Melissa Becker Designs - Classes & Workshops

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WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AND LECTURES

A full compliment of workshops, lectures, and trunk shows are available for shops, guilds, shows, and other groups. Sample descriptions of several popular classes are detailed below. In addition to the offerings listed here, Melissa has classes prepared for all current patterns. Custom designed workshops or lectures can be arranged on an individual basis.
Contact Melissa to discuss the education needs of your group and request a teaching information packet.

Wool Gathering – Felting, Fulling, and Fooling Around with Fiber

Participants will learn and practice two simple techniques for making wool felt - needle felting and wet feltmaking. Participants will then use these techniques to complete a small project - a unique ‘junque style' wool felt pincushion. The Participants will leave this class with an understanding of the history and techniques utilized in the feltmaking process and a portfolio of written information that includes resources for materials, references, and a description of techniques presented in class.

It's a Keeper!

Always misplacing your scissors or small tools in class? Here is a functional and beautiful solution… Select a handmade button from the Buttonlore collection by Melissa Becker Designs. Then, make your mark by constructing a cord twisted from exquisite fibers to complete a one-of-a-kind ‘keeper' or bookmark that names an item as yours alone... a small treasure to carry home.



Pin Weaving

There is minimal machine sewing required in this class and guaranteed spectacular results. Learn the surface design technique called pin weaving and construct an elegant evening bag or a unique, pieced, pillow top. Yarn, fabric strips, beads, thread, ribbon, and buttons will be used to create a little masterpiece!



Stacked Wool Appliqué

A technique requiring only straight stitch sewing to create a stacked wool appliqué designs. Participants will use overdyed wool and handcrafted buttons for stitching "flower & vine" designs on wool yardage. Designs will the be incorporated into the construction of an eyeglass case, handbag or other small project. Once you learn this simple technique, you will be ready to construct Melissa's classic jacket - The Tabby Coat!

Dimensional Appliqué

Students bring a ready-made wool or wool-blend sweater to class and learn simple techniques using yarn, wool floss, overdyed wool and recycled, felted sweaters to create an embellished garment that is truly one-of-a-kind. Since each student will be bringing a different sweater, instruction will focus on design options and design placement before we begin the embellishment process. This class does not require the use of a sewing machine. We will be using only basic embroidery stitches and will be doing all sewing by hand.

Pressing Matters – Designs on Velvet

Learning this beautiful embellishment technique is fun and simple. The challenge lies in searching for and creating a design pressed in velvet that transforms your piece – be it clothing, personal accessory, or altered book page.   Where does one find such a design? …a set of old skeleton keys… a brass button that belonged to your Great Grandmother… an exquisite piece of 18th century cotton lace… There are endless possibilities! Participants will complete a small velvet sachet and several additional pressed velvet designs that can be incorporated into other projects at a later date. A portfolio of written information that includes resources for materials and a description of techniques presented in class will be available to each participant.

Creating Faux Patchwork

Create a new fabric from the smallest scraps! Students will learn a simple technique for making faux patchwork and will complete an embellished T-shirt in this class.

Each student will choose to make one of the following three designs, "have a heart," " leaves & berries," or "highland thistle," but … everyone will take home all three designs in the pattern packet provided. In addition, numerous example garments, home, and personal accessories will be shared and discussed.

Embellishment Sampler

This class is an introduction to embellishment techniques used in Melissa's clothing and accessory designs. Instruction will include stacked wool appliqué, faux patchwork, embossed velvet, pin weaving, and dimensional appliqué. Each student will construct a cloth journal that will serve as a sampler of work illustrating these techniques that she can use as a reference in the future. Many sample garments, home decorating items, and personal accessories will be shared and discussed throughout the day.