In this workshop, participants tuft a large gridded rug together (to be exhibited at the festival), blending pattern history with individual artistry/culture and generative AI. The finished piece becomes an interactive canvas as conductive thread is added, while projections illuminate its soft surface. You'll learn every step of the process, with no prior tufting experience required. Join if you are curious about tufting and exploring artificial intelligence as part of the pattern making process.
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Not sure what tufting is? Check out this beautiful rug made by Marianne Kurki.‍

SCHEDULE
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Monday 30th of September, 18–19
Digital meetup with all participants.

Tuesday 1st of October, 12–15 (Group 1) and 16–19 (Group 2)
‍Introduction to tufting, getting used to the tool and designing your pattern. Everyone will have an assigned square in the rug, and on the first days we make small tiles as we practice our technique. After the session you have the rest of the day/evening to prepare your final designs.
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‍Wednesday 2nd of October, 12–15 (Group 1) and 16–19 (Group 2)
‍The big day! Everyone will tuft their assigned spaces (leaving room to go beyond and interact with the other participants spaces for some exquisite corpse wondery). We will use a projector to display the designs on the fabric, and sharpies to easily make outlines. Then just tuft away!

SKILL LEVEL
Suitable for both beginners and professionals.

MAX PARTICIPANTS
4 per group, 8 in total.
It is OK to bring a friend to join the workshop as your +1. You would then take turns/share.
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REQUIREMENTS
A laptop for AI-assisted pattern generation.

REGISTRATION
Register for the workshop.
Last day to sign up is 20th of September END OF DAY. Selected participants will be informed 22nd of September.

FEE
The workshop is free, but due to the limited number of participants, there is a registration deposit to reserve one's seat.
If you are selected, please deposit 40€ one week before the workshop to the Aavistus Festival bank account, IBAN: FI52 4730 0010 5799 92 - with the message "Deposit for Tufting workshop". Please email us at info@aavistusfestival.fi to confirm the transfer.
The deposit will be paid back upon completion of the workshop.