This course from Sept 2022 will take place each Tuesday at The Cosy Cabin, Risby Barns, Bury St Edmunds. 10.00-15:00 term-time only.

Course also available by distance learning.

You can download an application form here.

The course aim is to learn how to design and then create original items of patchwork, quilting, applique and stitched textiles by hand and machine

Creative Patchwork and Quilting
Duration: 1 year part-time either by attending 10 days (10am – 3pm) per term over 3 terms or by distance learning. Distance learners work to the same timescale but have more flexibility to complete the work.
Validation: Our courses are validated and moderated by an internal appointee and an external appointee of the WI.
Themes: each term has a theme, and this theme will be explored to develop designs which can be taken through into your stitched samples and the stitched items to be made for assessment for that term.
Samples and assessments: Stitched samples will be made during term time and kept in a portfolio. The design work to be kept in a portfolio or large design book. Stitched assessments will take approximately 20-30 hours to complete and will be presented at the start of the following term.
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Term one
The theme for this term is the Natural World with a focus on Landscapes and Seascapes. You will be expected to take photos, use magazine cuttings, make sketches etc. for this term’s work.
Design work; looking from a distance you will investigate how landscapes and seascapes are composed, how line defines areas and to identify texture with mark making exercises. You will also learn about colour theory.
Dyeing techniques; you will be shown how to mix colours using procion dyes to dye the colour wheel and graduated dyeing.
Stitch techniques; you will learn the following
• Basic machine and hand quilting
• Twin needle and cording.
• Strip piecing
• Curved and free cut curved piecing.
• Creating texture using tucks and pleats
• Creating texture using Faux Chenille
Assessment for Term one. A small item such as a bag or cushion.
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Term two
The theme for this term is The Manmade World. You will be expected to take photos, and do sketches etc. ready for the first session of term.
Design work; Using your own photographs (a primary source) you will observe a range of buildings. Monoprinting and collage identifying shape and pattern
Surface Design: monoprinting and collage on fabric and paper
Stitch techniques;
• Basic Blocks I
• Basic Blocks II
• Applique methods by hand and machine
• Trapunto
• Log cabin
• Foundation piecing
• Stained glass techniques
• Hanging devices

Assessments for Term two. A wall-hanging, using any of the techniques learnt on the course so far.
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Term three
The theme for this term is The Wider World
Design Work; You will be expected to make a study of areas from another culture e.g., costume, textiles, artifacts and techniques. This may include a visit to a local or national museum to research. You will observe how colour is used, the various meaning of colours in different cultures, as well as looking at patterns and shapes.
Surface Design – Indigo dyeing and shibori
Stitch Techniques; You will learn various hand stitching using a variety of threads and yarns.
• Kantha
• Sashiko
• Boro
• English Paper Piecing (using templates)
• Finishing techniques
Assessment for Term three. A Lap quilt or modern sampler