Want to take a workshop from Caryl in your own studio? Check out our new workshops on CD ROM in the Bryerpatch Studio Internet  Store!

two day technique class  •  all levels

Classroom Requirements
Preferred Classroom Set-Up

Printable Supply List in PDF format

Learn to draw and piece colorful, luminous, freeform designs as well as precision pieced designs with this simple method of piecing on a paper base. String Piecing can be used in either quilts or clothing, and with either traditional or original designs. Major emphasis will be on color as well as sewing techniques. Students will design and create 3-4 small samples, using various string piecing and color methods.

Supplies Needed

Fabric

BLUE - RED - YELLOW - PURPLE - GREEN - ORANGE - NEUTRAL (gray/brown/black)

Choose three values (light - medium - dark) of two of the above colors. You will have fabrics in 6 different colors. Bring at least 1/2 yard/meter of each. Solid colors only please. 100% cotton only please.  

Before the beginning of class, cut or tear six to eight strips in random widths between 1½" - 2½" (4-6cm) on the lengthwise grain (parallel to the selvedge) from each fabric. Each strip will be at least 18" (50cm) long. Leave the remainder of each piece of fabric whole, it will be for you to use.

Please Note: These strips will be pooled in the class, so that everyone has a wide range of colors and values to choose from. Be Prepared to Share.

For your personal use, bring additional fabrics in a range of colors and values including black. These may include painted fabrics and prints. Be sure to include dark and light fabric as well as medium.  If you dye your own fabric, or have access to fabrics dyed in color or value gradations, these may be useful. Large amounts of any one fabric will not be necessary.  Fabric kits of graduated colors will also be available for sale in the class. These can be previewed in our Internet Store

Other Supplies Needed

• Sewing Machine: One that is clean, friendly and well adjusted. A zig zag, as well as straight stitch will be very useful. If you own an open toed embroidery foot, or a walking foot,  bring them along. You must know how to operate your sewing machine
• Thread: medium gray, clear and smoke mono- filament (polyester is preferable to nylon), optional: colors to match the fabric you bring from home for your personal use.
• Long, heavy duty extension cord with at least two outlets. Three prong adapter if needed for classroom outlets
• Basic Sewing Kit for hand and machine sewing.
• Iron Preferably with steam
• Table Top Ironing Pad
• Scissors (for paper and fabric)
• Scotch Brand Magic Tape (or other non-shiny cellophane tape)
• Rotary Cutter, Board and Ruler
• Drawing Tools:  flexible curve • pen • pencil •  ruler • eraser • compass  • fine point and ultra fine point felt tip black marker
• Niagara Spray Starch, or small container of other liquid starch.
• Cotton swap or watercolor brush
• Glue Stick
• Litter Bag
• Paper: 
  • 20-30 sheets of plain white copier paper
  • Freezer paper
• 1-2 Magazines or Books with colored pictures, preferably nature or science (i.e. National Geographic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, etc.) and/or your own photographs of nature.

OPTIONAL:

• Small Portable Light Box (If you are driving and already have one)