BEYOND THE GRID:
PERSONAL EXPRESSION WITH INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES
by Caryl Bryer Fallert

three, four, or five days  -   intermediate to advanced
studio design class

Supply List - Classroom Requirements
PDF Format printable version

The goal in this studio class will be for each participant to design and create a full size original art quilt, that goes beyond the traditional grid format. You may come with a design idea in mind, or you can plan to develop a new idea in the class. The focus will be on techniques for developing original designs. Design exercises will be geared toward finding your personal visual vocabulary, and then effectively translating your inner vision into concrete viewable form. A number of machine sewing techniques for creating freeform designs will be demonstrated as vehicles for greater freedom of expression.

See what we did in this workshop in Kauai, 2001

Supplies Needed:

NOTE: If you are taking this workshop at the Bryerpatch Studio Workshop Center, please click here for an abbreviated supply list.

• Fabric:   Bring fabrics in a wide range of colors and values, including solids, prints, and stripes. Ugly, wild, or gaudy fabrics are all welcome. If you dye your own fabric, or have access to fabrics dyed in color or value (light to dark) gradations, these may be useful. How much you need to bring will depend on how fast you work, how much variety you need to express yourself, how large you work, the capacity of your suitcase, and/or your mode of transportation. Large amounts of any one fabric will not be necessary. 1/4 yard to 1 yard cuts are recommended. Be sure your fabric collection includes some very light and very dark values, including black, as well as some "muddy" colors. Optional: You may want to experiment with sheer fabrics, such as tulle or organza. ½ to 1 yard cuts of each should be enough. You may want to try different colors.

  A limited supply of graduated and painted fabric will be available for sale in the class. To preview: see Caryl's internet store

• Sewing Machine: One that is friendly and well adjusted.   Must have zig-zag and free motion capability. You must know how to operate your sewing machine. You will need a darning foot or free motion foot of some kind. Other options are welcome. If you already have the following feet, please bring them along: (a) Walking foot, (b) Open toed embroidery foot, (c) Open toed darning foot, (d) Couching foot, (e) Edge foot.

• Heavy duty Extension Cord with two outlets. Three prong adaptor if needed for classroom outlets
• Thread:
  • medium grey,
  • clear mono- filament
  • a variety of other colors.
• Basic Sewing Kit for hand and machine sewing.
• Iron: Preferably with steam
• Table Top Ironing Pad
• Scissors (paper and fabric)
• Scotch Brand Magic Tape
• Glue Stick
• Rotary Cutting Board and Ruler
• Tear Away Stabilizer 1-2 yards heavy weight
• "Wonder Under" or other fusible web 1-2 yards
• Drawing Tools :
  • pen, pencil, ruler, eraser,
  • compass
  • black, fine point and ultra fine point, indelible markers
  • flexible curve
  • Colored Pencils
• Paper
  • Pad of Tracing Paper (thin, see-through paper)
  • 30-40 sheets of plain white 8½" x 11" or A4 copier paper.
  • Freezer paper (one roll) (If you have access to wider freezer paper, bring that)
• 5-10 Magazines or Books with colored pictures, preferably nature or science (ie. National Geographic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, etc.)
• Your own photographs of thinks that inspire you.
• Litter Bag

OPTIONAL

• Fleece or Cotton Batting 1-2 yards
• Teflon pressing sheet or bakers parchment
• Small Portable Light Box (If you are driving and already have one)
• Overhead projector (If you are driving and already have one)
• If you like glitz, you may want to try rayon and/or metallic machine embroidery thread.   DISCLAIMER: Instruction for using these threads successfully will not be part of the class.