Because this is an introductory class, I will be talking about supplies in more detail as I go. I think the tools and materials we choose have a lot to do with philosophy as well as the style of our work. They evolve. They personalize.
Here I would just like to say that what I suggest to use is fairly basic. And, like I encourage myself, I would encourage you, as well, to try to make do and use what you have rather that to spend money on things you don't really need to learn technique. After all, that is what this class is about. To be quite frank, this is one of the biggest sources of my inspiration and is really one of the core elements of what I call Spirit Cloth Style. Making do.
I have listed , in very general terms, what I think you will need for this course. Basically a list of simple things with a description of my preferences as they evolved over time...
Sew....
Cloth
You will need some cloth. You probably have some. Right? Gather what you have first. You do not need to buy anything special for this class. This is not a project oriented course in that regard. You might gather what you have already. Stick with natural fabrics. You might also consider recycling clothing and household items if you have no other cloth on hand. You can hit the thrift shops and pick up a little something. Old vintage cloth is lovely, soft and easy to stitch, and often has a story to go with it. You don't need oodles of cloth and really, no scrap is too small. Just a little cloth. I will be working on small sampler like pieces to demonstrate several basic techniques for building a piece, never larger than 10- 12" overall and probably smaller, many times putting scraps together to make larger pieces anyway. The most important thing is to choose the right kind of cloth.
For hand sewing, especially using a layered method, like I do, thinner and softer cloth works best. The rule I use when gathering cloth is to try taking a few stitches in the cloth. If there is resistance, don't use it. Why torture yourself?
Audio - Choosing cloth
I do not use batting, just layers of fabric. It is good to find some really thin cloth to use as a batting substitute. Blouse fabric or old curtain lining is great as long as it is not synthetic. Occasionally, I have to buy this kind of cloth and when I do, I use what is called Harem cloth and I get it here. It is a favorite of mine and I use it a lot. Any really thin cloth will do, cotton lawn or very inexpensive light weight muslin works well. The idea is a cloth that can stabilize, add a layer, but literally not add any significant weight at all.
It is good to have a selection of plain fabrics in the mix to create the base. When embellishing, things can get very busy if everything is patterned....just something to consider.
Thread
You need thread. Yes. I used stranded embroidery floss for everything hand stitched. For seams, applique , quilting and embroidery. I do this because it simplifies things, and I like the smooth softness of thread. It is strong, comes in many colors and you can use one strand or more depending on what you need. DMC is my favorite, because it is high quality and available here at a reasonable price.
I have developed a great habit of throwing odds and ends of thread from weaving, sewing, fraying etc. into a basket. I call it the thread nest. This comes in handy, especially for basting and small pieces. A whole rainbow at your fingertips. I do buy floss on a regular basis, it is my one perk. There are much cheaper versions than DMC at craft stores, but I find that they are not as smooth and knot easily. Still I use them too. Another habit I have is to throw a section of the thread nest in tea or coffee and stain it a bit. All the colors get a nice aged look that way. (Works with tiny fabric scraps too)
Needles
I also use embroidery needles for all my stitching. I usually buy a variety pack in sizes 5-10 and use the one most approriate for my current needs. DMC is what I usually use, because that is what I can find here. I like a shorter needle with a long, easy to thread eye. Choose what works for you. It is not always so much about the right needle as it is the relationship between the cloth , the needle and the thread.
Pins/ Pincushion
Pins. Mostly for holding things in place before stitching. Safety pins and straight pins are always good to have on hand. And of course a pincushion will keep your pins handy.
Scissors
Best to have some sharp shears on hand. These were a lovely gift form Japan, but any sharp scissors will do. If you are a quilter, a rotary cutter and mat can work also. I tear cloth when I can but some cloth is not suitable for that.
A small pair of sharp scissors will be needed also. I like Fiskars brand in general, because the spring mechanism is easy on the hands, but really any pair of small sharps is good. These little scissors are handy when cutting into layers and trimming threads.
Fabric Markers
This is something I suggest, although you can get away with a pencil or a regular pen. I am mentioning these Pitt pens by Faber-Castell because they are fabulous. They come in many colors and even though they are not sold as fabric pens, they work fine and seem to be wash fast. I use them for many things. They are sold individually and in sets and they are available here for the cheapest price I know. You can use any style of permanent marker. Maybe you have a favorite. Micron archival pens are also a favorite of mine. Sharpies are ok but bleed a bit. Fabric pencils cool but the line is too thick for me.
Flat Surface
A little table space is good to work and plan on, and I also like to use what I call a LapBoard. A flat service like a table that can be portable. Mine is an old checkerboard, which is really just a piece of Masonite with the grid painted on it. Even an old book will do, but it is a handy tool to have, so you can keep your work flat for basting and lining things up.
Stuff....A camera, a computer printer, some paper and a pencil, maybe a ruler, these things are often handy, again, the usual things....
and
Patience
That is a must.
Well that's it, simple enough, right? As we progress, a few more supplies might be highlighted but really, I work with things that are fairly common so I don't think it will be a problem. The first lesson will present some alternatives for building a base to work on. There is no rush really. You might even want to wait and watch me begin to get a feel for how to get going. This is a work at your own pace thing. So how ever it goes it goes.
There will be a few scrap and starter packs (includes needles, thread, a pen and harem cloth samples) in the shop from time to time, but really, just see how it goes. Sometimes the satisfaction of finding a way with what you have is a really the best feeling. There is a resource tab up top for a few things.
Happy Gathering.
