Kawandi
TUTOR: MEGAN MANWARING
In early 2021, Megan fell down the rabbit hole of Kawandi’s – a handstitched quilt made using the techniques of the Siddi women of western India, typically made from worn clothing or fabric scraps.
The hand stitching involved resonated with Megan as it bore similarities to the boro stitching, kantha and big stitch hand quilting that she had lots of experience with. Megan read and watched all she could on the process and got busy making, and used her Kawandi’s to make bags in various shapes and function. She says that her zippered sewing folio is quite possibly the most useful item she has made.
During the hands-on workshop, Megan will guide participants through her interpretation of the process of making a Kawandi. Over the two days, you will be able to make a zippered pouch, a zippered sewing folio or a Kawandi for their own purpose.
Skill level: All Levels
Materials fee: $40 (optional)
CLASS REQUIREMENTS
Kawandi
Two-day class: April 13 to 14
Class times: 10am to 5pm
Materials fee: $40 if purchasing the kit which Megan will put together with materials Megan buys in the UK and has used for her own Kawandis.
Participants are welcome to bring their own materials (see below) or if you would like to make a zippered pouch or zippered sewing folio like Megan’s, she can provide a kit containing:
– Vintage French linen for the backing
– Scraps to make the Kawandi – choose from two options (1) Liberty of London tana lawn or (2) bright, saturated fabrics (Kaffe, Anna Maria Horner, Tula Pink etc)
– Wadding
– 1 ball perle 12 cotton
– Brass zipper
Participants will need to indicate their commitment to buying a kit on enrolment as Megan will custom make these kits for participants. Choose from (1) Liberty of London Tana Lawn OR (2) Bright, saturated fabrics such as Kaffe, Anna Maria Horner, Tula Pink etc.
ALL Participants need to bring the following even if you elect to buy a kit:
Flat head long pins (such as flower head pins) and/or safety pins
Embroidery needles (size from 5 upwards depending on what you can comfortably thread)
50wt cotton thread (for basting)
Metal thimble – one that you are comfortable using
Scissors – mid size ones that you like for cutting fabric pieces
Optional (but recommended):
Pressing wheel (such as Clover Roll & Press or equivalent)
Rubber thimble (such as money counting/page turning stationery one) for your thumb to grip needle pulling through layers
Hera marker and quilting ruler
AND – if you are not buying Megan’s kit – ALSO BRING:
FABRICS: Good variety of scraps – work with pieces no smaller than 3” x 3” and include a variety of lights and darks, warm and cool colours and variations in graphics.
Tip: The more the better so that you can have plenty of contrast across the Kawandi (100+ pieces will give you plenty of choice). Megan recommends pressing all scraps before the workshop so they are in good order to work with.
Backing fabric*– in the finished size you are working to. It can be any weight – Megan has worked with quite thick vintage linen and regular quilting cotton.
Wadding – 1” smaller (for each length and width) than the finished size of your backing fabric. Megan prefers wool/poly mix wadding but any can be used
1 ball perle 12 (or perle 8) thread in a colour of your choice
Zipper (if making a pouch or sewing folio)– 30cm for pouch or 80cm for sewing folio
* Optional for making a pouch or sewing folio:
Backing fabric (measurements include seam allowance):
Pouch – Panel 13” x 19”
Sewing folio – panel 19½” x 12”
