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.

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 newest jacket - The Tabby Coat!

What Are What Knots?

Participants will pick a project from a brand new line of patterns called What Knots? and can make a pair of Spotted Fantails, a set of Celestial Pincushions, or perhaps a Tufted Gertie. Students will work with overdyed wool and fabrics that have traditionally been reserved for use in upholstery and drapery to construct these special designs.These whimsical items are both fun and functional.

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!

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.

Embossed Velvet
The best part of learning this technique is searching for a special design that will personalize and transform a piece of clothing or an accessory into an original work that expresses your individual personality. Where does one find such a design? …The handle of your Great Aunt's silver serving piece…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. Students will learn to press designs in velvet. Ideas for incorporating pressed velvet designs in the embellishment of clothing, personal accessories, and home decorating items will be discussed. Each student will construct a velvet scarf or other small project and will leave class with several small pressed velvet designs that can be incorporated into their own projects at a later date.

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.

Overdying and Feltmaking
This team taught class by Melissa Becker and Sue Spargo can be done as a full day workshop or expanded into a two day retreat. Join us and learn techniques for overdying wool and cotton. We will use natural products and plant materials in addition to commercially available dyes. Instruction will focus on work in small groups with plenty of "hands on" activities for everyone. Participants will also learn and practice two simple techniques for making wool felt. The history surrounding these arts will be discussed throughout the instructional process and the instructors will share numerous example pieces.Each student will complete three small projects, a felt pincushion, an embellished journal cover, and a yarn tie with felt closure for a portfolio. Projects incorporate the materials produced and the techniques demonstrated and practiced throughout the day. Students will leave this class with a portfolio filled with swatches, information, resources, and recipes for later use.