Fabric Post Card Design & Construction with Deborah Giles

Fabric Postcard Design and Construction Fabric postcards are a fun and flexible format for experimenting with fibre art techniques in a quick-to-create, usable, shareable end result.   Learn a basic fabric postcard construction method as well as several variations to accommodate materials you already possess as well as several layers of different media in your 4x6-inch works of art. Learn several ways to approach each element of postcard construction--structural support, tops, backs and edge finishing--as well as ways to successfully combine them.  In this two-day workshop we will be able to complete four reference samples that incorporate many different construction methods in various combinations as well as advanced machine stitching and fibre art techniques. Join us to begin your exploration of this perennially popular and endlessly versatile fibre art form.

What Does the Student Bring to Class? Student supply list

• Sewing machine
• A couple of sharp needles size 70 or 80
• A few empty bobbins
• Rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat
• Sewing machine feet –the names, design and specific function of these feet vary from brand to brand so it’s hard to be specific here, but bring any feet you have that sound similar to these. This is a list of feet that will be useful and we will go through how each can be used in making postcards, but they are all basic feet (except as otherwise noted) and you don’t need to buy any extra machine feet before the class. If you are not sure, email me (Deborah) dlgiles74@gmail.com Free-motion stitching foot. If it’s open or clear that’s helpful. We aren’t free motion quilting per se, so don’t panic! Free-motion quilting skills are NOT required. We will use the free-motion capability to stitch edges and outlines of irregular shapes. I want to emphasize you don’t have to be any good at this kind of stitching. Whatever your skill level will be enough and you will only get better by doing it. Open Embroidery foot/decorative stitch foot: foot has raised channel on bottom (about 1 mm deep) for decorative stitches—standard foot for any machine with decorative stitches Overlock, overcast or overedge foot – has a bar or wires running parallel to edge of fabric that support thread as overlock stitches are made so the stitches don’t tighten over the edge of fabric Blind hem foot – for some brand this looks the same as the overlock foot in other brands. Has a centre bar/guide running parallel to edge of fabric. I use the guide to make a straight seam close to the edge of postcards Optional - Stitch in the ditch foot – has a bar running parallel to edge of fabric that you place in the ditch for quilting. Quite similar to blind hem foot. Optional (only bring if you have) Couching/piping/braiding/beading foot: any foot with a deeper tunnel on the bottom (about 3mm deep). These are specialty feet that are usually extra to standard machine. Not required but makes couching easier.

OPTIONAL (only bring if you already have) extra bobbin case (for bobbin work). This is a fairly expensive purchase. I will demonstrate bobbin work but I want you to see it before you decide if the expense of an extra bobbin case is worth it

• Threads—these are choices; bring what you have. Solids or variegated will work; cotton or polyester or rayon:Light weight (60, 80 or 100 wt); medium value; green, gold, beige, OR grey Optional (NOT necessary to buy) – Superior Mono Poly invisible thread (or similar) 50 wt or heavierBlack some lights, mediums, darks of greens, blues, browns, greys

Kit contents (included in your registration fee)

• Materials for 4 postcard bases
• 4 postcard tops: commercial printed fabric/hand painted fabric/fabric scraps for raw edge mosaic background ecru and green
• Fusible for 4 postcards
• Backing for 4 postcards -- fabric/paper
• Dissolvable stabilizer (for image transfer)
• Painted strip for “mixed media” bird
• Base cord for thread-wrapped cording
• piece of tulle
• stabilizer scraps for stitch testing
• sponge for stencilling

Shared class materials Cord for couching/bobbin work Double sided adhesive for paper backs Stencils Gesso for stencilling Soft gel acrylic medium Inktense pencil set Black pens for image transfer Please bring indoor shoes and your lunch.Workshop Details Saturday, August 24 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM Sunday, August 25 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM FFAA Studio 10554 - 110 St NW Entrance through the back door Open to FFAA members only. Either with an individual membership or through a member Guild Maximum Students = 15 Registration Fee is $35 per student   

Once you pay for your spot, you will receive an automatic confirmation of your registration.

Please note there are no refunds. If you find you cannot attend, the onus is on you to find your replacement. A wait list can be found on FaceBook, "FFAA Wait List". Students can communicate with those wanting to take your place and exchange the registration fee. If you pay for the class but find out you are unable to attend.

1. You can sell your space to someone else. That someone else arranges to reimburse you for your registration fee and will get the kit contents.
2. If you cannot find someone to take your spot, you can arrange to pick up the contents of your kit by emailing ffaapresident@gmail.com

Sign up for the FFAA mailing list to receive personal email notices of upcoming workshops, exhibitions, and events. The voluntary signup list is provided as a service to members and non-members alike. click on this link to join now. https://focusonfibreart.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a768c60693c37ce8b3719bf1b&id=e67498c4ca

Feel free to email ffaapresident@gmail.com if you have questions or if you want to reassure yourself that you are registered.