Online Workshop Kyrgyz Shyrdak Felting, Appliqué and Stitching with Karin Altmann
6. - 7.5.2023

Online Workshop Kyrgyz Shyrdak Felting, Appliqué and Stitching with Karin Altmann<br>6. - 7.5.2023

© Karin Altmann

At this year’s ETN Conference in Łódź, Poland, Karin gave a lecture on “Felted Narratives – Decoding Patterns of Kyrgyz Carpets” and invited us to take a closer look on Kyrgyz patterns and ornaments that have arisen on the basis of processes of abstraction and coding.

Now is the chance to immerse yourself in this traditional Kyrgyz textile technique and experience the magic of felting.

Workshop outline:

Kyrgyz Shyrdak Felting, Appliqué and Stitching, is a felting and hand sewing class. On the first day of the workshop you will learn how to make your own felt. You will produce three pieces of felt that will form the basis of your work. On the second day Karin will teach you how to create a seat cushion (40x40 cm) using the Kyrgyz Shyrdak technique, involving appliqué and stitching. As you practice in this small format, you will dive into the world of Kyrgyz nomadic embroidery and acquire all the knowledge you need to be able to produce a large carpet yourself. During the workshop, Karin will discuss traditional designs and the meaning of patterns and colours. Part mosaic, part quilt, the Shyrdak interlocking patterns create an expressive image, which always carries positive meaning and is deeply connected to the producer’s life and environment. Karin will guide you through the creative process, teaching how Kyrgyz felt art has the ability to create images through which the invisible become visible.

Level of experience:

Suitable for all levels.
If you are looking for new ways to inspire your felting practice, this is a great opportunity.

A material pack will be sent to participants prior to the workshop containing:

  • Assorted sheep’s wool
  • Instructions (PDF) and the link to a video resource (sent via email)

Additional material list (not provided):

  • 2-3 old towels
  • Bowl (about 2 liters capacity)
  • Vegetable oil soap
  • Thick wooden or plastic stick (diameter approx. 3 cm)
  • Thick cord
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Sewing threads - matching your felt colours
  • Decorative threads such as sashiko thread, handspun yarns etc.
  • Embroidery or sashiko needles of different sizes
  • Pins
  • Scissors for paper and cloth
  • Paper, pencil, eraser

Please note: material packs are shipped on an insured, trackable delivery service. Any customs duties, delays, lost or undeliverable packs are the responsibility of the customer. Once a material packs leaves the workshop tutors' hands with a tracking number, the seller has no further obligation to the buyer.

Workshop cancellation policy:
All places reserved on workshops are non-refundable.

If you require additional information about this workshop please contact Marina Herriges media@selvedge.org

Registration and more information: Selvedge Workshop Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

© Karin Altmann

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