Saturday 23 March – 11.30 – 3.30pm
Jo Duncan will be demonstrating and teaching two very simple stitching techniques, one for bookbinding and one for fabric embroidery. The joy of these two techniques is their simplicity – they take no special skills to achieve masterful results. In addition, the act of hand-stitching and concentration can have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind – a kind of ‘active meditation.’
Japanese stab binding is a very simple and effective way to use single sheets of paper to create a book. The pages are stitched together to create a sewn pattern at the left edge of the front cover adding to the decorative nature of the book. Although some of the decorative sewing patterns look complicated to achieve, Jo has developed her own straightforward method to create more complex patterns. In this workshop, we’ll start with a basic binding and then progress to a ‘maple leaf’ binding, creating two small notebooks for sketches or haiku.
An embroidery technique traditionally used to reinforce clothing, Sashiko has become very popular in recent years partly because of its visual impact – usually the stitching is white on an indigo or navy background – and partly because of its simplicity. Using a basic running stitch to create complex geometric patterns on fabric, Sashiko is deceptively simple and strangely addictive! In the second part of this workshop, we’ll cover the basics of transferring patterns, starting to stitch, and changing stitch direction. We’ll then make a cherry blossom inspired bookmark to celebrate the return of spring.
All materials will be provided and there’ll even be some ‘take-home’ ideas as well.
Jo taught English and Drama in secondary schools in the North East for thirty years, before deciding to explore more creative career choices in September 2023. Starting ‘Of Threads and Patches’ (with her very crafty mum!) she now sells her items at local craft fairs and on-line and runs workshops. A self-taught bookbinder, quilter and patch-worker, she is at her happiest when ‘playing’ with paper and fabric and is rarely found very far from a sewing machine! Examples of Jo’s creative work can be seen on Instagram (@merryshrew2) and Facebook (Of Threads and Patches).
Materials provided: needle, threads, patterns, tracing paper, templates, two fabric pieces, paper for pages, cover paper, ‘take-home’ instructions and ideas sheet.
All other tools needed will be available to use on the day.
Cost: £15 for Friends, £20 for non-members
If you are interested in attending this workshop, contact josephinecousin@googlemail.com
Friends of the Hatton 