Nigel Cheney – Workshop – Material Memories – textile collages incorporating digitally printed illustrations

Nigel uses imagery of birds and animals to create visual narratives that allude to various stories, myths, fables and legends. The theme of this workshop is woodland and this will inform your ideas about colour and mood in your work.

On this 1 day, intensive workshop participants will be introduced to techniques in fabric collage and detailed ‘Slow Stitch’ of illustrated elements. Emphasis will be placed on colour, composition and using stitch to ‘draw’ in thread.

Inspired by the array of examples of different approaches to hand stitch and fabric collage that you will be shown, this workshop will allow you to gain the confidence to assemble your own collage of fabrics and bring them to a cohesive surface through stitch. It will also include the development of charming stitched motifs to apply onto a ground.

Nigel uses a broad palette of textile techniques in his work and assures you that this workshop can be undertaken entirely in machine or hand stitch, or indeed any combination.

Everyone will be able to chose from a selection of original printed fabrics (unique to this workshop) that have been created from Nigel’s hand-drawn illustrations of both woodland creatures and birds. Developing your own individual compositions you will be encouraged to introduce other textile elements that ensure your own unique response to the challenges of this workshop. A  broad selection will be supplied, but this is a chance to integrate your own vintage fragments, scraps from charity shop finds or even your unfinished samples /fabric prints/eco dyeing from previous workshops.

Nigel will bring a collection of his own work to inspire you, and even some drawings and prints available to buy.

One day workshop.

The techniques shown are inspired by cultural and ethnic textile philosophies, where the life story of the cloth is inextricably linked with its new purpose. Hopefully this workshop will help us all to consider using existing fabrics in our practice as well as our constant love of buying new !

Using the provided digitally printed, hand drawn motifs, we will look at how to bring the prints to life using slow stitch to accentuate the details and create texture and form.

In this workshop we will assemble an A3 size base of different fabrics. This will focus on composition and balance. We will then explore how stitch (machine or hand) can unite these elements into a successful ground. work with simple hand or machine embroidery to create the animal and bird motifs, before applying to the ground to create your own woodland.

You can see more of his work on his social media pages (Instagram and Facebook) by searching for Nigel Cheney, and on his website  www.nigelcheney.com

Materials and Equipment

Participants are encouraged to bring a wide selection of their own fabrics and threads that respond to the colour, texture and mood of the ‘woodland’ they wish to concentrate on. It is a great time to include elements from other workshops, scraps of fabric from previous projects or even pre-loved fabrics that hold a sentimental significance to you.

You will need a basic sewing kit (pins, hand needles, scissors etc). The workshop can be completed in either hand or machine embroidery, whichever you are most comfortable working with.
Nigel can also supply digital prints – normally in a separate pack with a variety of imagery at £10 each, there are always extras to swop or purchase more.

NOTE:  All sewing machines and electrical equipment must have a current PAT test

Booking Terms and Conditions:
The fee is non-refundable if you cancel (unless another person can take your place.)
We occasionally have a waiting list for a workshop and if that is the case your place would be offered to the next person on the list. If there isn’t a waiting list then you might know someone who could take your place.

With this in mind, please let Bookings know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.
Bookings queries please email bookings@texgroup.org.uk

Tea / coffee and biscuits provided – remember to bring your own lunch.