In February 2018, my husband and I relocated to Pender Island where I now operate a private studio accommodating two to three students. My Fall 2025 Workshop Schedule runs September through December, featuring screen printing, Boro/visible mending, and 3-D vessel construction in intimate, hands-on sessions.
I can arrange custom workshops upon request, and I offer ferry transportation assistance for off-island participants. Register soon as space is limited. Further information: susanpm@shaw.ca or subscribe to my Design Notes newsletter for current scheduling and availability updates.
A printable supply list is with each workshop information
Boro Stitching
October 14 - 15
9:30 - 12:30
Learn the traditional Japanese art of Boro stitching, a time-honored technique that transforms worn clothing and textiles into beautiful, functional pieces through visible mending and layering. This hands-on workshop will teach you the meditative running stitch methods used for generations to extend the life of garments, turning necessary repairs into opportunities for creative self-expression. You'll discover how to breathe new life into your favorite damaged clothes or fabric scraps, creating unique pieces that celebrate both sustainability and personal style. By the end of the session, you'll have mastered a valuable traditional skill that connects mindful making with practical upcycling.
Register
Screen Printing - Three Ways
October 29-30
9:30-12:30
Discover three accessible screen printing methods for fabric and paper using basic equipment and appropriate paints. You'll start with freezer paper stencils and masks, advance to creating thermofax screens from your own designs, and master practical techniques that work in any home studio without expensive supplies or extensive setup time. We'll explore how to incorporate your printed pieces into home decor, clothing, and mixed media projects, giving you versatile skills for immediate application.
Register
Little Pinch Pots
November 12-13 - 9:30 - 12:30
Learn to create charming three-dimensional fabric vessels using needle and thread instead of clay and kiln. This hands-on workshop teaches you to transform flat textiles into sculptural pinch pot forms through cutting, draping, and stitching techniques that mimic traditional pottery-making methods. You'll start by selecting and texturing fabrics with stamps, stencils, and other tools, then shape them into small containers using embroidery and structural stitching. By the end of the session, you'll have crafted several unique fabric pots complete with embellishments and details, giving you both a new textile skill and functional art pieces that celebrate the possibilities of working with fabric in unexpected ways.
Register
