Textile "Trees": Contemplative Stitching with Loving Kindness with Mirka Knaster
In this in-person workshop, we will create small Korean-style pouches to hang from actual branches. Traditionally, in Korea, while making something for someone you care about, you stitch while holding positive thoughts for that person, whether for a happy marriage, successful career, strong health, and so on. We start with squares of fabric (sagak). There are many options: interior design samples from FabMo, remnants from other projects, Korean ramie, cloth you’ve hand-dyed, felt, organza you’ve painted, even decorative paper. Mix and match colors, patterns, textures or stick to one theme. To close the 4 sides into a dangling pouch, the thread can match or contrast the fabric color. If you like, add beads on the outside and/or a message of good wishes on the inside. In Korea, a larger pouch (jumeoni) might include a gift of money for a child.
Depending on your preference, the pouches can hang from a branch you attach to a wall or hang from a ceiling. Or several branches can fit into a jar, vase, or tall basket. You can also dangle the pouches from metal or wood as a mobile.
No experience necessary.
SUPPLY LIST:
All materials are provided, but you may want to bring the following to create even more personalized mobiles:
Branches to start creating your mobile
Special fabrics and threads you may want to use
if you bring your own fabric, you may want to cutout 5-8 squares of fabric: cut several sizes, but nothing smaller than 3” (on all sides).
Get to know your instructor:
Art offers us moments of now, in which we let go of the past and the future, let go of the constant stream of data rushing through us. It offers an opportunity to pause and be still, leaving behind, even if only briefly, the tumult and busyness of everyday life. Whether we're viewing or creating, art has the power to provide not only an experience of aesthetic pleasure, but also a refuge where it's possible to be fully present and know the timelessness of serenity. A moment of inner quiet in the middle of things can shift our consciousness and body chemistry and alter the tone of our day…Learn more about Mirka here.
Are you a San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles Member? Use code: MEMBER10 for 10% off all workshop registration fees.