Wednesdays: August 6, 13, 20, 27; 5–6:30pm CT
In this virtual workshop, you'll create a handmade, fabric soft-book that tells a visual story with expressive hand-sewing.
The process will guide you through how to transform your ideas into a tangible narrative from inspiration to construction. Explore techniques—such as embroidery stitches and lettering—and options for book design to best support your narrative.
Instruction will include illustrated lectures, mindful sewing practice, and sewing meditation prompts to deepen your connection to the narrative while building skills, adding structure, and embellishing the project. Examples of narrative textile books will be shown and we’ll examine how cohesive messages, graphics, and thoughtful design choices contribute to the overall narrative composition.
Come away from the workshop with the knowledge and skills to craft more narrative books and a finished (or close to finished) textile bookwork.
Level: Intermediate. Basic hand-sewing experience is necessary to have prior to this workshop, including threading a needle, tying a knot, and making a running stitch. The instructor will introduce basic embroidery stitches and other sewing techniques to add visual interest to your books during the workshop.
Certificate: 6 hours, Category D
Pricing
$147/participant (10% discount for MCBA members)
$74 for BIPOC/Financial scholarship participants (10% discount for MCBA members)
MCBA offers two scholarship types for workshops—Financial Hardship Scholarships and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Scholarships—to honor equity and increase access and artistic opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in the book arts. For individuals to whom these scholarships do not apply, register at the Adult rate and, if you are able, consider making a donation when registering to support MCBA’s efforts to make scholarships available.
What you'll need to participate
Tech requirements: For this participatory virtual workshop we recommend joining on a laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone, if possible. You will receive step-by-step instructions for downloading Zoom (it’s free!) and accessing the workshop online approximately 2 days before the workshop’s start date.
Materials: You are responsible for sourcing your own materials from the materials list. You are welcome to reach out to teaching artists with questions about materials in advance of the workshop (contact information is listed on the materials list).
