Learn to stitch a portrait with Harriet Riddle

Description

Harriet Riddle is a performance textile artist, join Harriet at Stitching Kitchen for a day of textile art using free machine embroidery. She describes her work: 

"I transport my sewing machine to public places to draw in stitch. Observing the surroundings and people, I create a narrative of my experience. Using a sewing machine on a train, in a laundrette or by a bus stop, I become a public installation.

I empathise with the objects and people: they become caricatures of my imagination as I create their story.

The experience I gain from interaction with the environment feeds in to my stitching and enriches the narrative. Snatches of conversation and scraps of material are woven into the piece."

During the day you will develop your skills with Free Motion Embroidery. Our aim is to become confident to draw with your sewing machine like a pen. We look at portraits, slap dash applique, magic dissolvable templates, stitched words and story telling. 

As Harriet will pre-prepare the magic dissolvable templates we will be asking for a subject image ahead of time. 

To have a successful day you must have a basic understanding of a sewing machine, i.e. how to thread it and wind a bobbin. Ideally bring your own machine or borrow a PFAFF machine from the studio. 

You can see Harriets work at the Knit and Stitch show in Alexandra Palace in October 2024 when she has a solo exhibition. Alternatively take a look at her website: https://institchyou.com/index

As always you will have a warm welcome, teas and coffee through the day and some home made cake. Please bring a packed lunch.