Making Fabric Balls

Live from Los Angeles, United States

As makers and consumers we all end up with bits of scrap, fabric, plastic, paper... packing materials. What if we could turn them into decorative baubles, and/or soft playthings.

Join VAWAA and textile artist Debra Weiss on Sunday March 6th at 2pm EST, and give your leftover fabric scraps a new life. Debra has always worked with her hands. Her process is very intuitive and she rarely uses a sewing machine. As a textile artist, she composes with color, much like a painter does, but works in fiber processes: crocheting, stitching, knitting, knotting, layering and weaving.

With Debra's in-depth knowledge of textiles and intuitive stitching, we can transform scraps into either works of beauty or works of function.

All levels are welcome and there is no prior experience required. There will be plenty of time to share, get feedback and meet other participants from around the world.

If you are not in EST time zone, be sure to convert the time.

What you'll need

• A bag full of small bits of scrap fabrics from 1/2” to 3”.
• Needle
• Thread (embroidery and sewing)
• Paper from packing materials or discarded plastic bags or anything that can be formed into a 3” ball.

How to join

We'll be hosting this VAWAA Online on Zoom. We'll send the link and details to join via email 1 day and again 1 hour before it begins.

About Debra

Debra is a Los Angeles based textile artist who has been fabric collaging and stitching for over 15 years. Prior to this, she ran a handbag and apparel line. For her, the concept of layers and transparency are symbolic of our being – she loves that she can find these qualities inherent in textile scraps. She believes we collect experiences throughout our lives. These experiences mold and change us; they sway our character. When all is said and done we remain the same person, however changed we may seem. Our integrity, our soul, our being that was birthed into this lifetime remains unchanged. Through stitching layers upon layers, she creates unity and celebrates life. She makes objects of color and beauty while thinking about what life means to her and what she has seen in the world.

Visit her artist page to learn more about her in-person VAWAA.

Reviews

"One of the best workshops I've attended in the past year. Very friendly vibe, easy to ask questions and share work with each other. Time was allotted wonderfully for both working and watching Debra teach. Very inspiring and learned so much!" - J Johnston

"Debra's art is wonderful. Love the layers, and detailed stitching! This technique is fascinating, meditative and fun. I see many possibilities, and am excited to continue exploring!" - Lynn Adamo

"I enjoy Debra's approach to projects - free, improvisational, thoughtful, and appreciate her encouragement to listen to what the materials might be saying." - Zann 

"I enjoyed the class very much. It was presented well, the teachers show and tell was helpful as well as her quick response to our questions." - Janet 

"Debra creates a nice classroom environment virtually." - Laura

"Terrific teacher whose art work I love and admire. She was so friendly and generous in the way she shared information and accessible. I think a little more information prior to the class would have better prepared me better. I wound basting too big a piece and missed the stitching talk." - Robin Strauss

"Enjoyed the class and learning the techniques. Looking forward to more classes with additional stitches." - Denise

"Really fun workshop. Great for loosening up your work" - Danielle

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