INTRO TO IMPROV QUILTING – Perfectly irregular homage to the square, quilting without rulers.

Participants will be introduced to the style of 'Log Cabin' quilting and then encouraged to create their own quilt square/block without rules, boundaries or specific intentions.

While the basic quilting techniques of piecing, pressing and trimming apply - the design is free, fluid and flexible.

Each participant will create 2 x hand sewn improv log cabin blocks based on Josef Albers' 'Homage to the Square'. One to begin the day with, for experimentation and practice, and a larger piece which will become part of a community quilt to be on display at the end of workshop series exhibition.

All materials will be provided. Light refreshments provided.

There will be a 30 minute lunch break in the middle of the day and participants are welcome to go for a wander up Smith St to grab some food.

We're big believers in the power of craft to bring people together, to heal and to connect, and we're proud to be offering this workshop series to the public for free. But if you love what we do at the Studio to support refugee and migrant creatives then please consider a donation to help our education and training work, so that we can keep delivering opportunities like these and so many others to our community.

Capacity to this workshop is limited - if you can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP by emailing: retail@thesocialstudio.org so that we can make the spot available to others :-)

About the artist:

Phong Chi Lai is happy making things with his hands.

When he was 16, without any tailoring knowledge he made a pair of pants to wear to a party, the crotch ripped that night. That was the end of his fashion ambitions, but it did not deter Phong from the artisanal milieu, and so the story continues.

After several years as a shoe designer/maker, Phong took the opportunity to research & work in textile-based social enterprises in Vietnam, Nepal, China and India. This reinforced the social and environmental care that has always underpinned his ethos as an artisan – slow, functional luxury, made by hand.

Taking inspiration from his experiences, Phong developed his own textile practice based in Tasmania. Phong is currently based back in Melbourne and creating in his home studio. Turning to the immediate environment as a source for raw materials: dyes made from plants, reclaimed wool, cotton & linen.

Within a general field of contemporary though iconographic simplicity, Phong leaves room for the chance encounter arising in the natural process – the signature of the Unknown Craftsman. Continuity in the traces of stitching forms lines of diversity that thoughts and feelings can travel down, converging with or diverging from the overall direction. It sustains a history and an ongoing narrative. Phong thinks of each piece as a new heirloom.

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https://www.studiopcl.com/

About 'Cross-Stitch' by The Social Studio:

This project aims to highlight the contemporary value of traditional hand making skills across cultures and traditions, bringing artists and participants together to share knowledge and stories. With a series of workshops run over 12 months, 'Cross-Stitch' by The Social Studio will culminate in a group showcase in August 2023, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary craft practices across Melbourne's multicultural communities.

This event is supported by The Australia Council and City of Yarra.

Accessibility info:

The Social Studio workshop is located on Level 1 of the Perry Street Building within Collingwood Yards. Floor access to the Perry Street Building can be made via the following paths. From 30A Perry Street, a footpath leads to the retail area of Perry St (UG) and courtyard, then take the stairs or Perry Street lift to Level 1 which can be accessed via 30A and 30B Perry Street. From Johnston Street, access to Perry St Building can be made by crossing the courtyard.

Wheelchair Accessibility:

Wheelchair accessible best via the elevator of Perry Street Building.

Gender neutral and accessible bathrooms:

Located in three areas within the Perry Street Building. On the Upper Ground Level (Level UG) the accessible toilets are located in the service corridor in the northern part of the Building. near the staircase. These toilets are open throughout event hours. On Level 1 and Level 2 the toilets are located in the northern part of the building, behind heavy manual blue double doors. All accessible toilets are equipped with manual locks, exit buttons and grab rails.

Accessible Parking/Drop-off Areas:

An accessible parking bay is available for use by holders of a Disabled Persons permit. It is located near entrance 35C Johnston Street.

Public Transport:

The Collingwood Yards Precinct is close to Stop 19 at the corner of Smith Street/Johnston Street on the 86 tram line. Only some Trams on this route are serviced by a mix of low floor and high floor trams. Read more at the PTV site here. The number 200 and 207 Bus' also stop directly over the road from Collingwood Yards.

Guide Dogs/Service Dogs:

Guide dogs and service dogs are welcome throughout Collingwood Yards at all times.

For more information see here!

Plan your visit here!