I am doing a new 5-day workshop! Improvisational Stitching!

But what does that mean, exactly? Well funny you should ask, because I’ve given it a great deal of thought. Improvisational Stitching is what I call what I do when I begin with a piece of fabric, usually a piece of hand dyed linen, with no preconceived notion of what I’m going to do other than follow the striations in the fabric and begin stitching. I don’t sketch anything out, I just begin stitching.

Over time the piece develops and I begin adding other elements. Sometimes I’ll add other materials, other times that means painting directly onto the fabric and even over the stitching, as I did with my piece, Perseverance.

Eventually the piece takes on a life of its own and then it’s up to me to follow as best I can.

Olea began as a 14″ by 16″ piece of olive green hand dyed linen. I started stitching and adding things, like the hand painted t-shirt strips to the left.

Eventually it became this, which I titled, “Olea” but my friend Anna Bates called, “After the Wedding”.

Improvisational Stitching is so much fun! There are no rules, nothing is forbidden, anything goes. I absolutely love it!! Which leads me to the workshop I’m doing: Improvisational Stitching!

Have you ever wanted to create an improvisational piece, but felt too intimidated to start? This is the workshop for you! 

We begin with a hand dyed piece of linen, loosely woven cotton or wool. I suggest starting with a piece that isn’t too large – say 14” x 16” or smaller.  It can be a square or a rectangle.  Choose a color that you love for the background.  It can be any color, just make sure you LOVE it!  If you want to piece a background together, you can also do that.

This is a “hands on” workshop, in other words, everyone will be working and creating during the workshop with me cheering you on. Using a wide variety of threads, and other materials, we will embellish with no preconceived ideas. I will hold your hand, encourage you to explore and try new things. Each week you will be given a challenge to expand and add to your piece. This is a dive-into-the-deep-end workshop. We will have a blast.  All levels of stitchers are welcome.  You will not be alone. I will be with you every step of the way. 

Workshop Length: 5 Saturdays from 1pm – 4:30pm EDT

Date: April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & May 1st

Cost: $500

Until my website is up and running I will be taking reservations through this blog, via my Facebook Page: Ariane Zurcher Stitching Circle and my Youtube Channel: Ariane Zurcher ~ On the Other Hand.