Travel Journal: Italian Flora and Fauna Inspired
Dates: This trip was held in 2011. For information on Sue's upcoming trip in 2012 click here.
Instructor/Leader: Sue Spargo
Trip Description
Explore contemporary folk-design
using a combination of hand-dyed
wool and textural fabrics as you
create a one of a kind ‘Fabric
Journal Quilt’ to document your
fascinating week in Orvieto, Italy.
Sue's quilts are inspired by many
life experiences drawn from the
countries in which she has lived or
been privileged to visit. Having
traveled through Africa, England,
the United States, Italy, Vietnam
and Australia Sue's imagery of flora,
fauna and cultures of those places has influenced her quilts. Orvieto will serve as your inspiration in creating your Fabric Journal Quilt.
You will start with a textural pieced background using a combination of fabrics and then an appliqué which will be filled with your own visual journey, inspired by Orvieto.You will select the size of the piece you would like to work on, then design and create an original. For your design you will use journaling including simple drawings from the streets of Orvieto.
The use of imagery using wool, taffeta silk, silk velvet and cotton appliqué as well as dimension using stacking of fabric, couching, embroidery stitches, beads and words will be explored. A study of the creative use of leaves and berries will be challenged using many different fabrics and embellishments. You will finish by designing an outer border that will enhance your own quilt. Wool is a fabulous medium to work with and the texture and dimensions you can achieve will astound you.
Itinerary
May 22 - Arrive Orvieto, introductions, tour of our B&B, group dinner
May 23 - Morning Studio:
• Creating a unique pieced background
• Journaling - creating a visual idea
• Exploring ideas drawn from nature
Afternoon Exploration:
• Introduction to Italian culture, olive oil and wine tasting
in an Etruscan setting
• Walking tour of Orvieto - scouting inspiration
May 24 - Morning Studio:
• Examining the use of different fabrics and techniques
to make elements in the quilt
• Selecting color and design elements to make your quilt
one of a kind
Afternoon Exploration:
• Cooking class - learn to make pasta and other dishes,
and enjoy the fruits of your labors!
May 25 - Morning Studio:
• Learning hand stitching techniques for hand-dyed wool
• Exploring techniques for using hand-dyed, silk-velvet,
taffeta silk and ultra suede
Afternoon Exploration:
• Tour of the Cathedral's famous San Brizio Chapel
• Etruscan cave tour
May 26 - Morning Studio:
• Creating embellishments for use in leaves, flowers
and berries using unique fibers and beads
Picnic lunch with food from the market.
Afternoon Exploration
• Vineyard tour - visit a local vineyard, learn the vintner’s
passion for wine. Sample several wines, including
Orvieto Classico.
May 27 - Morning Studio:
• Creating possibilities for a unique border to frame
your piece
Group lunch at favorite pizzeria
Afternoon Studio:
• Final details reviewed for fabric journal
• Show and share
May 28 - Depart Orvieto
Details
This trip was held in 2011. Click here for Sue's blog about the trip.
To learn about Sue's trip coming in 2012 click here.
Dates: This trip was held in 2011. For information on Sue's upcoming trip in 2012 click here.
Instructor/Leader: Sue Spargo
Trip Description
Explore contemporary folk-design
using a combination of hand-dyed
wool and textural fabrics as you
create a one of a kind ‘Fabric
Journal Quilt’ to document your
fascinating week in Orvieto, Italy.
Sue's quilts are inspired by many
life experiences drawn from the
countries in which she has lived or
been privileged to visit. Having
traveled through Africa, England,
the United States, Italy, Vietnam
and Australia Sue's imagery of flora,
fauna and cultures of those places has influenced her quilts. Orvieto will serve as your inspiration in creating your Fabric Journal Quilt.
You will start with a textural pieced background using a combination of fabrics and then an appliqué which will be filled with your own visual journey, inspired by Orvieto.You will select the size of the piece you would like to work on, then design and create an original. For your design you will use journaling including simple drawings from the streets of Orvieto.
The use of imagery using wool, taffeta silk, silk velvet and cotton appliqué as well as dimension using stacking of fabric, couching, embroidery stitches, beads and words will be explored. A study of the creative use of leaves and berries will be challenged using many different fabrics and embellishments. You will finish by designing an outer border that will enhance your own quilt. Wool is a fabulous medium to work with and the texture and dimensions you can achieve will astound you.
Itinerary
May 22 - Arrive Orvieto, introductions, tour of our B&B, group dinner
May 23 - Morning Studio:
• Creating a unique pieced background
• Journaling - creating a visual idea
• Exploring ideas drawn from nature
Afternoon Exploration:
• Introduction to Italian culture, olive oil and wine tasting
in an Etruscan setting
• Walking tour of Orvieto - scouting inspiration
May 24 - Morning Studio:
• Examining the use of different fabrics and techniques
to make elements in the quilt
• Selecting color and design elements to make your quilt
one of a kind
Afternoon Exploration:
• Cooking class - learn to make pasta and other dishes,
and enjoy the fruits of your labors!
May 25 - Morning Studio:
• Learning hand stitching techniques for hand-dyed wool
• Exploring techniques for using hand-dyed, silk-velvet,
taffeta silk and ultra suede
Afternoon Exploration:
• Tour of the Cathedral's famous San Brizio Chapel
• Etruscan cave tour
May 26 - Morning Studio:
• Creating embellishments for use in leaves, flowers
and berries using unique fibers and beads
Picnic lunch with food from the market.
Afternoon Exploration
• Vineyard tour - visit a local vineyard, learn the vintner’s
passion for wine. Sample several wines, including
Orvieto Classico.
May 27 - Morning Studio:
• Creating possibilities for a unique border to frame
your piece
Group lunch at favorite pizzeria
Afternoon Studio:
• Final details reviewed for fabric journal
• Show and share
May 28 - Depart Orvieto
Details
This trip was held in 2011. Click here for Sue's blog about the trip.
To learn about Sue's trip coming in 2012 click here.
Adventures in Italy, 221 Forest Hill St., Morganton, NC 28655, 828.221.2322, info@AdventuresInItaly.net
Copyright © Steiner Studio LLC. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Steiner Studio LLC. All rights reserved.
Meet Sue
Sue Spargo was
born in Zambia,
educated in South
Africa, and then
moved to England.
This shift between two very different environments and cultures inspires many of her designs. She is influenced by the energy and color of traditional African designs. The stark contrast between the arid beige and browns of the African bushveld and the lush greens of England are a rich source of ideas.
She moved to the U.S. in 1989 living in Connecticut, Tennessee, and Utah before settling in Ohio. Each state presented sharp contrasts and stirred new ideas. She now focuses on
design of quilted items using textural fabrics and embellishments, retreats and workshops, and creating books
and patterns
She designs and makes hand-dyed wools, wool plaids, and silk velvets especially for quilting. Her designs are available as books and patterns, and on CD. She is working with Quiltmania Magazine to publish a book.
Her other passions include being with the four unique, strong and fulfilling personalities that are my children, tending my garden, knitting, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Learn more at Sue's web site: www.suespargo.com.
Sue Spargo was
born in Zambia,
educated in South
Africa, and then
moved to England.
This shift between two very different environments and cultures inspires many of her designs. She is influenced by the energy and color of traditional African designs. The stark contrast between the arid beige and browns of the African bushveld and the lush greens of England are a rich source of ideas.
She moved to the U.S. in 1989 living in Connecticut, Tennessee, and Utah before settling in Ohio. Each state presented sharp contrasts and stirred new ideas. She now focuses on
design of quilted items using textural fabrics and embellishments, retreats and workshops, and creating books
and patterns
She designs and makes hand-dyed wools, wool plaids, and silk velvets especially for quilting. Her designs are available as books and patterns, and on CD. She is working with Quiltmania Magazine to publish a book.
Her other passions include being with the four unique, strong and fulfilling personalities that are my children, tending my garden, knitting, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Learn more at Sue's web site: www.suespargo.com.
Have a friend or spouse who would like to join you but not this workshop? Check out Discover Orvieto. To explore other trips go to Trips. To learn more visit About Us. View Photos of Orvieto.
Sample of Sue's work