Fabric Manipulation Techniques (Bramley, Guildford)

Description

Venue: St. Catherine's School, Bramley, near Guildford, Surrey GU5 0DF

Date: SAT 08 MAY 2027

Time: 9.30 - 15.30

COST: £215

An inspiring creative course developed by Nicky Simpson

This hands-on course is ideal for anyone looking to reskill, upskill, or spark fresh inSpend a creative, hands-on day exploring a wide range of fabric manipulation and constructed textile techniques that you can take straight back into the classroom.

Designed for teachers of GCSE and A Level Textiles within Art & Design and Design & Technology, this practical course is ideal whether you are new to teaching textiles or simply want to refresh your skills, discover new techniques and develop exciting resources for your students.

Throughout the day you will create your own fabric manipulation sample resource, exploring techniques that can be linked to themes, artists and designers, primary research, design development and final outcomes.

Course Reviews:

"Fantastic creative day with Nicky Simpson again. Learnt a lot of new skills to teach my textiles students. Such a treat to have a day off and spend time with fellow textilers!! Loved every minute"

Who is this course for?

Perfect for:

Art & Design Textiles teachers • D&T Textiles teachers • GCSE & A Level teachers • ECTs and non-specialist teachers • Technicians and experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration

Whether you need to build your confidence or refresh your creativity, this is a day to experiment, make, share ideas and leave with a wealth of inspiration for your classroom.

Come prepared to make, experiment and go home with a resource you'll actually use!

*ALERT: ECT/NQT's, TRAINEE TEACHERS, TECHNICIANS & SELF-FUNDERS*

We can offer discounts for this course. Please contact dawn@textileskillscentre.com for more information.

Course Review:

"I have been lucky enough to attend a few of the Textiles Skills Centre courses and they have all been absolutely fantastic. These courses have been an absolute game changer - I came away with so many ideas which I was able to put into practice immediately.

Nicky provides so many examples of sketchbooks and final outcomes that you can see first hand how the skills being delivered translate to student work. The skills themselves are varied yet equally really accessible and she provides lots of suggestions on how to approach tight budgets.

Nicky's enthusiasm and expertise is really inspiring and you can't wait to go away and try it all! The student results following the introduction of the projects developed off the back of these courses were outstanding and moderator feedback was really positive too."

What will you explore?

The day will introduce a variety of creative fabric manipulation techniques, which may include:

You'll explore how techniques can be developed rather than simply sampled, encouraging students to experiment, refine and make creative decisions.

Connecting Techniques to GCSE & A Level

This isn't just a practical skills day.

We'll look at how fabric manipulation can become part of a successful GCSE or A Level project, including how to:

What will you take back to school?

You'll leave with your own collection of fabric manipulation samples together with ideas and resources that can be adapted for your students.

Most importantly, you'll have practical, achievable ways to introduce new techniques without creating hours of additional planning.

The course will help you to:

Links to KS4 Art & design Specifications:

‘Students will be able to contextualise their research and ideas, drawing inspiration from artists and designers. Students will also evaluate the art, craft and design they study, and develop an appreciation of the impact it has on their own work and that of others.’

What makes this textile techniques course special?

This face-to-face course offers a unique experience, delivering textile skills, knowledge, and understanding. It provides an inspiring learning environment where you can gain new techniques and explore how to apply them in your own work, or if you are a teacher, how to bring them into the classroom in a fun and engaging way.

Participants can ask questions directly to the course developer, practice hands-on skills, create a sketchbook resource for personal or teaching use, and connect with like-minded creatives.

This course is more than just learning techniques, it’s an opportunity to develop confidence, spark creativity, and build practical resources that will continue to inspire future projects.

Course Developer and Leader: NICKY SIMPSON

Your course leader is NICKY SIMPSON, a contemporary textiles artist, who has 12 years teaching experience, heading up Fashion & Textiles at a school in Kent. She has taught Art & Design Textiles at GCSE and A Level, Design and Technology/Textiles at GCSE & A Level and BTEC Level 3 Fashion. 

Her last set of grades were: A Level 100% A-A*; GCSE 70% A-A* (100% A*-B). She had a previous 22-year career as a print designer and colourist, creating print ranges for the international market. For the past 9 years Nicky has been a workshop developer and leader for the online and F2F courses for Textile and Art teachers on behalf of the Textile Skills Centre, including pattern development. Nicky has mentored many graduate trainees, and now mentors many fellow teachers through the TSC mentorship programme.

Moderator’s comments:

“Textile candidates’ personal portfolios were brimming with ideas, experiments and references to textile and fashion designers as well as fine artists. Overall, the submission was exceptional in the engagement and industry and imaginative use of materials.’

'In Textiles, the standard of the work was outstanding…The course structure was strong. Finished pieces were often exciting and innovative. The individuality of the candidates was clearly seen in the diversity of colours, styles and techniques carefully annotated in work books and then displayed in the final outcomes.”

“The course gave candidates a very strong framework on which to build a response to the theme. Ideas were developed showing depth and thought so that the work of the highest achieving candidates was original, creative and in-depth.”

What others have said about Nicky's workshops:

COSTS & BOOKING VIA CADEMY: £ 215 / DAY

All of the Textile Skills Centre events are ticket only and payable IN ADVANCE. The Textiles Skills Centre uses Cademy to automate the bookings via credit card and cheque/BACS.

When you book you will receive by email a booking confirmation.

If you have any queries, please email us at: info@textileskillscentre.com, and include your phone number and/or email so that we can contact you easily.

*ALERT: ECT/NQT's, TRAINEE TEACHERS, TECHNICIANS & SELF-FUNDERS*

We can offer a 20% discount for this course. For more information please contact dawn@textileskillscentre.com