Irene MacWilliam

Lectures and Workshops

LECTURES  on my work
1. Patchwork
2. Embroidery
3. Combination of Patchwork and Embroidery
4. Is It Patchwork, Is It Embroidery?
5. A talk on my Events of the Year Quilts 1986-2011 (2012 underway)
6. Journal Quilts (2007 onwards) plus an overview of my work (1986 onwards)

WORKSHOPS ....... I am no longer giving workshops but leaving a record of them on the site

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However No.3 'FANTASTIC QUILTS from a STANDING START' can be extended to 2 days which is more valuable. 
Normally I take up to 14 students.

CHILDRENS' WORKSHOPS these are made to fit age and requirements of those taking part. Parents or guardian must be present and I will give them projects to do so everyone is included if they wish...


1. EXPLORE and CREATE WITH YOUR SEWING MACHINE

This workshop covers free machine control …. drawing, cut work cobwebs, cord making, perfect circles,sequins by machine etc, and various tricks to do with your sewing machine. What about tensions? Mini lectures on care of your machine and on needles and threads. All levels of ability.


2.YOU CAN WRITE and DRAW WITH YOUR MACHINE

Learn free machine writing and drawing. Samples can be incorporated into the start of a small wall hanging, bags or decorations. Students will need to be familiar with their sewing machine but do not need to have done any free machine work, therefore the workshop is suitable for all levels of ability.


3. FANTASTIC QUILTS from a STANDING START  

Peta Grounds, Skye Quilters

Suzanne, Skye Quilters

Dorothy Smith, Skye Quilters

Design and Construction for the Frightened
Pain free patchwork that is bound to be unique. I want the beginner and the non-confident to come to my class. No maths required. I guarantee anyone can produce fascinating blocks. We start with a basic block to cover foundation piecing. Students then go on to make their own original blocks. If this is run as a 2 day workshop students will have a broader understanding of designing their own blocks and how to alter commercial foundation blocks to be make them individual. I will also take a greater number of students.

4. BRAIDS, CORDS, TASSELS and 3D DECORATIONS - By machine

The trimmings you make can be used in soft furnishings, dressmaking, embroidery, patchwork, gift making. Lots of ideas on what to do with the items we make. All levels of ability but students must have a basic knowledge of their machine.


5. MACHINE APPLIQUÉ

Worked initially from the back. I cover setting up the machine to get a good satin stitch. Students will be told about the things that can go wrong and how to sort out these problems.


6. ANIMAL INTERTWINING CELTIC SHAPES - by machine
 

Zoomorphic celtic: fantastical animal or human shapes that intertwine. Students work on zoomorphic celtic patterns that I supply. They will work on a panel suitable for a cushion, bag front or small wallhanging. All levels of ability.


7. MACHINE QUILTING

Lots of sampling. Discussions on waddings and markers. Students will not produce a finished article. It is more important that they go away with information and ideas on how to produce their own original quilting designs. All levels of ability.


8. JAPANESE FOLDED PATCHWORK  

Various shapes will be explored; squares, diamonds, triangles. These produce double sided units that can be made into decorations, wall hangings, fabric boxes or full size quilts. We also look at other origami based patches. Mostly or all hand work. Suitable for all levels of ability.


9. CELTIC INTERTWINING KNOTWORK

Various complicted designs will be available for students to learn how to interpret them into machine applique work.

Make a Memory Piece.


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student piece

student piece

Students design and make a small panel in memory of someone or an event. They can be done by hand or by machine or both.


You Make the Fabric

student piece

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student piece
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Use my easy to make stamps, some made from recycled stuff, to print your own fabric. After lunch we turn these into a small wall hangings. Hand or machine.
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Can be a half day or full day workshop where we concentrate on printing fabric.