Sneak Preview

• Date: October 25th & November 1st
• Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
• Location: GFAC – 100 Buford Road , North Chesterfield , VA 23235 
• Cost: $75 registration fee scholarships available   ( includes instruction, sewing , and supplies machine rental on site ).

Program Duration:

Date: Wednesdays, October 25th, 2023 – May 15th, 2024

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Location: GFAC – 100 Buford Road , North Chesterfield , VA 23235

Sewing & Collage: Sewing for the Unconventional Artist

• Instructor: Austin Auz Miles
• Fall 2023- Spring 2024 

Course Description:

This course will cover sewing basics, including hand sewing and operating a sewing machine, along with tips and tricks for sewing. Participants will also learn how to create their collage designs and patterns.

Key Learning Objectives:

Participants will acquire essential sewing skills, including:

• Threading a needle
• Threading a sewing machine
• Loading and replacing a sewing machine needle
• Choosing stitches on the sewing machine (width, length, tension, needle position)
• Making flawless stitches
• Creating patterns
• Sewing in curved lines
• Using stitches for artistic effects
• Designing collage patterns

Sample Projects:

Participants will work on exciting projects such as:

• The Fancy Corner Bookmark
• The Scrunchie
• The Black Girl Throw Pillow
• The Black Girl Tote Bag
• The final project will be a fabric collage tote bag, designed and crafted by each participant.

Equipment/Materials:

GFAC will be accepting donations for these materials needed for the program:  

• Sewing Machine (participants can bring their own or lease one from GFAC for an additional $25)
• Fabric & Regular Scissors
• A Variety of Thread Colors
• Pins
• Fabric Tape
• Fabric Pens or Chalk
• Needles
• A Variety of Fabrics
• Tracing Paper
• Markers and Pencils
• Bobbins
• Measuring Tapes
• Drawing Paper

Program Benefits: This program offers numerous benefits, including:

• Learning valuable sewing and artistic skills
• Collaborating with other young aspiring fashion designers, artists, and creators
• Opportunity to express creativity through unique projects
• Building self-confidence and self-expression
• Access to financial assistance (apply here)
• Optional use of GFAC sewing machines for a small fee

About the Artist:

Austin “Auz” Miles, originally from Durham, NC, is a multidisciplinary painter, designer, and public artist based in Richmond, VA. She holds a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, majoring in Communication Arts with a minor in Painting and Printmaking. Austin’s work combines abstract and figurative imagery to explore themes such as beauty ideals, spirituality, ancestry, and the individual experiences of women within the African Diaspora. She has exhibited in various venues across Virginia, including The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Virginia Beach, and more. Austin “Auz” Miles is known for her murals and continues to contribute to visual conversations.

Volunteers Requested: We welcome volunteers to assist with the program. If you’re interested in volunteering, please connect with us through Hands On Greater Richmond.