We are delighted to welcome back, Kate Sandford. Kate's latest project with us takes it's inspiration from the Siddi art of Kawandi - a perfect project if you are travelling or needing some slow stitching mindfulness! Here's Kate to tell you more...

 

Introduction by Kate:-

I'm so pleased to once again be teaching with CraftyMonkies! I have been interested in the technique of making Siddi inspired Kawandi quilts as a way to indulge in some “slow stitching" for a while now. The Siddi are Indians of African descent who make the Kawandi quilts. I find hand stitching especially useful to keep my hands busy at times when I don't have access to a sewing machine, on holiday or sitting on the sofa. I started learning from watching simple youtube videos, but felt as if I was missing something, a deeper understanding . So when the chance to study with Anitha Reddy (historian and artist) came up I jumped at the chance to learn from someone who has been championing the art. She has been promoting this art/craft around the world including the International Folk Market in Santa Fe and in multiple art gallery exhibitions to give it more exposure, and uplift the lives of the artisans she works with. I particularly enjoyed seeing the work first hand at this year's Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, UK. The gallery sung out with colour and was a hit with all who saw it.

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So now I'm pleased to be able to pass on what I learned to you. To give you the confidence to approach making, using your own fabrics in a way that is sustainable, fun, and machine free. 

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What You Will Learn in this Online Interactive Workshop:-

In this workshop, we will recycle old shirts and other fabric scraps that you might have otherwise discarded, into a colourful, unique, hand quilted place mat or small table runner. This is a great class to explore colour and texture with mindful slow stitching. It's a simple technique with lots of room to be creative. You shouldn't need to buy new fabric for this class in the spirit of the siddi who reuse fabrics around them. 

 

This is a hand sewing class. I will give you the confidence to make Kawandi using your own colourway and compositions.

 

I will teach you how to;

• Choose fabric, and what fabrics to avoid using

• Disassemble old shirts to use

• Use your fingers as a measuring tool

• Fold the edges over, and stitch to start

• Lay the batting down

• Place fabric and add new pieces

• How far apart to sew

• What thread you can use

• How to make checks and corner motifs 

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Skill Level for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

Suitable for people who are comfortable hand sewing, or those just starting to hand sew and want to learn more. We will be using a simple running stitch. Also, this class is great for those who have made Kawandi before and want to explore more complexity to their pieces!...

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Fabric requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

Fabric:-

Ideally in the spirit of reuse and sustainability we will be using scrap fabric in this class, any fabric you have left over from previous makes or favourite (past their best) shirts, will be perfect. Mens work-shirts are perfect for this class, you can buy these at any charity shop.

 

Other fabrics we can use:- 

Quilting weight cotton, double gauze, sari silk, thin chambray, cotton summer dresses, or any fabric from your crafting stash. It does not need to be pre cut for this workshop however I would recommend ironing your scraps before the class.

Minimum size 2 ½” wide. The total amount required is approximately 2-3 fat quarters ( 2-3 shirts) , but bring extra just in case.

AVOID THICK FABRICS such as denim, upholstery weight fabrics, felt, nylon, polyester or lycra. 

 

Backing Fabric and Wadding:-

You need a single piece of cotton fabric for the backing and a piece of wadding/batting for the middle

Small Kawandi = Wadding 10" x 12” and backing at least 12" x 14”    

Large Kawandi = Cotton Fabric 16" x 18” and backing at least 18" x 20”

 

Equipment requirements relevant to this Online Interactive Workshop:-

• Small Scissors or Thread Snips

• Large Fabric Scissors

• A comfortable Thimble

• Thread , Embroidery Floss, Perle cotton (size #8 or #12), Quilting Cotton, Kate's preferred thread is 12wt Aurifil.

• Sharp Sewing Needles to accommodate your thread choice

• Hera Marker (Optional)

You may wish to bring if you have reduced hand mobility:-

• Seam Roller (Optional)

• Needle Threader (Optional)

• Needle Puller (Optional)

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Pattern requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

No pattern is required for this class!

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Additional Information relevant to this Online Interactive Workshop:-

If you have any questions please email Kate directly via katessandford1975@gmail.com

You can also check out Kate's Instagram content via Katemustsew

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Tickets for this Online Class (via the Zoom platform) will be limited and allocated on a first-come/first-served basis! 

The ticket price of £40.00 (approx $46.00) is based on ONE person attending this crafting class.

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This CraftyMonkies online interactive workshop is being broadcast from the United Kingdom and the class time given is based on Greenwich Meantimee (GMT). We advise you check via Google Search (or similar) to see corresponding start-time in YOUR location!

Here's a great world time zone reference:-

https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

 

Are you not able to attend this class due to living in a different time-zone? Are you otherwise engaged on the date of this workshop? Well, we have excellent news! This class is being recorded and a link will be sent to all classmates a few days after the class, so you can watch in your own time!

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You can either attend live or wait for the RECORDING to be sent a few days after the event for you to watch for 60 days. As long as you buy a ticket you can attend or just be sent the recording!

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