The workshop explores the exciting textural properties of felt, using basic knitting techniques and experimental materials.
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Playing with colour and pattern</li>
<li>Using simple knitting techniques to create embossed effects</li>
<li>Combining felting yarn with none felting yarn to produce unusual textures</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
There will be demonstrations of the knitting techniques, plus a discussion on the felting properties of different sheep breeds, and various wet felting methods.&nbsp; &nbsp;The workshop will focus on using pre-made yarns, and therefore will not be covering spinning with raw fibres.
All levels of ability are welcome.&nbsp; &nbsp;The class includes a worksheet, samples and a PowerPoint presentation, to inspire further ideas for after the session.
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Materials and equipment: -
<ul>
<li>Knitting needles or crochet hooks</li>
<li>Felting yarn, 100% wool is usually the best &ndash; check the label to see if it says suitable for felting. However avoid Superwash wool which is designed not to felt.</li>
<li>Yarn, conventional yarn, plus fine string, twine, thin ribbon or lace, embroidery threads</li>
<li>Scissors, for cutting yarns</li>
<li>Hand Needles, preferably large-eyed tapestry needles (optional)</li>
<li>Thread, for hand sewing, could be wool or any other fibre (optional)</li>
<li>Internet access, with a microphone and webcam. Please only book is you are able to attend in real time.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

The workshop explores the exciting textural properties of felt, using basic knitting techniques and experimental materials.
 
Playing with colour and pattern
Using simple knitting techniques to create embossed effects
Combining felting yarn with none felting yarn to produce unusual textures
 
There will be demonstrations of the knitting techniques, plus a discussion on the felting properties of different sheep breeds, and various wet felting methods.  The workshop will focus on using pre-made yarns, and therefore will not be covering spinning with raw fibres.
All levels of ability are welcome. The class includes a worksheet, samples and a PowerPoint presentation, to inspire further ideas for after the session.
  
Materials and equipment: -
Knitting needles or crochet hooks
Felting yarn, 100% wool is usually the best – check the label to see if it says suitable for felting. However avoid Superwash wool which is designed not to felt.
Yarn, conventional yarn, plus fine string, twine, thin ribbon or lace, embroidery threads
Scissors, for cutting yarns
Hand Needles, preferably large-eyed tapestry needles (optional)
Thread, for hand sewing, could be wool or any other fibre (optional)
Internet access, with a microphone and webcam. Please only book is you are able to attend in real time.
 

Rosina Godwin

Arts & Crafts

Fashion Crafts

Knitting

Exploring the unique texture of felted knitting to create art, sculpture and many other practical purposes!

Felted Knitting

General admission

Explore the creative potential of knitting to make artwork and sculpture, using simple techniques and unconventional materials.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Knitting with unconventional materials (wire, garden twine, string), fancy and neon yarns</li>
<li>Making yarns from strips of fabric, plastic and paper</li>
<li>Threading beads, buttons or fabric onto the yarn</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
There will be demonstrations of knitting and yarn making techniques, and discussions on applying experimental materials such as paper pulp and acrylic gel.&nbsp; The class includes a worksheet and PowerPoint presentation, plus samples and demonstrations to inspire further ideas for after the session.
&nbsp;
All levels of ability are welcome.&nbsp; The workshop is aimed at anyone with an interest in textiles or mixed media sculpture, wishing to explore the artistic potential of knitting.&nbsp; The emphasis is on creating experimental samples, rather than a finished piece.
&nbsp;
Materials and equipment: -
<ul>
<li>Knitting needles or crochet hooks, ideally larger sized needles or hooks 6mm or more</li>
<li>Yarn, any conventional knitting yarn, plus string, garden twine, braid, thin ribbon or lace, gift wrap tape, etc., could be used as an experimental yarn</li>
<li>Plastic bags, carrier bags and clean food wrappers such as bread bags or frozen food bags</li>
<li>Fabric, a closely woven cotton fabric, jersey T-shirt fabric, or an unwanted garment</li>
<li>Paper, newspaper, brown paper, tissue paper, old wrapping paper, etc</li>
<li>Beads, buttons, sequins, small scraps of fabric, anything which can be threaded onto a yarn</li>
<li>Scissors, for both fabric and paper</li>
<li>Hand Needles, preferably large-eyed tapestry needles</li>
<li>Thread, for hand sewing</li>
<li>Internet access, with a microphone and webcam. Please only book is you are able to attend in real time.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Explore the creative potential of knitting to make artwork and sculpture, using simple techniques and unconventional materials. 
 
Knitting with unconventional materials (wire, garden twine, string), fancy and neon yarns
Making yarns from strips of fabric, plastic and paper
Threading beads, buttons or fabric onto the yarn
 
There will be demonstrations of knitting and yarn making techniques, and discussions on applying experimental materials such as paper pulp and acrylic gel. The class includes a worksheet and PowerPoint presentation, plus samples and demonstrations to inspire further ideas for after the session.
 
All levels of ability are welcome. The workshop is aimed at anyone with an interest in textiles or mixed media sculpture, wishing to explore the artistic potential of knitting. The emphasis is on creating experimental samples, rather than a finished piece.
 
Materials and equipment: -
Knitting needles or crochet hooks, ideally larger sized needles or hooks 6mm or more
Yarn, any conventional knitting yarn, plus string, garden twine, braid, thin ribbon or lace, gift wrap tape, etc., could be used as an experimental yarn
Plastic bags, carrier bags and clean food wrappers such as bread bags or frozen food bags
Fabric, a closely woven cotton fabric, jersey T-shirt fabric, or an unwanted garment
Paper, newspaper, brown paper, tissue paper, old wrapping paper, etc
Beads, buttons, sequins, small scraps of fabric, anything which can be threaded onto a yarn
Scissors, for both fabric and paper
Hand Needles, preferably large-eyed tapestry needles
Thread, for hand sewing
Internet access, with a microphone and webcam. Please only book is you are able to attend in real time.
 

Material Adventures in Knitting is an experimental workshop exploring the potential of simple techniques and unconventional materials.

Material Adventures in Knitting

AMERICAN SMOCKING WITH NICKY SIMPSONONLINE ON-DEMANDFEES:&nbsp; FULL COURSE &pound;35<hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;">WHAT THE COURSE IS ALL ABOUT:A great new short course, led by textile artist&nbsp;NICKY SIMPSON. This course introduces you to 11 smocking designs and teaches you how to create American Smocking, an exciting and original textile skill that is formed with just a needle and thread!<hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;">WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR:This short course is suitable for anyone, and especially for those new to textiles. You may be a teacher wanting to up-skill, a student who wants to further your current knowledge, or anyone who would like to be more creative with very limited equipment!<hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;">WHAT TO EXPECT:This is a comprehensive course which offers a series of 6 short video tutorials, where you can practice alongside Nicky, working at your own pace. Each video can be paused and rewound. There are also step-by-step guides, 11 downloadable smocking templates and tips.Video Tutorial 1: &nbsp;Introduction &amp; Equipment Video Tutorial 2: Materials Video Tutorial 3:&nbsp;Practice Stitches
 Video Tutorial 4: Practice Sample Video Tutorial 5: Templates Video Tutorial 6: Get Creative!<hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;">WHAT YOU WILL NEED:<ul style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; box-sizing: border-box;" type="disc" id="isPasted" fr-original-style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-top:0cm;"><li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(89, 89, 89); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#595959;'>Fabric: A cotton-based fabric to do trails</li><li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(89, 89, 89); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#595959;'>Fabric: for creating your smocking</li><li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(89, 89, 89); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#595959;'>Hand sewing needle&nbsp;</li><li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(89, 89, 89); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#595959;'>Thread to match the colour of your fabric</li><li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(89, 89, 89); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#595959;'>Fabric scissors</li><li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(89, 89, 89); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#595959;'>Ruler</li><li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(89, 89, 89); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#595959;'>Pencil or tailors chalk or dressmakers&rsquo; pencil for dark fabrics</li><li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(89, 89, 89); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#595959;'>Plain paper to draw up templates</li><li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; line-height: 107%; font-size: 15px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: rgb(89, 89, 89); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:107%;font-size:15px;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#595959;'>Templates for each design are available to download</li></ul><hr fr-original-style="" style="border-color: var(--border-muted); border-style: solid; clear: both; break-after: page; user-select: none; box-sizing: border-box;">LEARNING OUTCOMES:<ul type="disc" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px;">Learn and practice a new and exciting skill.</li><li style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px;">Develop confidence and enhance your skills with just a needle and thread!</li><li style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px;">Create exciting smocking designs that can be used for fashion, interiors or accessories</li><li style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style="font-size: 16px;">A creative activity that will aid your wellbeing by improving your concentration, memory and problem solving.</li></ul>

AMERICAN SMOCKING WITH NICKY SIMPSON
ONLINE ON-DEMAND
FEES: FULL COURSE £35



WHAT THE COURSE IS ALL ABOUT:
A great new short course, led by textile artist NICKY SIMPSON. This course introduces you to 11 smocking designs and teaches you how to create American Smocking, an exciting and original textile skill that is formed with just a needle and thread!



WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR:
This short course is suitable for anyone, and especially for those new to textiles. You may be a teacher wanting to up-skill, a student who wants to further your current knowledge, or anyone who would like to be more creative with very limited equipment!



WHAT TO EXPECT:
This is a comprehensive course which offers a series of 6 short video tutorials, where you can practice alongside Nicky, working at your own pace. Each video can be paused and rewound. There are also step-by-step guides, 11 downloadable smocking templates and tips.
Video Tutorial 1: Introduction & Equipment
Video Tutorial 2: Materials
Video Tutorial 3: Practice Stitches

Video Tutorial 4: Practice Sample
Video Tutorial 5: Templates
Video Tutorial 6: Get Creative!



WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Fabric: A cotton-based fabric to do trails
Fabric: for creating your smocking
Hand sewing needle
Thread to match the colour of your fabric
Fabric scissors
Ruler
Pencil or tailors chalk or dressmakers’ pencil for dark fabrics
Plain paper to draw up templates
Templates for each design are available to download



LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Learn and practice a new and exciting skill.
Develop confidence and enhance your skills with just a needle and thread!
Create exciting smocking designs that can be used for fashion, interiors or accessories
A creative activity that will aid your wellbeing by improving your concentration, memory and problem solving.

Textiles Skills Centre

Interior Styling

A Level Art

Interior Design

Textiles

2D Design

Sewing

Fashion

Interior Decoration

Fashion Design

A Level Art & Design

Introduction to American Smocking textiles technique, lead by NICKY SIMPSON. 

American Smocking (Online On-Demand Course)

General Admission

CREATING ARTWORKS WITH BONDAWEB + NICKY SIMPSON
ONLINE ON-DEMAND
FEES: FULL COURSE £35
Unlock your creativity with our innovative Bondaweb Artworks online course! Join textile artist NICKY SIMPSON in a series of engaging video tutorials, perfect for learning at your own pace. This is an artwork that can be created with just hand embroidery.  Start creating today! 

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR:
This short course is suitable for anyone interested in learning a new exciting and fun textile skill. It is a creatively fulfilling process that is easily accessible for crafters of all abilities.

There are video tutorials, downloadable step-by-step guides and other resources to support you throughout the course.




WHAT TO EXPECT:
This online course is delivered through a series of short video tutorials, where you can practice alongside Nicky. Each video can be paused and rewound, working at your own pace. There are also downloadable step-by-step guides that accompany each tutorial.
The Course Programme:
Lesson 1: What is Bondaweb?
Lesson 2: Bondaweb - The Process
Video Tutorials:
Preparation
Design your Artwork
Bondaweb-The Process
Lesson 3: Aquatic Themed Bondaweb Artwork
Video Tutorials:
Aquatic Theme Preparation
Creating an Aquatic Themed Artwork
Adding Free Hand Machine Embroidery
Adding Hand Embroidery
Lesson 4: Floral Themed Bondaweb Artwork 
Video Tutorials:

Floral Themed Artwork
Adding Machine & Hand Embroidery
Lesson 5: Patchwork Bondaweb ArtworkVideo Tutorials:
Patchwork Artwork



WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Bondaweb on a roll: This is the primary material you will be using.
Fabric ground: A plain fabric base, this can be cotton or polyester (scrap fabrics for the patchwork design)
Haberdashery: Scrap fabrics and a variety of threads. Gather beads, sequins, ribbons, yarns, or any other embellishments you want to incorporate into your artwork
Iron and board: To fuse the fabric layers together, no steam. Iron should be on its hottest temperature.
Hand sewing needle and thread & hand embroidery needle and thread.
Fabric scissors.
Acrylic paint: very small amount (2 colours) & paintbrush.
Baking parchment (greaseproof paper) to protect your iron
If you are machine embroidering your artwork, you will also need:
Sewing machine with free hand capacity
Thread
Embroidery hoop




LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Learn and practice a new and exciting skill.
Develop confidence and enhance your skills.
An artistic activity that can be created without a sewing machine
Create your own artwork.
Artistic activities provide an outlet for self-expression, whether you are an artist or not, creative expression promotes positive well-being




COURSE DEVELOPERNicky Simpson BA(Hons) Textiles Design: Specialising in print.

This course has been developed by NICKY SIMPSON who has developed many face-to-face and online courses, as well as delivering workshops in schools, at the Festival Of Quilts, Knitting & Stitching Show, Stitch Festival and for the National Trust.
Nicky’s own work is creating arts and craft mostly with a heat press, featuring both machine and hand embroidery. Much of her work incorporates the flora found naturally in our beautiful English countryside. 





 Feedback for other online courses developed by Nicky: 
'I have completed this course this weekend and really enjoyed myself. I brushed up on some techniques I already knew, and can now see some new ideas for them. I really enjoyed the new techniques that I had shied away from before, as I thought they would be too tricky! The tutorial videos are very clear with great demos. Can't wait to experiment more.'



Other Online Courses:-
The following short course on Free Hand Machine Embroidery will be very useful to create the techniques on this course.
Introduction To Free Hand Machine Embroidery
Online Short Courses - Textiles Skills Centre


 



Creating with Dissolvable Fabric

Online Short Courses - Textiles Skills Centre





Creating Repeat Patterns for Print
Online Short Courses - Textiles Skills Centre




American Smocking
Online Short Courses - Textiles Skills Centre



Art Teacher

A short online course led by NICKY SIMPSON,  learning how to be creative using Bondaweb.

Courses in Leicester

Online Options

Felted Knitting

By Rosina Godwin

Material Adventures in Knitting

By Rosina Godwin

American Smocking (Online On-Demand Course)

By Textiles Skills Centre

Creating Artworks With Bondaweb (Online On-Demand)

By Textiles Skills Centre

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