Training

The genesis of my work as a fabric artist was with my grandmother who spun wool to knit the family's socks and sweaters. It continued through my mother who found joy in dressing me in pretty clothes as a child. I've expanded from that background by attending workshops and classes in the United States and abroad. I've had the opportunity to display my work throughout the United States and in Europe and have been fortunate to win several awards, including First Place for Innovative Quilts, American Quilters Society, Paducah, KY, 1997

Weaving

Spinning

Dyeing

SPONTANEOUS DYEING ON FABRIC: A playful experience of dyeing without rules. As many techniques as possible are crammed into the time available. Low immersion dyeing, painting, shibori, resist, discharge, and stamping are some of the techniques. Students will have at least two yards or eight fat quarters of examples that can be used in their own quilt making. There is a materials fee. Materials: white cottons and/or silks One day or two days.

Other Fiberarts

DOODLE A SQUARE: Start by designing a simple four inch square on paper; enlarging it; and intersecting it with more lines as needed to make a well designed quilt block. This was the technique I used to create a blue ribbon quilt in the NQA, Paducah Show in 1997. A copy machine must be available. Materials: paper, pen, pencil, and ruler Half day or one day.

IMPROVISATIONAL QUILT MAKING: Throw away your rulers and templates. This is a method of spontaneous and intuitive cutting and piecing fabric to make quilts that are totally personal and original. At least three different free-hand techniques are explored. Materials: Sewing machine, cutting mat, rotary cutter, basic sewing supplies, and many fat quarters of varying colors and designs. One day.

SURFACE DESIGN ON FABRIC: More playing. This time, applying designs onto fabric. Making stamps, stamping, screening, paints, foils, resists. As many techniques as time allows. There is a materials fee. Materials: white or dyed fabrics. Colors preferred or hand dyed. One day or two days.

IMPROVISATIONAL PIECING: Examples of improvisational piecing in both quilts and warables are shown and discussed. This includes a demonstration of free hand cutting and piecing on the sewing machine.

Travel

I will travel and present workshops and lectures on-site. Please contact me regarding arrangements and fees at contact@emmieseaman.com. I am available to present the following lectures: TRUNK SHOW: An ever changing show of quilts and garments made by myself. Shows the evolution and development of ideas from my "weaving days" to the nontraditional piecing and quilting that I do now. I will explain how I have become a textile artist, how my creative ideas evolve, and what inspires me. Construction, process, and design is discussed.

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