Altered and Repaired Garments and Objects – with Jessie Chorley

The main focus of this workshop is to give new life to a pre-loved and worn item, as well as creating a beautiful, one-off memento, by using Jessie Chorley’s style of mindful, delicate mending. We will explore several of her signature stitch techniques, including couching, running, stem, seed and back stitch.

Jessie will also help you get started with simple appliqué and patching. She will direct you both as a group and individually, as she shares with you how she celebrates and uses pre-loved items and objects as her canvases, by working directly on and into them using her needle, threads and fabrics as drawing and mending tools.

The workshop will start with a short talk by Jessie. She will show and share with you a selection of her original artwork samples and there will be time for your questions. Hand stitched text will also be explored, as will traditional darning techniques.

As a participant in this workshop, it is vital that you bring with you a garment or fabric object that you have specially chosen to mend and embellish, such as a pre-loved item from your own wardrobe, or maybe some children’s or doll’s clothing, or a favourite worn cushion or other household item. Perhaps you have something that belonged to a beloved family member or friend tucked away? Note that you do not have to create something wearable. You may, for example, be inspired to make something similar to my sculptural, one-off artworks, which once complete can be framed and hung in your home.

Jessie suggests bringing items made solely from natural fabrics, as they are easier to embellish using embroidery, mending and patching techniques.

At the start of this workshop you will be given a kit that includes several items to help you get started, including a selection of pre-cut fabric motifs, ready for you to appliqué directly on to your work.

You are encouraged to enjoy this creative day without focusing too much on finishing your work. This workshop should be an explorative and peaceful, slow stitching experience, an opportunity to embrace and learn new techniques while being inspired by Jessie’s original artworks and materials that surround you. Bring your sketchbook and make notes to help you complete your work, if you need to, after this event.

Duration total:
5 hours (plus 1 hour lunch break)

Direction:
Jessie Chorley

Language:
English

Level:
no basic knowledge required

Number of participants:
min. 8 – max. 12

Price:
CHF 170

Material included:
a hand-crafted kit, which includes the use of all my specialist embroidery threads

We will also send you a list of recommendations by Jessie for additional materials that you can optionally bring with you.

Bookings