April 9, 2022
Program and Workshops
The Artist:
Dionne uses the scale, emotion and energy of landscapes to inspire energetic drawings and textiles. The power of the elements: wind, rain, sea, are translated into layers of intuitive marks on paper and on cloth. Thread colors and textures entwine to produce a vibrant and dynamic surface with tones visually mixing and revealing themselves, hence captivating and entrancing the viewer. Dionne sews as she draws, draws as she sews, using her sewing machine as a mark making tool. Embroidery need not be a slow, static meditation, but can be a lively, vibrant, and effervescent one.
Dionne Swift was shortlisted for Finalist in the Fine Art Textiles Award at The Festival of Quilts 2020. She is a graduate of Goldsmith’s College, London University, she has a Masters in Textiles from UCE, Birmingham and has over 30 years of creative practice experience. Now based between Yorkshire [UK] and Abruzzo [Italy], she exhibits and teaches internationally.
Guild Meeting/Program: Establishing a Rhythm
Discover Dionne’s inspirations and career path as you follow the progress of her work throughout her life.
Date/Time: April 9, 2022 10:30 AM (following Guild meeting)
Location: Online (Zoom)
Mini Workshop: Stitched Illustrations: An Introduction to Free Machine Embroidery
Machine embroidery is an extension of your observation and drawing. During this short class you’ll learn how to set up your machine as a drawing and mark making tool. You’ll discover more about threads and build confidence in your stitch abilities. This is a light-hearted and enjoyable session designed to invigorate your creativity.
Date/Time: April 9, 2022 (1:00 – 4:00 PM)
Location: Class will be held live on Zoom
Mini Workshop Fee: Members: $30.00 Non-Members: $45.00
Student Supply List:
Sewing machine with free motion machine embroidery (darning) foot
Paper/sketch book and drawing pencil/s
A suitable embroidery hoop for your machine (I like a wood square hoop bound with cloth strips to help grip my work.)
Muslin, linen or cotton on which to sew ¬– 3 pieces should be good
Bobbin thread – 60wt – 100wt (a finer thread than usual)
Top thread – black or gray, cotton or polyester, 50-wt and 12-wt (i.e. ordinary sewing thread and top stitching thread weights)
Sewing machine needles – top stitching size 90/14
General sewing paraphernalia
Click here to print supply list.
Extended Workshop: Fabric Illustrations – Applique and Free Machine Embroidery
Paint with fabric and draw with your sewing machine to create wonderful fabric pictures.
Date/Time: April 10, 2022 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM) and April 11, 2022 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location: Class will be held live on Zoom
Workshop Fee: Members: $115.00 Non-Members: $160.00
Student Supply List:
Sewing machine with free motion machine embroidery (darning) foot and straight stitch foot
Paper/sketch book and drawing pencil/s and an image to work from
A suitable embroidery hoop for your machine (I like a wood square hoop bound with cloth strips to help grip my work.)
Muslin, linen or cotton on which to sew ¬– 3 pieces should be good (2 to use for sampling, the other as a backing for the final piece)
A collection of fine cotton cloth in a range of colors
Fusible web (Wonder Under or similar), .5 to 1 yard
Stitch and tear if you have it on hand or other scrap material to use as stabilizer
Iron and ironing surface
Baking parchment to protect iron and surface
Bobbin thread – 60wt – 100wt (a finer thread than usual)
Top thread in a range of colors, cotton or polyester, 50-wt (i.e. ordinary sewing thread weight)
Sewing machine needles – top stitching size 90/14
General sewing paraphernalia–scissors, etc.
Click here to print supply list.