Fancy a whirl on a pinwheel or prefer to stay squarely grounded? This was the choice for the participants of my August Patchwork Workshop, hosted by Kilcoe Studio in Ballydehob.
With a pre-cut fabric selection of large or small squares, large triangles or small, or a combination of any and all, the day was spent engaged in the craft of English Paper Piecing Patchwork, tessellating these shapes to arrange in pleasing patterns and all sewn by hand. The paper piecing technique uses paper shapes as templates which keeps the patches a uniform size and shape. This craft practice is ideal for beginners or those with sewing experience
Historically, patchwork was a way to utilise small remnants of fabric that otherwise would go to waste and create something useful, such as a bed covering. The fabrics I supplied were remnants and offcuts in Irish linen and cotton print, left over from my garments making, in accordance with a goal of zero waste.
The focus was on the mindful practice of hand work, using hand sewing skills. The emphasis of this workshop was to engage the eye and the hand in the rhythmic, meditative practices of hand sewing. It was about being in the present moment and enjoying the making. The intention was to focus on the process of making, rather than being concerned with a completed project.
If you’d like to know about future dressmaking sewing classes or patchwork workshops, find out more here.
