Stories have been told through embroidery, quilting and cross stitch for centuries. There is a lovely richness to narratives that are told through textiles, they become almost three-dimensional and sculptural. There is a tactility to the works that cannot be achieved in illustration or the written word. In this class you will work with artist Elizabeth Barnett to create your own fabric collage. 

Teacher: Elizabeth Barnett

Workshop Duration: Full Day

Description:  We can tell our own stories through embroidery collages and appliqué using materials that we have saved from past projects, our grandmother’s stashes, or a friends gift of buttons that we have be hoarding for years. These stories can be complex or as simple as a two pieces of special fabric sewn together with a straight stitch. Using bits and pieces from our stash of scraps of fabrics, buttons, salvaged threads and beads this class will bring together these materials to create beautiful free form embroidered pictures. A wonky stitched line can become a path, and a button, a watering hole, a ribbon can be puckered into a fan and a embroidered text can add a graphical element to an organic stitch story.

Bringing these materials to life in a pictures that tell stories to display on our walls or shelves is a truly special thing. These pictures become keepsakes and heirlooms and reminders of people and projects passed and present. 

In this class we will create visual maps, whether inspired by our life’s journeys or the immediate bush walks that begin and trail around the Yarra Valley where we will be staying for the Craft Sessions weekend. 

Materials:  Please bring:

-   Any scrap fabrics you would like to include in your embroidery.

-   Vintage buttons, thread, ribbons, lace, old doilies, etc. (don’t worry if you do not have much as there will be enough collected by Elizabeth to share with the class).

-   A sketchbook and pencil for designing your embroidery if you like to pre-design your work, or you can free-style your embroidery.

Takeaway: The embroidered collages can be finished in a day or lovingly worked on for weeks after the weekend is over and added to over time. 

Level:  Beginner / Advanced Beginner / Intermediate.  A familiarity with running stitch embroidery helps but is not necessary. Be prepared to get creative and let your stitches wander.