Workshop with Fiona Wilson

 Fiona Wilson's workshop in July was all to do with experimenting and trying out new ways of stitching using your machine.  Before we did any stitching we 'loosened ourselves up' with some experimental drawing which is a good technique to use before you start a new project. Fiona introduced us to some of the techniques she uses , such as drawing with a pen fastened onto a 3ft stick and drawing without looking at the object.

 Although our drawings were very experimental, when they were cut up into small squares they were a great resource to use for our experimental stitching.
Fiona also introduced us to a Embellishing machine, which again she uses in a very experimental way. often using it on paper.

The outcome of the day's experimenting was a selection of samples which can be used a reference or as the basis for more work.

Fiona's method of using experimental drawing as a basis for stitch definitely allows her to come up with some unique and exciting work. I think I will start to experiment more with drawing before I start a new piece of work.

July 2011 Fiona Wilson

Fiona Wilson inspired us all with her interesting talk and slide show about how she made the change from a stressful career in marketing to becoming a successful artist.

It was lovely to see how Fiona's work had progressed from her early work doing an art foundation course to her recent work for the MA (Textiles) at MMU.
Fiona's career was given a boost when she was chosen to be an Embroiderers' Guild Scholar and we could definitely see why she had been chosen.