Lorena Uriarte

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Kawandi : @ Carrefour European Patchwork Meeting; Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (France)

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Lorena stitches kawandi with bright colourful fabrics.

Explore the vibrant art of Kawandi quilting, a traditional hand-stitched technique rooted in the heritage of the Siddi people of India and Pakistan.
This engaging three-hour workshop is open to all skill levels and offers a hands-on introduction to a slow, meditative style of quilt making.
Participants will learn how to layer fabrics and stitch directly onto a backing using simple running stitches, gradually building beautiful texture and rhythm.
Improvisation and creative freedom are at the heart of this process—each piece evolves naturally, with no need for rulers or rigid planning.
Throughout the session, students are encouraged to work intuitively and enjoy the peaceful, tactile nature of hand stitching.

A complete kit is included, containing all the necessary materials: fabric, thread, and needles.
Participants are only asked to bring a pair of scissors and their favorite thimble.
By the end of the workshop, each person will leave with a one-of-a-kind piece and a deeper appreciation for this meaningful and time-honored textile tradition.

Kawandi

Course location

Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Ancien lycée, 3 rue Osmonthop

Melbourne : GJ’s Fabrics

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Join me for a Crafty Extravaganza from June 28th to 30th!

Are you ready for a creative adventure that spans three exciting days? Join me for three days of workshops where you get to choose your own crafting path!

Workshop Details:

Dates: Friday 28th, Saturday 29th, and Sunday 30th June

Location: The spacious and well-lit classroom upstairs at GJ’s in Fairfield. Enjoy ample street parking and a shop stocked with all the supplies you’ll need.

Classes Offered:

  • Quilt Coat Class: BOOK HERE!
    • Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Dive into creating your very own quilt coat. This class spans two days to ensure you can perfect your creation.
  • Retreat Bag Class: BOOK HERE!
    • Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
    • Craft a stylish retreat bag perfect for carrying your crafting essentials. This class is designed to be completed in a single day.
  • Kawandi Class: BOOK HERE!
    • Time: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
    • Explore the traditional quilting technique of kawandi. While this class can be completed in a day, those wishing to turn their kawandi piece into a bag may need additional time or careful instruction.

Workshop Logistics:

  • Each day, classes will have staggered start times to accommodate all participants.
  • A friendly workshop assistant will be on hand to provide guidance and support throughout the sessions.

Fees:

  • from $150 per day: This fee covers the workshop session, morning tea, and lunch.
  • Please note: The fee does not include your choice of quilt coat pattern. A prep & requirement list is provided in each class description. An additional fee is charged for larger kits in the Kawandi or Retreat Bag classes.

Additional Kits:

  • Extra or larger kits are available to order.

Reserve Your Spot:

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to do these popular classes! Whether you attend for one, two, or all three days, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time crafting and connecting with fellow quilters. Reserve your spot now and get ready to create something fun!

Fabric & Notions Requirements for Quilt Coat Class:

  • Quilt Sizing: For sizes up to 18, a 60” square quilt will typically suffice. Larger sizes or hooded coats may require additional quilted pieces or a larger quilt. Ensure you have enough quilted fabric by printing out pattern pieces and checking them before class. You can also opt to patch and quilt pieces separately for each pattern piece rather than cut up a full sized quilt.
  • Preparation: If possible, pre-shrink your quilt by washing it with cool water and colour catchers.
  • Quilt Style: Simple one-block quilts are easiest to work with, quilts with multiple or large borders can pose challenges but can work with proper pattern placement.
  • Quilting Density and Wadding: Lighter quilting and wadding result in a lighter and softer coat. Opt for all-over, diagonal, or gridded quilting patterns, avoiding densely or horizontal line quilted fabrics.
  • Backing/Lining Fabric: Consider backing your quilt with cotton lawn, voile, or sateen to reduce bulk.
  • Bias Binding: You’ll need at least 5 meters of 2” cut bias binding. You can make your own bias binding or purchase pre-made bias tape. Alternatively, reuse old quilt binding.
  • Buttons or Press Studs: 4-5 1” buttons or heavy-duty metal press studs.
  • Thread: Use 40wt cotton for machine piecing and 50wt cotton for slip-stitching binding.
  • General Sewing Supplies: Ensure you have a walking foot, pins, wonder clips, hand sewing needles, permanent marker, erasable marker or chalk pen, scissors, fabric glue, and a quick unpick.

Pattern Options:

Remember to download and print out your chosen coat pattern in the correct size, and follow the individual pattern instructions for measuring, sizing, and printing at home. If unsure, size up. Trace pattern pieces onto Trace & Toil (or mid weight interfacing), cut the left & right front and sleeve pieces, and ensure all relevant pattern markings are copied. Don’t forget to label each piece with your name.

Feel free to email me with any questions!

Requirements for Retreat Bag Class: 

  • Fabric Selection: Students are required to provide their own fabric for the outer shell and lining of the retreat bag. For a small bag, you’ll need a Fat Quarter for the outer fabric and half a meter for the lining. For a large bag, you’ll need half a meter of each fabric for the outer and lining.
  • Notions: Bring along matching thread, top stitching sewing machine needles , pins, scissors, a rotary cutter and cutting mat (if preferred), measuring tape, and a seam ripper.
  • Sewing Machine: Bring your sewing machine in good working condition, along with its manual and any accessories you may need, such as a quarter inch foot, zipper foot or walking foot.
  • Iron and Ironing Board: Irons and ironing boards will be available for use during the class. You may wish to bring a small personal iron for pressing seams and applying interfacing as needed.

Ensure you have all necessary materials and tools prepared before the class, as the printed pattern, interfacings and hardware required for constructing the retreat bag will be included in the provided kit.

Lorena stitches kawandi with bright colourful fabrics.

Requirements for Kawandi Class:

  • Personal Items: Don’t forget to bring your glasses if you require them for close work. Additionally, bring your favorite thimble to aid in hand stitching, as well as a small pair of scissors for trimming threads and fabric.
  • Provided Kit: A complete kit containing everything you need to make a 45cm kawandi will be provided for each participant. This kit includes all necessary materials such as fabrics, threads,  pins and needles.

Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading to the need for cancellation. However, due to travel arrangements from interstate, we kindly request a minimum of 7 DAYS notice for cancellations. This allows us to attempt to fill your reserved spot or accommodate any changes effectively. Alternatively, you are welcome to send a replacement attendee in your place.

For participants who have purchased kits, arrangements can be made to have them mailed to you upon cancellation. Please note that rescheduling of the workshop in Melbourne will not be possible in 2024.

Regrettably, failure to provide notice within the stipulated timeframe or non-attendance on the day of the class will result in forfeiture of the entire class fee. This policy is in place to account for the costs incurred in travel arrangements and the inability to fill the vacant spot at short notice.

In the event that we need to cancel or reschedule a workshop, every effort will be made to notify you promptly. If rescheduling is not feasible or if you prefer not to reschedule, a full refund of the class fee will be provided. We strive to provide more than 48 hours notice for any cancellations or changes.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding our cancellation policy. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

KAWANDI : UsefulBox – Marrickville

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Back by popular demand!

Relaxing day of hand stitching a Kawandi style quilt.didi

Kawandi Kit - students only

No need to bring a thing, everything is provided in a kit so you can focus on learning this Siddi scrap quilt technique.

Make a quilt, cushion cover or bag with your class sample.

Or book into the follow up class on 19 Nov to turn it into a fab structured zipper pouch!

Quilted Retreat Bag

Kawandi : Melbourne

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Finally, my return to Melbourne to teach two Kawandi Workshops!

This time at the fabulous big space at GJs Fabrics in Fairfield so you can pick up some goodies before and after the class.

Two days to choose from: Friday 3rd February and Saturday 4th February, 10am to 3pm.

The cost includes a complete kit with everything you need to make your own small kawandi panel: foundation fabric, batting, an assortment of colourful patchwork fabric, needles, pins, 12wt Aurifil thread and more!

Morning and afternoon tea will also be provided. Bring a packed lunch if you wish.

Lorena stitches kawandi with bright colourful fabrics.

Kawandi : Melbourne

by

Finally, my return to Melbourne to teach two Kawandi Workshops!

This time at the fabulous big space at GJs Fabrics in Fairfield so you can pick up some goodies before and after the class.

Two days to choose from: Friday 3rd February and Saturday 4th February, 10am to 3pm.

The cost includes a complete kit with everything you need to make your own small kawandi panel: foundation fabric, batting, an assortment of colourful patchwork fabric, needles, pins, 12wt Aurifil thread and more!

Morning and afternoon tea will also be provided. Bring a packed lunch if you wish.

Kawandi Workshop with Lorena

Kawandi Retreat Bag : Warriewood

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Kawandi Retreat Bag Workshop

Want to learn how to stitch kawandi? It’s a really relaxing and fun way to use up your fabric scraps.

This is the workshop for you… a class kit is supplied with everything you need to get started to make a small piece. Fabric, needle, batting, thread. Bring your favourite pair of scissors and a comfy thimble.

If you’ve already learnt the technique, make the super useful Retreat Bag. A kit is available with the pattern, frames, interfacing and zipper. There are two sizes to choose from. More information will be provided on enrolment.

The workshop cost is $110 and includes kawandi kit, lunch and morning/ afternoon tea.

Please advise if you have any special dietary requirements.

Plenty of parking is available, and the class size is small to allow for individual instruction time.

N95 masks will be available for anyone who needs one but please don’t come if you have covid symptoms. I’m testing regularly and I ask that students also test before class.

Contact me if you have any queries!

lorena (AT) lorenauriarte.com

c. 2015 Lorena Uriarte