Textile Craft Teaching showcased at The Textile Fair 2018

This weekend, while being hosted as a press guest at the historic Warwickshire Art Gallery at Compton Verney I had a pleasant chat with Deputy Head, School of Fashion and Textiles at Birmingham City University UK, prof. Marlene Little.

Pictured centre is prof. Marlene Little exhibiting the work of  BCU students at The Textile Fair 2018 Compton Verney

Professor Little explained that the degree courses equip students with the traditional hand craft skills of stitch, embroidery; pattern cutting etc. The practical skills are acquired as a base to build upon, and tried and tested stitching and piecing techniques are honed. View the current course list in the field of Fashion and Textiles 

In contrast to the style and approach to making the stunning outfit above, introducing technology to the teaching can produce a very different end result. CAD programming and other computer software and digital printing is an example of having the capability to use all kinds of materials in design with a less laborious approach attached to the making. This allows the textures in fashion pieces to mix and be fabulous in a very different way. See below how student, Charlotte Moore used sequin printing. Moore's creation earned her a finalist position in both the Katie Jones Fashion and Colour Award and the GFW Textile Award

By Charlotte Moore Womenswear Graduate 2018 (Birmingham City University)

The Embroiders Guild - Leamington Spa

Across from the main house event at Compton Verney an embroidery exhibition was running within the 'Capability Brown' chapel building. Again, some wonderful examples of textile education happening, and a workshop was in full swing. The group hosts regular talks and workshops by expert tutors. Having viewed some of the fabulous stitch work it was good to know that there is some worthwhile community based education going on.

At Leamington Spa there's also a junior group of keen embroiderers. They meet in the St Mary's Church, Leamington Spa on the first Saturday morning of the month 11.00 - 1.00 pm. I was heartened to learn that members include two boys who enjoy the sessions.