to work to a theme.

Ailie is a dedicated hand stitcher … working, exhibiting, and teaching in the field of textiles for more than 30 years. This work takes her all around New Zealand, and sometimes overseas. Her  current obsession is to create textured and evocative surfaces in her work, based on observation of the immediate environment. She uses distorted and manipulated fabric in carefully considered colour combinations, along with a variety of stitches to achieve the desired effect.

Working on a series of small samples during this workshop will give you the opportunity to try out the techniques that I will demonstrate. I have many examples to show you that illustrate these techniques, and ideas for using them. With the samples you create, you can make a simple booklet for your future reference, as I have done with some of my own work. Or your book can tell a story,

if you choose to work to a theme.
If you wish to work to a theme, keep that theme in mind when selecting your materials. For the purposes of this workshop, I suggest that you work on small samples, say between 100 and 150mm square.

Things to bring
You will need :-
All your usual ‘tools of the trade’ – scissors, pins, needles, etc. And pencil, ruler, paper.
If you have a small cutting mat, bring that, and a craft knife.
A selection of the threads that you like to use, and needles to suit your threads. I use mostly cotton perle no. 8 ( or similar weight ) along with finer threads for contrast, and for sewing on attachments.
Bring a selection of fabric pieces to use in ‘collage’ – look for contrast and variety in colours, patterns, and
types of fabric ... cotton, silk, synthetics, lace, etc Lightweight is best.
You don’t need a lot of anything, just small pieces, but a good variety. ( If you check out my website and Instagram it may give you some idea of the fabrics I use.)
Include some synthetic organza, ( even organza ribbon will do ) and any other lightweight synthetic fabrics
Bring something that can be used as a background to build your collage on. My choices are usually calico or light cotton, but anything you happen to have in your stash will do.
Maybe a few beads, buttons, found objects, embellishments of any kind, that you might like to incorporate into your work.
Bring a tea light candle ( or similar ) and something to stand it on, and a box of matches. And a hand towel
A couple of Tinfoil trays, usually available at your local $2 shop. A useful size is approx 20 x 15 x 5 cm
A piece of thick cardboard, about A4 size, (eg. the back of a sketch pad ) as a board to work on.

There will be a charge of $25 per student to cover a number of items that I provide, including :
* a pack of essential fabrics, and the card for book construction.
* necessary equipment, and supplies ( all sorts of secrets ! ) for you to play with
* notes on all processes
If you have any questions, please be in touch. I’m happy to help.

Ailie Snow. Email : ailie@snoco.co.nz website : ailiesnow.comInstagram : @ailiesnow