Saturday 10 July 2021: Online Workshop (Birds On Stilts!)

Gary Mills - Saturday 10 July 2021 - 10.00am to 1.00pm (BST)

Online Interactive Workshop: Birds On Stilts! 

Renowned as a truly multi-talented crafter, we're delighted Gary Mills will be joining us in mid-summer for another of his fabulous decorative model projects, namely his Birds On Stilts workshop!...

Introduction by Gary:-

I have really had fun coming up with this adorable idea for a decorative model which will put a smile on anyone’s face! Imagine these playful birds could be fishing along the tideline or just standing around and having a good old gossip with one another. I will guide you through the processes from start to finish during the Zoom session, and alongside I have also produced a clear PDF pattern for you to download included in the cost of this workshop. Once complete you will have to find a place for them to sit and be viewed; maybe that is on your desk at home or work or on a windowsill or would even make for a fabulous gift for someone special.

IMPORTANT: The outcome is a decorative model or set of bird figures, rather than a toy!

What You Will Learn in this Online Interactive Workshop:-

This three-hour session is divided into two halves with a short comfort break for 10 minutes in the middle. To begin you will be introduced to the project, and then Gary will guide you through each of the skills processes: You will learn how to work through assembling the birds, cutting out from the supplied pattern, and then constructing through simple machine stitch with stage-by-stage instruction taking care to keep your machine stitched seam allowances consistent. Then turning through and stuffing your bird and then trimming back to avoid any bulk. finally adding the details to give him or her character through stitch and decoration.

This finished bird is approx 16” (40cm) in height.

Skill Level for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

Gary has many years’ experience as a professional practitioner and teacher of textiles; his workshops are so enjoyable, fun, and very well organised with his clear and patient guidance. This workshop is suitable for the beginner, Intermediate & Advanced sewer. For those more experienced and advanced you can further hone your skills by working on improved accuracy and stitch ability to achieve a first-class professional finish.

Fabric & Material requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

Gary has used a combination of several fat quarters for this project including both ditsy-print patterns and solids which contrast in colour. Although this project is a great stash and scrap buster as you only need a small amount of fabric for each bird.

• Total fabric required for each bird 10” x 20” (25cm x 50cm)
• Polyester toy stuffing for each bird approx. 1oz (25g)
• Good quality colour matching sew-all machine thread.
• For eyes 2 x 4/8” (1cm) button for wings 2x 6/8” (1.5cm) button
• For legs 2 x 12” (30cm) kabab sticks or you can use very thin twigs or very thin plant canes.
• OPTIONAL: Gary has painted his kabab sticks with acrylic paint to match with the contrast colours in each bird.

NOTE: Once you have been shown how to make one bird you should have time to make more so have additional fabrics and materials to use.

The bird/s can be displayed on several surfaces such as a piece of found wood, a branch or drift work; it will even look good fixed into a potted house plant! You may wish to have this with you in the session or you can display later once you have made all the birds you wish to display.

Equipment requirements for this Online Interactive Workshop:-

• A sewing machine (straight stitch used) needle size 10-12
• Fabric, paper, and embroidery scissors
• Pins
• Hand sewing needle.
• Useful: fabric marker pen
• Useful; chop stick or similar blunt stick for aiding the stuffing; also forceps long tweezers can aid in stuffing small parts.
• A bradawl to make holes in the wood display.
• Helpful is a Loop Turner Sewing Tool for pulling through small narrow pieces but not essential.

Sewing Loop Turner Hook with Latch Stainless Steel Loop Turner Hook 2 Sizes Loop Turner Tool for Fabric Tube Straps Belts Strips DIY Face Cover Accessories, Long and Short: Amazon.co.uk: Kitchen & Home

Pattern Information relevant to this Online Interactive Workshop:-

The FREE Pattern will be sent to you via email to download once you have booked; this is to be printed in advance of the course.

Additional Information relevant to this Online Interactive Workshop:-

• Print off Pattern (A4 to fit no boarders). Please cut out all pattern pieces prior to the start of the workshop.
• Seam allowance will be ¼” or ½ cm.
• Straight Stitch size: 2 - 2.5
• Needle size: 10 - 12
• Please have filled bobbins & threads ready for the start of the session!

NOTE: Please check that your sewing machine is working well; therefore, do run off some stitches on a scrap of fabric prior to the start of the session!

​Tickets for this Online Interactive Workshop (via the Zoom platform) will be limited & allocated on a first-come/first-served basis! If applicable, any free pattern, or other information, relevant to this course will be forwarded to you after booking and approximately 5 days before the course date. The ticket price of £30.00 is based on ONE person attending this crafting class.

This CraftyMonkies Online Interactive Workshop is being broadcast from the United Kingdom and the class time given is based on British Summer Time (BST). We advise you check via Google Search (or similar) to see corresponding start-time in YOUR location!

Ordering MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT Online For Any Class/Workshop! In light of current uncertainties regarding potential lockdowns in some/all parts of the UK due to Covid-19, please ensure you book your place & order any materials/equipment online in plenty of time ahead of any course dates.

Enjoy This Class/Workshop Again on YouTube! A link to a recording of this workshop will be sent to all who buy a live ticket for the Zoom broadcast approximately 5 working days after the event; the video will be available to view for 30 days from the video release date.

Are you not able to attend this class due to living in a different time-zone? Are you otherwise engaged on the date of this workshop? Well, we have excellent news! This class will be available to view via Pay-On-Demand via our Online Shop for 30 days following the video release date (approximately 5 working days after broadcast on Zoom).