“Drawing with the sewing machine” is what Riëtte Sommerdijk calls her craft. Among connoisseurs, it is also known as free-motion embroidery. A specific sewing machine setting allows the needle to move freely over the fabric. Quilters widely use this craft. Using this technique differently, you can draw yourself, using the needle as a pencil, on cloth. You can create the most beautiful representations by moving the fabric with your hands under the needle. You can stitch freely or use an existing image as a starting point. Various transfer techniques can be used. Furthermore, you can endlessly vary and combine with other techniques.

During the workshop, you will learn the principles and create a small drawn embroidery in a short time. You will work with stencils that you transfer to fabric with a water-soluble marker. Feel free to bring your fabric (size A4, not stretchy.) Or else use my second life textile. You will go home with a homemade thread drawing in an embroidery hoop. No experience is needed. You will surprise yourself.

Under the name ‘Riëtte geeft VORM‘, Riëtte works in a beautiful studio near the Textielmuseum in Tilburg on products related to textiles. In different ways, she (re)uses fabrics. Among other things, she is inspired by old painters and nature. The products are characterised by refinement and humour. She also makes personalised butterflies, panels, comfort gifts and stitched portraits on commission. Now and then, she picks up her old profession as a costume designer.