Instinctive Textile Explorations – Draw and Stitch Permutations

Instinctive Textile Explorations  – Draw and Stitch Permutations. Alysn Midgelow-Marsden is the tutor for this course. For more information about Alysn, please visit her website www.alysnmidgelowmarsden.com

Instinctive Textile Explorations …. Over two days, we’ll break free from overthinking and dive headfirst into instinctive, playful textile art creativity. In this workshop, you’ll embark on an improvisational journey that begins with fluid, exploratory mark-making and effortlessly transitions into textured, multi-dimensional works inspired by natural or observed forms. Together, we’ll experiment with: · Free-flowing drawing to spark spontaneous ideas. · Simple stitching and couching to add layers of texture and movement. · Appliqué using translucent metal fabrics and wires, creating delicate, light-catching details. · Ripping, cutting, and burning for bold, organic edges and intriguing textures. · Shrinkable backings for structural surfaces including jewellery and sculpture. Each participant will develop their own unique pieces filled with layered stitches, expressive lines, and translucent elements. The techniques are straightforward and accessible to everyone—no prior experience in drawing, stitching, or textile arts is necessary. This workshop is perfect for anyone eager to create intuitively, whether you prefer hand stitching, machine work, or a blend of both. By embracing spontaneity, you’ll produce stunning results that reflect your instincts and the joy of making. Your final works may echo the layered elegance of seed pods, the intricate pathways of tangled branches, all including the delicate interplay of texture and translucency.

Dates, please take careful note

2 days    sat/sun  1 & 2 November 2025. Each day runs from 10-4 and tea, coffee, and biscuits are available throughout

Payment

£250, a non-refundable deposit of half the fee , £125 will secure your place, on receipt of the deposit your place will be confirmed. The balance should be paid two weeks before the start of the class

Requirements

Student Requirements

As these sessions are flexible, you may not use everything on the list, or may want to get more of certain items as you go. It’s hard to predict what will take your fancy! So, bring what you can. Items marked with (*) I will bring to borrow or buy.

Participant Needs Equipment · General hand sewing requisites, especially including a variety of needles from very large to small.

· General scissors. · Sewing machine if you want to use one, free machining foot and spare needles/other requisites. ·

2 x tealight candles / matches or lighter (*)

Drawing materials: · A selection such as drawing pens of various widths and shapes of nibs; pencil; charcoal; pastels; Inktense etc (and spray fixative if you bring pastels or charcoal).

Papers: A3. · Basic: Cartridge paper drawing – few sheets Watercolour paper approx. 300gsm – few sheets · Other: A few sheets of other papers to try out would be great, see what you have of the following Handmade papers such as Thai mulberry 120gsm Khadi paper Plant papers Wallpaper lining, Packaging paper etc. Corrugated cardboard ·

Threads: Such as fabric rags/string/perle/sewing threads etc. A variety of sizes and textures is important. Interfacing (Vilene ‘medium weight’ iron or sewin or similar) 1/2m maximum. ·

Bondaweb/Vliesofix. 1/2m maximum. (*) ·

Metal fabrics. Copper, bronze, brass or stainless steel. Approx. 1m. (*) · Organdie/organza translucent fabrics · Wires – selection of what you have (*)

Materials Fee- £5.00 and buy as you go

don’t forget your lunch as there is no shop in the village

Additional information: do visit the website  www.granarystudio.com  for other classes that might take your fancy

ection of what you have (*)

Materials Fee- £5.00 and buy as you go

don’t forget your lunch as there is no shop in the village

Bookings