Join me on:
Heather Potten
  • Home
  • Felt
    • Current Exhibitions >
      • White Fox Gallery
    • 2019 Round-up
    • 2018 Round-up
    • Inspired Exhibition >
      • Inspired Photographs
      • Visitor Book
      • Video
    • Exhibitions in 2015
    • Fashion Show 2014
    • Felt+Flower Exhibition 2014
  • Photographs
    • Summer's End
    • Nepal Clamour and Colour
    • Cuban Culture
    • Marrakech Colours
    • Swedish Style
    • Hebridean Landscapes
  • Words and Pictures

Workshop with Catherine O'Leary at Atelier Fiberfusing

9/3/2016

4 Comments

 
If you follow my blog, you will know that Susan and I go way back. We have holidayed together countless times and, most recently, made several trips in pursuit of exceptional feltmaking experiences. A couple of years ago, Susan gave me a copy of Catherine O'Leary's book, From felt to fabric. Imagine my delight when I saw that, not only was Catherine to be teaching a 3-day workshop on Bodywraps this summer, but that it would take us back to the Netherlands...this time to Atelier Fiberfusing, run by feltmaker, Dorie van Dijk. The location for our felting sojourn on the banks of the River Amstel could not have been bettered, despite the heatwave of the first couple of days and the ever-hungry mosquitoes at our accommodation.
The days of the workshop with Catherine were full from start to finish. This was an international group of experienced feltmakers, keen to learn and full of high expectations. Catherine combined a gentle manner with clear instruction, regular reinforcement and constant encouragement. To see how hard everyone worked and the huge range of design and garments produced over the period was fascinating.
My approach to the workshop was to do as I was told (yes, really)...and to understand the why. By the end of the three days, I had (still in my head but to be written down as soon as possible) a long list of fabulous tips.
How to create a garment from basic shapes. 
How to adjust a pattern. 
How to create interesting design as opposed to fabric.
How to use silk to create shadows.
How to join felt pieces without water.
How to create smooth edges and shape shoulders.
How to make buttons. 
I learned from Catherine and from my classmates. I saw how an efficient feltmaking workspace is organised and set up. I enjoyed the food, the hospitality and the companionship. Most of all, I loved being with women who are as nuts about felt as I am.
4 Comments
catherine oleary link
9/4/2016 07:10:24

what a lovely group of photos. you really captured the energy of the class. it was such a strong group of women and artists.
thanks Heather, i will keep in touch

Reply
Ellen Bakker link
9/4/2016 10:59:34

What a nice text and pictures. It really was a very special workshop. I enjoyed everything of it. The nice contact with the other participants, the hospitality of Dorie, the inspiration, instructions and kindness of Catherine. The surrounding, the swimming in the Amstel (it was hot ☀️). It was like a holiday :) thanks to everybody. Hope to see you in the future!

X Ellen

Reply
Kerstin Waizenegger
9/6/2016 20:12:02

Such a lovely blog with so nice fotos! Everybody can see how awesome the workshop was! Thanks, Heather and to all!

Reply
Marion Casson link
2/19/2018 13:59:01

Loved these photos, Looking forward to taking a workshop with you in October.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Authors

    Heather Potten
    Nicky Orr

    Categories

    All
    Adventure
    Alpaca Wool
    Bags
    Brooches
    Colour Inspiration
    Cowls
    Education
    Europe
    Event
    Exhibition
    Felting Workshops
    Feltmaker
    Garments
    Hats
    Inspiration
    International
    Latvia
    Masterclass
    Nepal
    Netherlands
    Nuno Felt
    One To One Workshop
    Open Studios
    Residential Classes
    Scarves
    Silk
    Social Media Tips
    Texture Inspiration
    Travel
    Vessels
    Workshop

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Sean Rogers1