IMPROVISATIONAL BEAD EMBROIDERY Instructor: Robin Atkins
Supply List
You will be making a small piece of bead embroidery, about 4 square inches or less, which you can make into a small pouch, applique on a large bag, frame, applique to clothing, sew into a quilt, whatever you wish. The key to having fun with the improvisational concept is to work with materials which excite you. They don't have to be coordinated, or be in your color comfort zone. Let your inner child have a say in your choices. It's best if you don't plan your project in advance. Just gather a few of your favorite things and see what happens!
You will need to bring the following:
• Fabric for your bead embroidery. Squint at your fabric collection (or in the fabric shop), unfocus your brain, banish all thoughts of “what fabric would make the perfect piece,” and select a couple of fabrics that appeal to your heart, that speak to you emotionally. It could even be a fragment of an old dress, or something with “history” in your family. You'll only need one small piece (maximum about 10 square inches), but it might be nice to have three or four pieces with you so you have a choice during the workshop. Smooth, relatively tightly woven fabrics work best technically (for example, quilting cotton, silk, and chambray). Personally, I have a strong preference for working on prints, but plain fabrics are fine as well.
• Lining fabric, if you want to make a bag or pouch. Select with your heart as above (don't think “matching,” think “I love it!”) About 10 square inches should be enough.
• Seed beads. Any and all sizes will work. Bring the ones you love the most. Please bring some you're willing to share with the group. Bugle beads are welcome too.
• Little accent pieces, buttons, charms, fetishes, feathers, any little doo-dahs you really love.
• Scissors (for fabric and paper); thimble (if you regularly use one).
• Pencil or pen for taking notes.
Kit. You will be provided with the following in class at a cost of $8 per kit:
• A square of cotton fabric, basted to a 4” square of acid free paper ready to use for practicing the stitches.
• Small bag of seed beads in assorted sizes for making a stitch sampler.
• Little accent pieces (glass ring, discs, leaf shape) for practicing fringe techniques.
• Beading needle, size 11, short.
• One bobbin of size D Nymo thread in a color of your choice.
• A large sheet of acid free paper for backing your project.
• A detailed handout.
Note: I will also provide beading cloths for everyone to use, which must be returned at the end of the class. You are welcome to call me with any questions you may have about the above list. I'm looking forward to stitching with you soon.