Fiber Arts: Sewing & Needlework

Fiber Art instruction is informed by Frances Smokowski’ fifty years of experience—from her childhood being taught by elders in her family, and from college-level studies in fine craft techniques, fiber art history and folklore traditions, to knowledge gleaned from independent study and personal exploration/innovation. Determined students who love purpose-driven creativity that emphasizes color, texture and sequential processes thrive as they create functional, and even marketable, pieces. With a focus on vision and artistry, needlework students learn as they produce. Step by step procedures yielding best results are taught—from fundamental basics to expert tips for accuracy and ease.
Project-based instruction meets student’s interest in specific content areas, including:
●    machine piecing, embellishment and finishing
●    structural and decorative hand stitching
●    embroidery and crewel
●    quiltmaking: piecework and appliqué
●    garment production with and without a pattern
●    wearable art
●    knitting
●    loom weaving
●    doll making and soft sculpture
●    bulk production and efficiency
●    mixed media art incorporating fabric and threads
●    fiber sculpture or installation

NOTE: Needlework lessons are available for students age six and up with appropriate fine motor skills

For further information and to book a lesson, contact  frances.smokowski@icloud.com or (301) 768-2284
Principles in Practice
Here are a few actual students creating original works within their customized lessons
Getting the Feel of Things
Fabric Collage & Tactile Pleasure
Soft Sculpture & Action Figures
Original Drawings Made 3D
Stitch & Construction Guides
Take Away Tools & Tech Support
From Concept to Production
Pattern Making & Prototypes
Uniquely You
Garment Design & Construction
Machine Skills & Trouble Shooting
1:1, Dyads, Groups or Classes
Piecework & Quilting
By Hand or Machine
Special Projects & Commissions
Advanced Design & Construction
Best Practices, Plus a Safety Net
Creating with Support
Stitched Improvisations!
Patternless Processes
Repair, Revise or Reinvent
Practical Hand Stitching
Foundational Skills for Fashion
Figure Schemas & More
Fashionability: Starting Young
Sketching, Patterning & Color
Purpose & Presentation
Support for Product Development
Dolly Day: 1:1 Extended Lesson
A Totally Special Gift
Paper Weaving
Novel Approaches to Sequencing
2D/3D Interface
Your Studio Practice & Life's Work
Setting up for Success
Showcasing a Product Line