Workshops

"To say she creates clothing from tattered quilts and bits of lace and handkerchiefs is a BIG understatement. Be prepared to be totally amazed and enthralled by Marty’s artistic ability in fabricating stunning garments from worn out textiles. Her presentation is well-paced and detailed, giving the viewers an appreciation for the garments that take on new life under her expert sewing skills. Anyone who appreciates quilts and mad sewing skills will thoroughly enjoy Marty’s presentation!"

L. Slosson


Jean-ius Jacket Upcycling Workshop
12 students maximum
6 or 12 hour option: $700/$1300

Ready to transform that forgotten denim jacket into a showstopper? In this playful, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to reinvent a jacket with your own creative twist—whether it’s adding a bustle, vintage lace, bold epaulets, whimsical trims, or unexpected fabric mashups. I’ll guide you through techniques for deconstruction, reconstruction, and embellishment—no patterns, no pressure, just joyful exploration. Bring your old favorite or a thrifted treasure and leave with a one-of-a-kind design that tells your story—just bring a willingness to experiment and have fun!

Bonus: This workshop pairs perfectly with my one-day Jean-ius Jacket Upcycling lecture, where you’ll begin creating your own reinvented denim masterpiece.


Denim Diaries: A Story Quilt Journey
12 students maximum
6 hours option: $700

Join textile artist Marty Ornish for a creative and sustainable journey into story quilting! In this imaginative and expressive workshop, you’ll design and create a small story quilt centered around a woman—real or invented—using a denim background and curated vintage materials and meaningful ephemera. Each participant will incorporate required elements including yoyos (Suffolk puffs), doilies, and handkerchiefs to express a personal theme using MartyO’s story quilt ground rules. Kits will be available.

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

Celebrate the beauty of repurposing while exploring composition, stitching, and storytelling through fabric. These small collage quilts make for deeply personal art.


Kawandi Crazed: Make a Miniature Kawandi [quilt]
12 students maximum
6 hours: $700 (3 or 6-hour option)

Discover the rich tradition of Kawandi quilting in miniature form, a hand-stitched technique developed by the Siddi community in India and Africa —perfect for hand-stitching enthusiasts and vintage textile lovers alike! In this relaxing, creative workshop, you’ll learn the basics of the traditional Kawandi technique, originally developed by the Siddi people of India and Africa. It’s slow stitching at its most satisfying.

Choose your fabric palette: bold and modern with colorful scraps, or soft and nostalgic. Using simple running and back stitches, you’ll create a richly layered quilt from the outside in—one that grows inward with character and meaning. This hand-sewn process is meditative, portable, and endlessly addicting—ideal for those who love slow-stitching.

All sewing is traditionally done by hand. Kawandi is great for travelers, minimalists, and mindful makers. You’ll leave with a beautiful miniature quilt!


Art Spats + Boots = Fabulous Footwear
20 students maximum
6 hours: $700

Boot Covers, or spatterdashes, were all the rage in Victorian times. Why not dress up your boots (high or low cut boots) and show your style! One pair of boots can then be personalized, for different events. I love to embellish my "spats” for holidays and other occasions. Make these vintage or contemporary. Dress up some old boots in this fun class.

Spats—also known as spatterdashes—were once a symbol of style in the Victorian era, worn to protect shoes and make a fashion statement. In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll revive this vintage accessory with a modern twist by creating your own one-of-a-kind boot covers to express your personality, celebrate the seasons, or match your wardrobe for special events.

Whether you're upcycling old quilts, using vintage trims, or experimenting with bold contemporary materials, you’ll design and construct a pair of spats that slip over any high- or low-cut boots. Learn how to make and embellish your spats. I love making different spats for holidays or just to spice up a plain pair of boots. These wearable art pieces are perfect for theatrical flair, costume play, or everyday boldness. Come ready to sew, decorate, and strut your stuff!


Contact Marty to schedule a lecture or workshop, or for private workshops in the Southern California area.

marty.ornish@gmail.com
619.300.2251