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February 2020
Learn the basics of dyeing six different kinds of fibers - wool, alpaca, silk, cotton, bamboo and linen. For each fiber, you'll dye several samples while learning how to mix, process, set, and rinse the colors using both fiber reactive and acid dyes. Practice color mixing and discover the ways that the same colors can be combined to achieve different results. For this class, we'll work with yarns, but the same techniques would apply to dyeing fabrics made from the same materials. Finally, using your samples as reference, dye your own skein in a colorway you design. Supplies Note: Bring one skein of yarn in your choice of fibers. Cotton, linen, wool, alpaca, silk, nylon or bamboo. Any combinations of these fibers is fine. (Up to 10% of any other fiber is fine.) Any weight yarn is fine (bulky, worsted, fingering, DK etc) Skeins should be standard sized (approx 2-3 oz) Your skein should be white, cream or a light color. If your yarn is in a ball, please rewind it into a skein before you come to class. Disposable gloves will be provided, but if you have reusable gloves (like the kind you use for doing dishes) you are welcome to bring them. I recommend wearing clothes that can get messy or bring an apron. $25 materials fee, payable to the instructor
Find out moreMarch 2020
Designing fabric is more than just putting pencil to paper or generating pixels in Photoshop; it’s about connecting and sharing stories and ideas. Get a tour of what it’s like to design fabrics and print them using Spoonflower, a web-based service for printing your own fabric designs. Get the scoop on the technical details of uploading and proofing your files, see samples of different fabrics and walk through the process from start to finish. We’ll also talk cost-saving tips for getting the most out of your yard of fabric, ways to proof designs and more. This program is for a member meeting for the Minneapolis Modern Quilt Guild. Non members are welcome to attend as a guest; there may be a small meeting fee for non-members. Please contact the MMQG if you are interested in attending.
Find out moreDesigning fabric is more than just putting pencil to paper or generating pixels in Photoshop; it’s about connecting and sharing stories and ideas. Get a tour of what it’s like to design fabrics and print them using Spoonflower, a web-based service for printing your own fabric designs. Get the scoop on the technical details of uploading and proofing your files, see samples of different fabrics and walk through the process from start to finish. We’ll also talk cost-saving tips for getting the most out of your yard of fabric, ways to proof designs and more. This program is for a member meeting for the Minnesota Contemporary Quilters. Non members are welcome to attend as a guest; there may be a small meeting fee for non-members. Please contact the MCQ if you are interested in attending.
Find out moreJuly 2020
Learn to design your own fabrics with Spoonflower, working with Adobe Photoshop as a fabric design tool. Using photographs, paintings, drawings and cut paper textures as starting points for your designs, class time will be focused on practice with digital tools and techniques for creating seamless textures, learning how to work with layers, and understanding the techniques to accomplish specific effects. You will see hands-on samples of all of the Spoonflower fabrics and talk about optimizing your design for printing on different surfaces, troubleshooting color and scale, and choosing the right fabric for your project. You do not need drawing or painting skills; no experience with Photoshop or fabric design is necessary, although you should be comfortable with basic computer functions (copy/paste, saving and uploading files, working with a thumbdrive). You will leave class with several print-ready design files and will receive printed swatches of your designs mailed to you after class. Visit spoonflower.com to learn more about this platform. Please see the FAQ about this class to see more details about the computer equipment, software and tools you will need for class.
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