Aya Fiber Studio

“Patterning the Pattern” is about deconstructing and transforming dyed fabric patterns into new pieced/quilted fabrications for actual use in simple garment silhouettes. Overall, “Patterning the Pattern” covers an informative and valuable topic taught by a thoughtful, experienced designer/teacher. I would definitely take this class again.

Amy is unique in her ability to bridge textile design with quilting and garment design. She generously shared her exceptional knowledge base using clear phrasing and life metaphors. The numerous samples and garments were inspiring and provided insight into her design process. Amy facilitated learning by offering time to explore, develop, and refine our individual skills from our unique perspectives. She works at providing balanced feedback to all students and also accepts input and the expansion of ideas from all. My great “aha moment” came when Amy explored ways to deconstruct and reconstruct patterns from dyed textiles.

This course was a natural followup to her 5-day workshop, “Process + Awareness + Connection”. Amy (and AYA) forged new territory by offering a class that moved beyond 2D surface design and gave participants the courage to move into garment shape-making with the potential to assemble their garments after the class. She did a great job of introducing simple garment patternmaking to these participants. It’s ambitious to make and fit, even a simple garment, in a 3-day workshop. I’m glad this was part of the content, but wonder how it might be consolidated in the future? Perhaps begin with textiles, followed by garment shapes and integration? That way, anyone with more patternmaking experience (like me) could begin working with textile patterns. And, as others worked on garment patterns, if they finished their muslin earlier, they could work on stitching.