Linen, Lace and Colour Blending - Sheena Norquay

This is an exciting 2 day workshop. Using a piece of lace trim  as inspiration for a design, students will enlarge one of the motifs for the focal point. The motif can be hand appliqued, embroidered or both on to a plain or pieced background of linen or linen and cotton.  The lace, stitching and buttons (optional) will be used to complete the design – vintage meets modern! Students can choose the size of the sample and decide whether it will be a small wall hanging, cushion cover, pocket for a bag or small pouch. Techniques include hand or machine piecing, hand applique using running stitch, needle turn applique, hand embroidered trapunto including colour blending using stranded cotton, couching and hand quilting.

Students will be shown lots and lots of samples!

Students requirements

1.     Paper and fabric cutting scissors. (Rotary cutter, board and ruler optional)

2.    12 inch (30cm ruler)

3.    Pencil and rubber.

4.    Blank paper and tracing paper – maximum size A3, minimum size A4

5.    For the background  – pure linen, or cotton / linen mix or cotton – maximum size  fat quarter.

6.    For the applique – white or cream cotton.

7.    2 pieces of wool or polyester wadding – maximum size fat quarter.

8.    A few lace trims – white or cream – maximum length half a metre of each.

9.    Fine cotton thread for applique  – Aurifil no. 80 or no. 50 or Mettler no. 50 or 60 in white or cream.

10.  Fine applique needle and some pins.

11.   Stranded cotton for embroidery – minimum of 2 colours as well as white or cream.

12.  Embroidery needle or chenille needle no. 22.

13.  Cotton perle no. 8 or 12 or Finca no. 16 for hand quilting and embroidery – white, cream and minimum of 2 colours.

14.  Long basting needle.

15.  White or cream buttons.

16.  Flat topped thimble optional.

17.  Small embroidery ring.

18.  Iron and ironing board (usually provided by organiser)