Space - the final frontier

Last weekend I had a massive clearout of the front bedroom, which henceforth shall be known as "My Studio". I now have a large (6' x 2'6") heavyweight worktable as well as my dinky pine desk and each day after work I have done a bit more clearing and sorting. Al's away this weekend so I shall really put some time and effort into the room. I shall take a photo and post it on the blog. I keep saying to myself - I deserve this!

New coursework blog

As this blog has taken on it's own character I have set up a new blog to post my C&G coursework on. It's www.annebraveydistantstitch.blogspot.com - doesn't actually trip off the tongue but I think it says it all. Nothing actually on it yet - but will start soon.

Module 2 bag - watch this space

My brain has been spinning with ideas for the exterior of my creature bag. I have scrapped my last prototype - pulled it all apart so I can start afresh. Mmmmm - feels rather good. Haven't scrapped the jagged "slips" I'd made - can work them in to the new design. I want the outside to have a jagged, spiky feel to it, which will contrast with the fluffy interior. I'm going to make a multi-layered fabric (using lots of stiff dress net for texture and "bite") and piece it with the spiky edges jutting out. I will then stuff the joins with some metallic bits and bobs.
Watch out - I have to finish this soon - can't let it go on any longer.

I'm also working on Mod 3 at the same time! Got some more button ideas. If only my body could keep up with my overactive brain. Hey ho........................

Angie Hughes & Hundertwasser

This is a piece I did at Angie Hughes's workshop"Inspired by Klimt" in May - unfortunately I was unable to grab a reference book on Klimt as everyone else snaffled them and all that was left was a book on Hundertwasser. This boat is based on one of his series of pictures of boats - so not typical Hundertwasser. I added some sequins when I got home and have decided to frame it as it is.

Piece measures approx 8 x 5 inches. Click on image to enlarge.

I would recommend Angie's courses - she's very knowledgeable and extremely kind and patient - I can vouch for that!

Bevere Gallery

On Saturday Tessa and I went to the Bevere Gallery. Lots of lovely Nora Fok jewellery - all knitted with what looks like fishing wire. Brilliant sculptures in the garden so I sneaked one or two pix of my favourite pieces.

Sheep under the trees (sculptures). the old rusting roller under the tree adds a nice rustic touch! Do you remember the wooden sheep at Urchfont last year???

Lovely planted ceramic piece by Nigel Edmondson. How organic can you get!

Festival of Quilts

Went on day one. Lots of gorgeous things to look at... and buy, but I was very restrained for once. Angie Hughes was there, as was her friend Kim Thittichai from whom I bought some "hot spots" - tiny transferable glue dots that will pick up transfoils nicely for an unusual effect. Some amazing students/graduates, especially Fiona Wilson - lovely printed, gauzy pieces. Some fabulous vintage-inspired printed fabrics and also a trend for tweedy warm-handle fabrics for quilts, bags, whatever.

Some photos: Dancing Queen by Kathy Turner

For Sarah and Elizabeth by Macky Cilliers, South Africa

Think this was called "Light" by Leah Higgins

Lots of textile stars there, including Pauline Burbidge, Ruth Issett, Claire Benn - oh I could go on and on. I have challenged Kathryn (calico wrinkle) to enter something next year. Watch this space!

Module Two: Resolved piece Anne Bravey

Item: creature bag

Dimensions: base: 25cm x 15cm, height: 25 cm approx

Back story:

I made a first prototype which was slightly too big and cumbersome, so I reduced the dimensions. This also had the effect of making the bag more stable when standing. The rather square, chunky base tapers into a curved, swan-like handle. The curve is echoed and emphasised by top stitching to suggest a wing, a feather, the direction of fur, even the footprints of a herd of migrating beasts!


I felt I would not be happy using every scrap of my home-made fabrics, so whittled my choice down to a few. Additional embellishments were also kept to a minimum for maximum effect.

The prototype was made from Funky Foam (what a discovery) and was relatively easy to cut and piece together. The foam is strong enough to withstand being used as a template for fabric pieces. In this case the sections have been assembled, taken apart and reassembled several times.

I noted your helpful comments about the interior and exterior being very different but complementary. I liked the suggestion that the inside could be a “tactile” experience, so decided to make it downy and soft, like a nest.

THE INSIDE
Create inner fabric from natural-coloured soft calico. This is cut and pieced with wide seams facing forward. These seams will then be frayed and “hacked” to give a feathery appearance and feel.

Front and back foam sections are joined at the top of the bag and the feathery fabric is attached.




Inner “handle” – printing onto gauze – “No creatures were harmed to make this item” – “NO” in bright red. Machined onto square of calico and frayed.

(Beware - bone "teeth" lurking within fluffy layers to trap unwary fingers)

Feathery fabric is applied to each of the remaining sections (base and 2 x side panels).

Back from Urchfont - I so enjoyed it, especially meeting everyone and finding out what people were up to. I feel spurred on now to get down to producing more work - AND finishing that pesky bag! Special mention to Betty who was so generous with her time and helped get me on track with the blessed hoop thing.