BLOOMS

Vintage textile collages with Heidi Hankaniemi

The workshop gives participants the opportunity to create a small fabric collage using old materials that are meaningful to them. “I invite people to think about the origin and creation of an item, about what it can tell us and how it can inspire us.”

Blooms  consists of hundreds of floral embroideries by a myriad of anonymous women, brought together to flourish. Heidi is an acclaimed artist moving between the realms of art and memory through embroidery.

 “My work listens to the mundane and attempts to interpret the narratives which are embedded in our everyday. It draws from domestic activities: habits, objects and intimacy, and looks for ways in which to create paths between the private and the public, between the inside and the outside.

…I believe that handmade objects have a physical memory and absorb the essence of their makers. The process of sewing is essential to to me: piercing the fibers allows me to create both a physical and an emotional bond with the material. Working with old textiles is especially important, my mission is to give discarded handiworks and their creators a new existence.”

Heidi's practice incorporates the tactile and the performative, ultimately arriving at a body of work that is both spiritual and deeply grounded in the handmade and physical.

- Julia Harris, Textile Arts Center New York

Participants should bring their own textile item that is meaningful to them: something

handmade, an item of clothing, a handkerchief, etc., that we can create into a small

memento, a new work of art. There is a fantastic flee market in Consell every Sunday. All the other materials will be provided.

- Intro/ discussion/ showcase different examples of processes and ideas.

- Participants can share about items they’ve brought in.

- Hands-on work : the idea is to create a small unique one-off piece on a backing of

industrial felt. (Which they can choose to frame afterwards).

Materials provided:

some vintage materials, A4 sheets of Industrial felt backing (limited number) from Mood

Fabrics, needles, thread, scissors.

Final project: your own Bloom!

Duration: 3 hours

Maximum 15 people

Cost per person: 150 €

May 10th: 10:30 a.m

May 11th: 4:00 p.m

About the tutor

Heidi Hankaniemi was born in Finland, lives and works in New York City.

Heidi received her BA (Hons) Degree in Critical Fine Art Practice and a Foundation Diploma in Fine Arts from Central Saint Martins in London UK. Her work is predominately textile -based. Hankaniemi's work has been exhibited throughout Europe and in the US, including at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Moscow Museum of Modern Art, Mana Contemporary Art Center. Solo exhibitions include L’Space Gallery in Chelsea NY 2023,

Espacio Valverde Madrid, The Finnish Consulate NY for New York Textile Month. Her Bloom pieces are available at ABC Carpet and Home in Manhattan New York.

In addition to Fine Art Hankaniemi has worked extensively within the commercial arts field, focusing on site-specific installations and visuals. These include projects for Swarovski, Sir Elton John, Tiffany’s, among others. Hankaniemi’s work is included in private collections in Europe and America and has been featured in publications ranging from Artnet and Architectural Digest to Elle Decor, Vogue, Hola and HELLO!.

@heidihankaniemi

NUNO SILK

A nuno silk universe by Laurine Malengreau 

This workshop explores the universe of nuno silk. The word “nuno”, of Japanese origin, signifies tissue. The Nuno Silk technique intimately blends natural wool and silk to create a non-woven fabric, all in lightness and transparency. It has its roots in the millennial process of felting from Central Asia. Its current version is a little known area of expertise of the felt family, whose interlacing of fibers has been refined in Australia in the last part of the twentieth century.

‘‘My inspiration originates from the organic world,
in the instinctive dialogue between my fingers and the
raw materials. It echoes the feathers of birds or the
singular movement of elements…..Working with colours is, for me, an inner vibration and an endless initiation.’’ 

Materials; the tutor will provide all meterials needed for the workshop.

No experience needed.

Final project: your own nuno piece

Duration: 3 hours

Maximum 12 people

Cost per person: 150 €

May 11th: 4:00 p.m

May 12th. 10:30 a.m

About the tutor

From Belgium, Laurine Malengreau trained as an art historian and was introduced to Nuno Silk in Madrid. She has been living in the tapestry capital, Aubusson, in France, for more than ten years. Winner of the French Artisan Innovator prize in 2020 for being the only workshop offering large Nuno Silk works, Laurine Malengreau continues the great tradition of wall hangings to the delight of art lovers and the international interior design sector. She expresses herself creating artworks with her hands full of silk and wool.

@laurine_artextile

BASKETRY INSTALLATION

Basketry weaving with Master Carlos Fontales

Spanish master weaver Carlos Fontales will lead a large-scale installation using the principles of basket weaving. This is an interactive weaving workshop using natural fibers with one of the most important experts in basketry in the Spain with several books published, many courses taught and many interesting pieces to his credit aimed at the creation of site-specific projects in different spaces of medium or large dimensions. Contrary to what is usual in design processes, Fontales proposes a free transit, from the emotion of the encounter with new techniques and materials, towards unforeseen results. His workshops aims at a deep connection with nature ́s fibers, the joy of the handmade and the freedom to experiment.

Materials : natural fibers

Final Project: participation in a woven site-specific piece which will be shown during XTANT Roots 2024.

Duration: 3.5 hours

Maximum 12 people

Cost per person: 150 €

May 10th: 10:30 a.m

May 12th: 4:00 p.m

About the tutor

Carlos Fontales is celebrated master and practicioner in the carft of basket weaving. He was born in Madrid but has travelled the length and breath of Spain to learn from heritage basket weaving traditions all over the country. At the age of 20 he moved to a village in Galicia fleeing from city life and its future prospects. Years later he began to be interested in daily use basketry, the one made by farmers in rural Spain to use on an everyday basis. As a result of these inquiries and learning, he published a couple of books on the trade. Along with his research, he dedicates his activity to traveling around Spain and other countries giving courses, seminars, conferences, as well as occasional art installations.

@fontalesortiz

BANDHANI

Indian Tie Dye Bandhani by Master Abdullah Khatri

Bandhani is derived from the Sanskrit word “Bandha” meaning “to tie”. It is a traditional dyeing method indigenous to the states of Gujrat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The fabric is tied very tightly plucking tiny pinches of the fabric by fingernails to create floral or figurative designs and then dye them into natural dye colours. The tied parts retain their original colour and the remaining portion of the fabric results with colourful patterns. This is similar to the shibori technique of Japan. There are various methods of tie dye and each process results in a unique pattern.  This year the worshop will focus on making bandhani with indigo dye.

Includes: 2 mts stole/scarf

Final Project: One pattern on your own scarf

Duration: 4 hours

Maximun 15 people

Cost per person: 150 €

May 10th: 4:00 p.m

May 13th: 10: 30 a.m

About the tutor

The Khatri brothers from Sidr Textiles are dedicated to the production of unique, limited edition, pieces made through the ancient Indian technique of Bandhani.
Handmade scarves, stoles and shawls are drawn in intricate patterns, then tied to cotton, silk or a mixture of both that is each uniquely dyed.

The work, so thorough that its elaboration takes months to complete, as each pattern is created with small dots made with tiny knots. In addition to their labour in reviving old Bhuj designs from the Kutch district.

They learned the Bandhani technique from family and friends who, in their workshops, taught them the tying and dyeing processes. Receiving this specialised yet informal training in the timely period when interest in local crafts was being revived.

Currently employing more than 250 artisans living in 8 different villages within Kutch. Sidr textiles moves forward in its project to fully synthesise Traditional and modern India.

@abdullahkhatri.sidrcraft

BUTTON MASALA

A revolutionary design methodology with Anuj Sharma

No machine, no tools, no wastage moto, designer Anuj Sharma has reinvented himself as an educator sharing his signature fashion technique of creating garments using only buttons fastened with nylon rubber bands. All you need is three meters of fabric and reams of patience to learn how something as simple as a cleverly placed button could recalibrate our perception of fashion, from static machine-stitched apparel to dynamic and form shifting garments. 

Each workshop starts with a dialogue on the philosophy of design and the relation of clothes to the human body, followed by a presentation and a demonstration. 

Anuj has conducted over 600 workshops across the globe, having taught about 40,000 people the Button Masala technique.

Button Masala’s simple grid system can be a solution to fast fashion, encouraging creativity in the customer, reducing wastage, over production and over stocking, bringing down costs of production, thus being truly sustainable.

In this workshop, participants will learn the basics  and will be able to make a simple garment. 

Participants should bring their own piece of fabric  ( 3 meters). Or, they can purchase it at XTANT´s fabric shop.

Final Project: their own buttonmasala piece.

Duration: 3 hours

Maximum 15 people

Cost per person: 150 €

May 10th: 4:00 pm

May 12th: 10:30 a.m

About the tutor

Anuj Sharma is an indian Fashion designer that works primarily in the areas of craft development and sustainability. Sharma also teaches the subject of fashion and its sociology. He has showcased several collections in Japan, the UK, Sweden, and Bangladesh and was a regular at Lakme fashion week in Mumbai. 

Anuj Sharma has created a unique method that allows one to construct clothes without any machines, tools or stitches. It is titled ‘Button Masala’. The method produced the titular Button Masala collection, which was shown internationally as part of the travelling exhibition ‘Connecting Concepts’ by the Dutch design DFA, as well as part of the exhibition ‘Bliss’ at the Taiwan design expo in 2011. The technique of Button Masala has already been taught to over 20000 people across the earth.

He has given several talks on the button masala method, including at TED x Delhi and was later awarded the Most Innovative Collection of the Year Award of 2009 at Marie Claire Made in India Fashion Awards. Button Masala was recently selected as one of the 10 most sustainable projects in the open category by State of Fashion Holland and the work was consequently exhibited in Arnhem. In 2018 Levis India collaborated with Button masala to come out with a signature piece using its technique.

@buttonmasala

About the tutor

Sara Ratola is a Portuguese textile artist, also proudly known as “A Rendeira”. 

She is passionate about art and the earth, two passions that led her to choose landscape architecture for training. Her main  inspirations are nature and portuguese culture and traditions. The techniques that she explores are Arraiolos, Esmirna, Crochet and Free Embroidery.

HAND SPINNING & WEAVING

Kutch weaving & spinning with Master Shamji Vankar

Bhujodi is home to the illustrious Shamji Vankar Vishram Valji who carries on the legacy of his father, Vankar Vishram Valji who was felicitated with the National Award in 1974 for his exemplary work in Dhabla weaving. Shamji bhai who is himself an innovative weaver and an early adopter of kala cotton, oversees Vankar Vishram Valji Weaving, a multigenerational craft initiative for weaving and dyeing of fabrics, shawls and stoles furnishings and durrie (rugs) in cotton and desi oon (indigenous wool) that employs around 90 families.

Shamji Bhai will be teaching a workshop in traditional bhujodi spinning and weaving, something truly magical and meditative that Mahatma Gandhi had all Indian freedom fighters adopt as part of their daily pratice.

Materials will be provided by the tutor.

Specially made portable wooden charkhas for sale at the workshop.

Duration: 4 hours

Maximun 15 people

Cost per person: 150 €

May 10th: 10:30 a.m

May 12th: 4:00 p.m

About the tutor

Shamji Vankar Vishram Valji is part of a legacy of handloom weavers from the village of Bhujodi in Gujarat, India. He was trained by his father and elder brothers. As a weaver, his textiles are recognized for their interpretative style that combines traditional motifs with contemporary design woven in fine cotton, silk and wool yarns including desi wool. He experiments with colour, texture, design and high skilled techniques. His specialties range from woolen shawls, stoles, carpets to traditional blankets. Shamji became a master dyer using his own dyeing vats. His expertise grew with his ability and now the family has more than 12 vats at their atelier. He shares his knowledge with local weavers, design students and designers visiting his village. His efforts provided direction and inspiration to young artisans who see a world of possibilities by carring forward their family occupation with pride. He has served at trainer to various young designers from design institutions like NID (National Institute of Design), NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology).In 1971, his family received a National Award of the weavers’ community of Kutch followed by awards and recognitions in 1999, 2005 and 2012. His atelier has 50 artisans, 30 embroiders and 2 tailors.

@vankar.vishramvalji

MOROCCAN EMBROIDERY

Rozlaby Embroidery with Camille Bertrand

In this workshop, Camille will teach Rozlaby embroidery, originating from the M’Zouda region in western Morocco. This type of embroidery is know for its characteristic geometric shapes. During this workshop, participants are invited to discover the techniques by creating a traditional motif with silk thread on a yute tote bag.

Camille Bertrand is textile designer, specialized in hand embroidery and textile printing. She is the founder of Brodeuse Voyageuse. In 2019, she moved to Morocco to create her textile design studio and to promote the know-how of local embroiderers and weavers.

The workshop will begin with an introduction to Rozlaby embroidery, its cultural significance, use of symbols and different applications.  Camille will discuss how to choose colors combinations and how to work with the right rhythm using a yute foundation. She will also support participants by showcasing finished products and sharing her experience.

No previous knowledge of embroidery needed. Basic knowledge of stitching is a plus.

Materials provided bu the tutor: jute tote bag, naturally dyed silk thread from Lyon, local moroccan Siroua wool, a print-out with instructions, scissors, needles

Final Project: Your own tote bag.

Duration: 3.5 Hours

Maximum 12 people

Cost per person: 150 €

May 10th: 4 p.m

May 12th: 10:30 a.m

About the tutor

Based in Marrakech since 2019, Camille Bertrand is a textile textile designer, specialized in hand embroidery and textile printing. Trained in Paris (Duperré) and Lyon (ENSBA), she has developed her career through professional experiences and collaborations in France and abroad. Brodeuse Voyageuse is the name of her textile studio which has the goal of promoting the know-how of the embroiderers and weavers from Morocco. She divides her time between France and Morocco, between creation, exchanges with artisans and sourcing of raw materials.

@brodeuse.voyageuse

WEAVING FROM WASTE

Frame weaving with Maria Sigma

This workshop which will teach you all the basics of frame weaving and how to turn your household waste textiles from old T-shirts to pillowcases into textile masterpieces.

The class is designed to give to students a thorough and intensive grounding in hand-weaving. Participants will learn foundational weaving skills, such as warping and basic weaving techniques and patterns, and finishing techniques. The aim of the class is to not only cover a range of styles but also encourage students to develop their own distinctive voice as a weaver. 

“I do believe that we need more weavers in this world and definitely less waste and more creative.”

No previous knowledge needed. 

Materials provided:

A small wooden frame loom and weaving tools are provided and for students to take home in a cotton tote bag. Materials and yarns will be also provided, but feel free to bring your own textiles/clothes to recycle - tablecloths, bed sheets, pillowcases, and T-shirts, or materials (yarns, ribbons, strings).

 Final project: your own art piece.

 Duration: 3 hours 

Maximum 12 people

Cost per person:  150 €

May 11th: 10:30 a.m

May 13th: 4:00 p.m