First of all, the course was held in Bob's "classroom" which is really just one large sewing room full of all kinds of fabrics, threads and inspiration.
Bob is a fascinating guy. He started his career as an 8th grade English teacher and became involved in school theater. He decided to get his MA in Community Theater which led him to create the Kids in Drama (K.I.D.) program in his home state of New Hampshire. He increasingly became interested in costume design and started to choose shows in order to make the costumes.
Looking to further his education, he left his full-time job as a school teacher and entered the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Delaware to learn the art of costume design and shop management.
He has worked for three universities and is currently a tenured faculty member at the University of Kentucky. His love for costume has led him to pursue various embroidery arts and he has received his Certificate in Haute Couture embroidery from Lesage in Paris; and four certificated courses from the Royal School of Needlework. He is also pursuing the study of Japanese embroidery. And all from the love of the theater and costume...to learn more about Bob and see all of his work, you can go here.
Since receiving his certificate from Lesage, he has been a prolific tambour artist, creating many many pieces of embroidery like those below using the tambour hook.
One of the advantages of embroidering with a tambour hook is speed. Of course, you have to become proficient in its use...and I have a long way to go before that happens!
Below on the left you can see a pansy embroidered with needle and thread that took Bob about 7.5 days to complete; on the right is a pansy done embroidered with a tambour hook that took about 10 hours!
Here is Bob's finished sample of our class project:
After three days of work, I barely scratched the surface. But that's a story for tomorrow...
I'm looking forward to catching up with you all!
great background story, can't wait to see your work.
ReplyDeleteArlene
Glad you are back home, can't waith to hear more about your trip and the class.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
great intro, looking forward to the next episode...k.
ReplyDeleteahhhh, there you are! I been waiting ALL day!
ReplyDeleteThis is gonna be good! I didn't know that Tambour was embroidery, I thought it was always done with beads.
I can see that you were totally in your element with all those heavenly costumes here and there to inspire you!
Well, you teased enough. I am going to be up early tomorrow to catch your post. Hopefully its there now, just waiting to go live.
Missed you a ton! So so glad you are back. How did the house hold up without you?
xx, Carol
Wonderful class with a master teaching. How lucky to be there in person. Looking forward to seeing your handiwork. Happy creating...
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a wonderful trip and learning experience. Bob sounds like an interesting person - to go from high school english teacher to tenured professor in costume/theatre is quite amazing.
ReplyDeleteSusan
What an interesting person Bob is! I love it when people have the courage to follow their hearts! Such incredible things happen! I see that same spirit in you and can't wait to see where this class takes you!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great week, Susan. Welcome back! Anxiously waiting for the second installment of your adventure.
ReplyDeletePeople who are willing to change direction when new doors open are my favorites... How exciting for you to see it in person... Glad to have you back online..
ReplyDeleteHugs Ger/
You must have been like a kid in a candy shop! Everything looks so beautiful! Glad you are back to share it all with us.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, could you have asked for a more interesting instructor?! What a resume! I am sure you will be his star pupil-so glad you have the chance to take his class. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful place to be - your photos are fabulous! I cannot wait to see and read more. You are an amazing beader! I know that your finished project will be lovely. I am definately sticking around to see more.
ReplyDeleteVicki
Glad to see that this was such a great experience for you. Bob was a interesting character, wasn't he? Can't wait to see how you "dived" into this project.
ReplyDeleteThis is very intriguing, I really like seeing the costumes and all that's involved. I'm so glad it's you learning something new and sharing your knowledge with us. Thank you! The tambour stitching reminds me of the Japanese Bunka (I don't know how to do that either, I end up with a tangled mess), especially the tambour pansy piece looks similiar to finished bunka work. Looking forward to more from you.
ReplyDeleteGood to have you back! And good to know you had so much fun and inspiration. Just lookin at your pictures makes me feel like that little girl I once was, wanting to live in ancient times so I would be able to wear those wonderfull dresses... Ah, how I longed for that. Thanks for bringing back that fond memory.
ReplyDeleteWhat afabulous experience for you and to have it so close!! Great pictures and I also really can't wait to see what you are going to create. I must go back and read some of your older posts where you explained about what a Tambor hook is!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the education!!!!!
Susan, I have this image of you seated in this workshop, gripping your seat with both hands (about to jump out of your chair!) in sheer & utter excitement for what you are witnessing & learning - enjoy every moment!!
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