In this workshop, we will focus on using embroidery to create a drawing, to embellish a piece of artwork or clothing, or to write a letter, note, or banner. After students learn basic hand sewing and embroidery stitches, I will share techniques for developing full-scale embroidered pieces. Techniques covered include how to translate photographs and graphic images into embroideries, and how to hand-stitch text. I will also demonstrate how to transfer images from a photograph, magazine clipping, or sketch onto fabric.

No previous sewing, embroidery, or drawing experience is needed.

After practicing basic sewing stitches, I will work with students individually to begin a project, or to incorporate embroidery into a project already in progress.

Please bring to class materials and ideas for what you would like to embroider. This can include a COPY of a favorite photograph, an artist book, an item of clothing to embellish, some fabric or paper that inspires you, a birthday card you would like to decorate, even a poem or quote to embroider onto a book cover or t-shirt. If you would like to add stitching to a piece of artwork or design already in process, please bring these.

It is not necessary to bring fabric, although you should feel free to bring anything that will serve as inspiration. If you do bring fabric, cotton or a blend of cotton and other fibers is preferable. Silk and anything with stretch in it can slip and be more difficult to embroider on.

Instructor
Iviva Olenick is a textile designer and visual artist based in Brooklyn, NY. Her narrative embroideries have been exhibited throughout New York City, as well as on her blog, http://wereisobesotted.blogspot.com. She has taught embroidery at Etsy Labs, Etsy Labs at 3rd Ward, and the Textile Arts Center of New York. She is scheduled to teach at Pratt in winter 2009 and spring 2010.

Location
573 Metropolitan (btw Lorimer & Union), Brooklyn