Sievers School of Fiber Arts

Beading/Stitchery/Wearables

7 - Mixed Media Fabric Pendant (June 11-13) - Class Fee $ 210

Karen Buell Try your hand at creating a mixed media fabric, composed of layers of various materials, stitches and embellishments, which can then be made into a wearable pendant. Beginning with felt and Shiva paintsticks, you’ll embellish, then add Angelina fibers, tulle, and more, to be heated, bonded, etc. Your resulting fabric ‘sandwich’ may then be stitched and embroidered with metallic thread, and embellished with beadwork. Finally, you will sew your work into a small pendant/pouch, adding a beaded edging and fringe, as well as a twisted cord neckpiece, resulting in a lovely and unique wearable accessory. Materials fee of $20 includes all materials (felt, tulle, Angelina fiber, beads, metallic threads) needed for your class project pendant as well as the start of one more, use of specialized supplies, and complete instructions. For all levels.

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10 - The Art of Layered Stitching: Mixed Media (June 13-16) - Class Fee $ 285

Karen Buell “Build” a stitched piece suitable for framing, covering a collector box lid, or incorporated into an art quilt. You’ll begin with a base fabric, then layer with appliqué-type pieces made from Angelina fiber and/or your favorite fabric scraps, followed with pieces of tulle. Next, you’ll add beads, embroidery and quilting stitching, which will add texture, interest, and detail, as well as fasten the layers together. Karen will present a variety of embroidery and bead embroidery stitches for you to sample and use in your design. You may wish to use a photo as the inspiration for your stitched work, or just let it evolve through shapes and fabric scraps as you go. Your completed piece will measure about 6” x 8”. Materials fee of $25 includes all fabrics, a variety of beads and stitching thread, beading needle and handouts. Additional beads and threads will be available for purchase in class. For all levels.

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11 - Toothbrush Looping (June 18-20) - Class Fee $ 210

Donna Kallner Our thrifty grandmothers used strips of fabric and a looping technique that dates back to the Ice Age to make sturdy rugs and mats. In this weekend class the traditional “buttonhole rug” goes 3-D with a contemporary twist. The entire length of the fabric strip is drawn through each stitch to create a structure that’s surprisingly elastic, yet so stable you can machine wash it and it won’t unravel---perfect for lunch bags, totes, accessory bags, rucksacks and even sculptural fiber vessels. You’ll learn the flip turn panel technique for making flat, rectangular bases, how to transition to continuous spiral looping, how to construct flaps, straps, pockets and closures, and get great ideas for recycling and using up your fabric stash. (Each student will need to bring 4 yds of fabric.) To learn more about looping visit Donna’s web site at www.donnakallner.com $10 materials fee includes sampling materials, needle, mold and handouts. For all levels.

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14 - Sewing With Exotic Silks (June 25-28) - Class Fee $ 285

Kayla Kennington Just as with quilting, there are “tricks” to sewing with silks. You simply need to know them. Come, find out how to cut and sew your one-of-a-kind treasured fabrics, old or new. Use one of Kayla’s patterns, or learn how to design your own modular-style garment, and complete it with confidence in this 3-day class. It only takes a small, unique textile to make a simple garment into a sensational garment, and Kayla will have lots of ideas and inspiration to offer you. Exotic fabrics, such as hand-dyed silks, recycled saris and kimonos, will be available for purchase in class. A supply list will be sent to you prior to class. Sewing machine required. This is not a Master Class; beginning garment makers are welcome. Come prepared to learn confident sewing with tricky fabrics in this classy class! For all levels.

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16 - Abstract Fabric Collage (June 28-July 1) - Class Fee $ 285

Kayla Kennington Create one-of-a-kind fabric collages, using layers of silks, velvets, beads, cording, stitching and other embellishments. In class you will be making personal surface design samples, using different weights of backing, fabrics, textured stitching and embellishment ideas in a variety of combinations. These may be kept as samples for future reference or used as decorative elements in your sewing and/or garment designs. To aid in this, Kayla will bring and display her Butterfly Coat (made entirely with collage) for your close inspection, along with photographs of its creation and construction. Luscious hand-dyed scraps of silks and velvets will be available for purchase in class from the instructor ($10 per bag), as well as optional clothing patterns. $5 materials fee for backings. Sewing machine required. For all levels.

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23 - Purses, Purses, Purses! (July 27-30) - Class Fee $ 285

Shirley Ver Hage Have you ever shopped the accessories aisle in department stores and wished you could afford your own designer handbag or tote? Well, now you can make your own one-of-a-kind purse to suit your needs. All you need is a little creativity, basic knowledge of sewing and a few pieces of fabric. Maybe you have an old wool garment or sweater that holds a special meaning for you--make it into a purse! You will design and construct as many projects as you wish and time allows. Planned projects are lined purses, felted wool sweater scrap purses, a “go green” shopping bag, accessory bags, and more purses…. A list of needed supplies will be sent to you prior to class. Materials fee of $25 includes a variety of upholstery fabric, recycled wool sweater material, embellishments, closures and instruction book. Sewing machine in good working order and basic sewing skills are required. For all levels.

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26 - Zulu Meets Swarovski (August 1-6) - Class Fee $ 380

Diane Fitzgerald This class is supported by Crystallized™ Swarovski Elements and includes $200+ worth of Swarovski crystals for each student! In class you will make three projects inspired by the beadwork of the African Zulus: African Circle Stitch Bracelet, Butterfly Necklace, Crystal Helix Necklace and an additional one, the Lacy Bracelet. (See Diane’s web site for photo examples: www.dianefitzgerald.com) Bead supplies will be available for purchase from instructor in class, or you may bring your own (a supply list will be sent prior to class). $15 materials fee for Toho Bronze and Gold one-cut seed beads, jewelry findings and handouts. (No fee for crystals.) For intermediate to advanced level beaders.

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28 - Collage Beadwork à la Miriam Haskell (August 6-8) - Class Fee $ 210

Diane Fitzgerald Miriam Haskell’s jewelry pieces were worn by movie stars such as Lucille Ball, Myrna Loy and Joan Crawford. Today, her creations, and those of her contemporaries De Mario and Stanley Hagler, are among the most collectible of costume jewelry and command high prices at antique shows. In class we will study this style, then create a round pin/pendant with radial symmetry, as well as an oval piece with an asymmetrical arrangement. The projects will involve wiring or sewing beads to a perforated metal foundation, a process sometimes referred to as “tapestry beading” or “cage work.” (See Diane’s web site for photo examples: www.dianefitzgerald.com) We will also explore substituting supplies for findings no longer available. Bead supplies will be available for purchase from instructor in class, or you may bring your own (a supply list will be sent prior to class). $15 materials fee for collaging plates, headpins, wire and handouts. For all levels.

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32 - Mixed Metals Jewelry (August 12-15) - Class Fee $ 285

Mary Hettmansperger Explore jewelry design, using a variety of techniques and materials. In this fast-paced class you will learn and use a wide number of basketry skills such as plaiting, looping, coiling, knotting, sumac and twining. We will also cover low-tech metal work, cold connections, as well as ways to combine the many media. Kit fee of $50 includes the base materials for all of your projects (copper sheeting, wires, waxed linen), tool usage and handouts. You are also encouraged to bring your own small rocks, natural barks, pods, sticks, hardware, and other found natural or metal items to incorporate into your designs. There is no end to the inspiring options! For all levels.

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40 - A Wearable Extravaganza (August 29-September 3) - Class Fee $ 380

Daryl Lancaster Wrap your body in clothing from your own hands. This is a terrific class for those wanting to learn to fit and sew clothing from their own handwoven, hand-printed, dyed, quilted, felted, commercial or other special fabrics, as well as those more experienced students wanting more polished and professional results. You will construct a basic unlined jacket with pre-washed fabric you bring to class, custom-fit to yourself, while learning all sorts of inspiring techniques to make your clothing reflect your creativity. You can expect to gain confidence in your garment construction skills, no matter what level, and will learn to work with your chosen fabric. Daryl’s goal is to have participants look at sewing as a creative process. Skills will be taught using samples, handouts, storyboards, Power-Point presentations and demonstrations. A supply list will be sent to you prior to class. Materials fee of $35 includes twill tape, interfacing, pattern paper and extensive bound notebook. (Repeating students who have already made the jacket may opt to make a pieced vest or bring their own pattern/s.) Sewing machine in good working order and some minimal basic sewing skills required. A limited number of sewing machines are available to rent for class use. For all levels.

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50 - "Stained Glass" Sweater Vest/Coat (September 20-23) - Class Fee $ 285

Jeanette Biederman The ultimate recycling! Learn how to make a vest out of recycled, felted wool sweaters. You are the designer (with a little help) of this surprisingly easy-to-sew, one-of-a-kind wearable art. Each will be different, because when you use recycled sweaters, you have to work with what’s available. The technique for this attractive vest was created and developed by Sievers instructor Linda Davis, originally looking for a way to preserve and use a favorite wool sweater that had accidentally been shrunk in the laundry. She turned it into a career, and taught many people how to do it, including Jeanette who ‘took off’ with her own creations—a fitting tribute to Linda! Jeanette will do all the legwork of gathering, felting and color sorting the sweater pieces, as well as bring the wool knit material that is cut into strips to provide the “leading” for your “stained glass” creation. All you have to provide is your zig-zag sewing machine, and get started! Students who have previously made the vest will have the option to make a coat. Vest kit fee of $55 includes felted sweaters in your preferred color range, knit material, pattern and instructions. Coat kit fee is $100. Sewing machine with 6mm zig-zag in good working order and average sewing skills required. For all levels.

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55 - Vests, Kimonos & Body Coverings (Or, We don't all wear size 10)
(September 26-29) - Class Fee $ 285

Anita Luvera Mayer Explore simple shaped garments designed for “real women” that can be worn for everyday life. You will have the opportunity to try on a variety of garments, copy and size patterns to fit you, and sample a range of techniques for the edges of cloth. Methods of creating surface design for garments, as well as painting/embellishing silk for linings will be presented, along with simple ways to change plain fabric into individualized clothing. As a way to sample different surface design techniques you’ll work on two silk scarves and one of polar fleece, which will be yours to take home, along with basic pattern shapes that work for your body and life style, and a reference notebook. Anita will bring plenty of examples from her personal wardrobe for your inspiration. Materials fee of $40 includes all supplies and materials used in class, including polar fleece and silk scarf blanks. For all levels.

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59 - A Penny For Your Thoughts: Felted Wool Penny Rugs (October 11-14) - Class Fee $ 285

Mary Curran OK, your thoughts are worth much more, but you will enjoy using them in this exploration of the traditional American folk art called the Penny Rug. It plays with appliqué in one of its most direct and charming forms. You’ll work with layered shapes and blanket stitching, using simple hand sewing supplies and all types of felt—purchased fabric, shrunken wool sweaters, blankets, coats and more, including handmade felt scraps. Choose from traditional designs, Mary’s originals, or create your own. The technique may be used to embellish traditional runners, mats and “rugs,” or perhaps a wool vest, hat, bag, or Christmas stocking. Making Penny Rug projects is a relaxing and delightful way to bring heart to hand. Materials fee of approx. $10 includes background fabrics, supplementary fabrics, related supplies, patterns and handouts. No previous experience needed. For all levels.

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