Trash Bag Garment Design
Practicing Design Decisions or Finding Your Inner Designer
This workshop is for hand weavers who want to practice their design skills. We will create a garment using only trash bags. Trash bags of different sizes, colors, and styles are used because they are rectangular, inexpensive, and easily available. Based on the simple format of a trash bag, we decide what to do for necks, arms, and legs. For inspiration, there will be a review of techniques used by other cultures that turn a rectangle into garment shapes. Cutting, taping, braiding, and laminating plastic bags are examples of the techniques that could be used in this exercise. The workshop will take 1 to 3 hours, with a fashion show of designs after the session. Participants pair up as designer and model to collaborate.
Workshop Details
Hands-on studio learning
About This Workshop
Discover Karen’s approach to cloth, color, construction, and creative exploration through demonstrations and guided studio practice.
Experience Level
All levels are welcome unless otherwise noted in the individual workshop listing.
What Is Included
Instruction, demonstrations, reference materials, and workshop-specific supplies listed with the event.
What to Bring
Comfortable work clothing, water or lunch, and the tools or materials identified in the workshop supply list.
Workshop Information
Everything you need to plan your visit, prepare for the studio, and register with confidence.
Dates, Venue & Enrollment
Dates & times: To be announced
Venue: Pacific City, Oregon — final address provided after registration
Maximum enrollment: 12 participants
Registration deadline: Two weeks before the workshop, or when full
Price: $325 — placeholder
Prerequisites & Supply List
Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with handweaving is helpful. Motivated beginners are welcome.
Karen provides: Shared studio tools, demonstration materials, samples, and workshop-specific materials.
Please bring: A notebook, pencils, scissors, measuring tape, comfortable work clothing, water or lunch, and any workshop-specific tools announced before the event.
Policies & Frequently Asked Questions
What experience do I need?
Confident beginners and experienced makers are welcome. Any special prerequisites will be listed above.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable work clothing, water or lunch, and the final supply list sent before the workshop.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations received 30 days before the workshop may be refunded less processing fees. Later cancellations are non-refundable unless the place is filled.
What if the workshop is cancelled or rescheduled?
You may transfer to the new date or receive a full workshop-fee refund. Travel and lodging are not included.