Enchanted Doll Artists Conference 2008

(all images on this page are the copyrighted material of Pearl Red Moon and are used with her permission)

Pearl Red Moon 

Three Day Workshop:

 Violette, The Art of Fabric Embellishment

Class Duration: three days
Skill Level: Some Experience with the medium and/or technique
Sewing machines required

Violette Class Description:  

The emphasis in this class is in creating embellished textiles, mainly by free motion sewing machine techniques. Students will make up to a dozen sample pieces of textiles which will be used to appliqué over the doll form in a lavish display of textile art. The finished doll is approximately 22” high and the face is a polymer clay mask. Faces will be provided ready made and instruction given for their painting and embellishment. 

Some of the techniques investigated in the class are free motion embroidery, machine appliqué, lacework embroidery with soluble film, paste appliqué, machined cords and developments, paint transfer onto fabric, using a split pin for making fringes and textiles, fabric collage. 

 

Techniques students will learn:

  • Wire and bead constructions
  • Free motion embroidery
  • Appliqué by hand and machine
  • Lace work embroidery with soluble film
  • Paste appliqué
  • Free form textile from fibers and fragments
  • Machined cords and fun things to do with them
  • Texture textile
  • Paint transfer onto fabric
  • Using a split pin for making fringes and textiles
  • Cutting, mixing and matching fragments to make new textiles

Violette Supply List:
Sewing machine: Your sewing machine must be able to do Free Motion Embroidery (FME) and students must come to class knowing how to set up their machine to do it. You won’t be expected to have lot of experience but YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO SET UP YOUR MACHINE FOR FME.

  • Bring appropriate machine feet for FME (i.e. darning foot, open toe, etc…)

  • Machine needles suitable for embroidery and metallic threads

  • It will be an advantage, but not a necessity, if your machine has many pre-programmed fancy stitches.

  • I never use a machine embroidery frame, but you may bring one if you are accustomed to using one.

  • Machine embroidery threads

  • 2 metallic fabrics (i.e. 1 gold, 1 silver….) at least 3 solid colors

  • 2 variegated

  • Ordinary poly cotton stitching thread in neutral colors for the bobbin, such as    gray, khaki, black, sepia, etc. Fill at least 6 spools in advance of class.

  • Vliesofix, half a yard. Also known as “Wonder Under” or “Bondaweb” and some other brand names.

  • Yarns and fibers, 2 yards or more lengths of 12+ types. Choose varying thicknesses and some smooth and some hairy.

  • 8+ lengths of  1/2 - 3/4” wide ripped strips of fabrics approx 40” long. I recommend at least one each of satin, organza and lace.

  • paint brushes; flat 1” and 2” wide.

  • Lumiere metallic paints, at least 1 color

  • Water soluble film for machine embroidery, fat quarter size

  • Hand sewing needles, chenille needle, beading needles, 6” doll needle, 2 1/2” needles

  • Beads, variety of sizes suitable for headdress. Seed beads, bugle beads, crystals, etc

  • 28 gauge beading wire

  • 10 yards 18 gauge jewelry wire

  • small needle nosed pliers, with cutters

  • small container of black “Xpandaprint” or other brand of puff paint (to mail order see www.thethreadstudio.com) 

  • Sequins, loose and in multiple diameters (my favorites are 12mm)

  • tissue paper, 2 colors or prints

  • thick plastic clear sleeve (the type you slide paperwork into) or polythene bag. This is to provide a non-stick surface for one of the techniques we’ll do

FABRICS

  • Don’t freak out at the length of this list! Treat it as a list of suggestions. As long as you bring at least 12 pieces of fabrics, in a variety of types as suggested in the list, you’ll be fine!

  • I use very little cotton or natural fiber textiles in my work. I’m attracted to very shiny reflective surfaces so I use a lot of synthetic fabrics. These kind of man-made fabrics have the advantage that their plastic fibers will usually shrink and distort when subjected to high temperatures from a heat gun and are generally very durable and fade resistant.

  • You’ll only need very small quantities of fabrics, quarter yard lengths will be a satisfactory quantity. Colors are entirely your own choice, so go with your personal aesthetic as to whether you prefer hot or cool colors, a combination, brights or subdued tones, complimentary, oppositional or harmonious color combinations.

  • satins and taffetas, plain or patterned

  • 1 yard, beaded or other type of fringing for the hemline. I used both

  • voile/organza

  • Laces, 6 or more types, ranging from very fine and open weave to the heavy curtain type. The very textured type with corded detail give great effects and may be either cotton or synthetic. Laces with metallic or iridescent thread feature are good too.

  • Net and "tulle", several types/colors from very fine bridal to chunky "fishnet" types

  • Metallic lame

  • Sequined knit

  • Brocade, vintage pieces are quite acceptable (from old clothes such as bridal and formal wear)

  • 12" square homespun, 1 black piece and a color of choice

OPTIONAL

  • Heat gun, either paint stripping type or embossing heat gun

  • Iron, steam or dry

  • Portfolio Water Soluble pastels