Course: Tatting Summer Four-Day Workshop with Katja van der Steen

Date: June 24, 25, July 8, 9, 2023
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Location: Zaandam
Cost: €375,-, student price €295,- (use discount code ‘studentfrivolite’)

The Frivolité Summer Four-Day Course 2023 is a course for beginners who want to master the 200-year-old art of frivolité (also called ‘tatting’). Frivolité is a knotting technique that involves making lace by using two shuttles to create rings, arcs, and small loops (picots).

Frivolité is characterized by intricate lace patterns that can be seen in many decorative and clothing adornments in paintings by old masters since 1800. These patterns had a revival in the early 20th century and, like modern lace-making techniques, are kept “alive” by only a small, scattered group of enthusiasts.

During the four-day course, we will place this ancient technique in a modern context and recreate various examples that you can use for clothing decoration or accessories.

Theory

In the theoretical part of this course, you will learn how to choose materials and tools for your project and learn the history of this craft and its place in fashion and art.

Practice

The practical part includes everything you need to get started with frivolité:

• Reading the patterns;
• Loading the shuttles;
• Making basic knots;
• Correcting mistakes;
• Adding broken threads.

In addition, we will practice extensively so that you feel comfortable/skilled enough to work independently with beginner patterns and techniques and create your first lacework by the end of the course. At the end of the course, you will take home your self-made lace samples that you can use as clothing decoration or accessories.

Materials

All materials and supplies needed to practice during the course are included. You can also purchase additional materials during the course to continue at home.

Teacher

Katja van der Steen is a master tailor specializing in bespoke tailoring and theater costumes. She has recently worked on several projects at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow and is currently collaborating with the Dutch National Opera & Ballet. Additionally, she takes on a limited number of clothing commissions and actively promotes the craft of “handmade” through various masterclasses and workshops, such as embroidery, textile processing, and lace making.

Foto 1: Lucia Chain – Spring Summer 2015 | Foto 2 & 3: Katja van der Steen