In less than a week, I will host a new stitching workshop out in McCarthy, Alaska called Sew Fun. The class is from ten in the morning until eight at night on July 20, 21, and 22. We still have room for more students, so I thought I might do a little shameless advertising to see if I can get some of you to join me out in the Wrangells for three fun-filled days of stitching.
Last year in my Creative Cloth Workshop, I taught an amazing group of students. We went through a series of exercises that focused helping the students create abstract landscape quilts. That said, many of the students went off in their own directions–and I totally support that. One student did all of her sketches on her new son’s tiny ear, another did her sketches all on doors from her travels. My goal is to support my students in realizing their artistic goals.
I did a terrible job of taking pictures that week. Fortunately, my dear friend Petra did an excellent job of documenting the week. Here are some of the hi-lights.
This is our cabin. Creative Cloth was held across the street in the Old Hardware Store.
Here is the Old Hardware Store where the class was held. As you can see, we are in the woods. This is not your average workshop–it is off the grid and solar powered.
We started each day with a discussion about an assortment of things from process, to inspiration, to craft.
Two of my students were nursing moms, so I got to hold beautiful little babies while their moms stitched. I welcome the idea that little ones get to be part of the creativity. It is good to grow up with that.
The chaos of creativity.
Another fun bubble view.
One of cutting stations with me in the foreground thinking about color.
I think Petra liked taking pictures of Mark working. And Izi is busy as well.
One entire day of the workshop was dedicated to the students honing their quilting skills.
As I always say, practice, practice, practice–it is the ONLY path to being a good quilter.
Here are some of the little sketches the students did to practice different techniques.
Petra’s strip piecing that will later become dryas.
Here is a dyras in nature.
And here is Petra’s abstract version of a dryas.
Lyn’s amazing fireweed quilt.
The Path to Mark’s Place. Mark was my naturalist on staff for the week. When he wasn’t sharing his knowledge about birds,plants, mountains, and history of the McCarthy area, he stitched up this beauty. This is Mark’s first quilt.
I am very fond of this picture. On the last night, we had fancy cocktails before our presentations. Two of my favorite things–irons and cocktails. Who knew they would look so good together.
After each student presented their work, they then introduced the next student. Here Beth is introducing Mark.
Nancy presenting her work on ice and water.
For this year’s workshop, students will be creating their own assignments. Some of the stitchers will be just beginning their journey with cloth, while others will finish pieces they started last year. My hope is to give each student the one on one help they need to realize their creative ideas with textiles and stitch.
Now doesn’t three days of solar stitching in the wilds of Alaska sound like a whole lot of fun? Sew Fun, right? Here is the flyer with all the details.
I’d love for you to join me.
Thank you Petra for sharing the wonderful photos!
one of these years, maria! i am coming! looks like it will be amazing.
I would love it if you, Hattie, and Anna came out. It would be so much fun.
Would love to join you – can’t this year though.
Trudy- the plan is to have it right around the third weekend of July every year. Maybe next year it will work out. I think you would have a great time.
What fun and excitement you had! Hope it is every bit as exciting and colourful this year. Have a blast.
I would love to have you and Christopher come out. It would be a great way to get the two of you up north. Cool temperatures and mountains and stitching. I know you would enjoy that.
That looks like sew much fun! Did you have a generator to make the machines go? So talented you!