Hunting for haberdashery

Today was a hot summer's day so I popped into one of my local cafés - Vicini - for a latte and to give some thought to what I might like to get up to today :-)

Sipping my hot coffee my mind turned to the idea that's been bouncing around in my head recently - making funny little handpainted silk dolls. Nothing pretty, definitely fantasy-like, some with big pointy teeth perhaps.

This got my creative juices flowing and I started to plot and plan colours and things I'd like to attach to these dolls, like wondering what I'd use for head adornments in place of hair. I decided I'd better head over to Spotlight fabric and haberdashery in Birkenhead Point, Drummoyne ... full of anticipation!

This store is quite close by, and I often peruse the fabric aisles, touching fabrics as I go. I also like to spend time poring over the clothing pattern books, a long-time favourite past-time, and today was no exception.

In the photo above you can see the bibs and bobs I bought, a nice little eclectic group  of goodies. As soon as I have made one or more of these new dolls, I'll post photos online :-)

Hope you're having a gorgeous weekend!
Cheers
Teena!

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Thoughts of Moline Fabrics in Paris

I've been going through my fabric stash (how did I get so much?) and came across some fabulous braids and baubles I bought in Paris last year, and of course I went hurtling back through time and space to that gorgeous store ...

I remember being lost in wonderland as I browsed through this Moline store in Montmartre, under the shadow of the famous church Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart). There are several Moline stores in the one little street, and as I explored the one which housed the haberdashery - buttons, braids etc - I was quickly falling in love with everything I saw :-)

So today when I saw the baubles in my sewing stash, it was the hot pink and lime green ones which winked at me knowingly ... and I located some beautiful lime green silk I'd been saving.

I'm thinking it will make a delicious slip-on top, with the baubles adorning the neck ... and now I can't wait to make it!

OK - I'm going to sketch my ideas for a top. Hope you're having fun whatever you're up to!

Ciao ciao
Teena!

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The postman brings Surface Design journal

Just collected my mail at the post office and imagine my surprise when I saw the big envelope with the fabulous colourful stamps!

Straight away I KNEW what is was, and I couldn't wait to get home!

Woohoo! The Fall 2009 The Surface Design Journal! Gotta run - I'm heading to the kitchen to make a latte, then putting my feet up, and reading all the fabulous textile news :-)

Sorry - can't talk - I've got some reading to do!

Ciao ciao
Teena

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How I handpaint silk cushion designs

Had fun yesterday painting a black and blue design on silk charmeuse - a bit pop art - and I've created a video of the photos I took. Watch this quick video to see how I did it:



I love making these videos and picking some fun funky music to go along with the painting :-)

Hope you enjoyed this!

Cheers
teena

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Crisp cotton voile waiting to be transformed

I have some crisp cotton voile just waiting to be turned into beautiful summer clothing, and thought you might like to see the colours ... yes, four of my trademark colours:

• hot pink
• orange
• lime green
• and turquoise blue.

Unfortunately they didn't have any purple the day I bought these or that too would be part of this rainbow :-)

Cotton voile is a fine light cotton perfect for tops, shirts, even sarongs as it lets the air flow through and is beautiful to wear on a hot summer's day or evening.

My mind is wandering hither and yon, thinking of cool summer tops and floating coverups ... perfect for the hot summers we always have in Sydney, as well as for resort wear, cruise wear, beach wear ...

As I make each piece and upload it to my website, I'll post a link so you can see what I've been up to!

Ciao ciao
Teena!

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Lunch with Fran and Koki

Lunch with the Girls!

It was so lovely to catch up with Koki and Fran this week, listening to their news as we had a few lattes and a yummy lunch at Piccolo Padres in Rozelle.

The café has a delightful little back courtyard with a tiny fishpond - golden koi were swimming around lazily under the trickling of the little waterfall, and the fronds of the palm treess rustled on the gentle summer breeze. The music is generally easy-listening and not too loud, so that helps tremendously when there's a lot of talking and listening going on :-)

Our two hours went by so quickly and we kept chatting on the footpath, but had to get back to our cars before the ever-vigilant parking police (grrrr).

See you soon girls! It was fabulous to see you both, let's not leave it so long next time!!

Teena

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Lunch with Jan & Paul

It was great to catch up with Jan and Paul today - I hadn't seen Paul for many months (possibly even 6 or 7) and he was in fine spirits.

Jan was in great humour, as always, and we 3 had a great laugh and caught up on all our news.

Friends and laughter ... who could ask for more?

The weather is still crazy - winter woollies for a few days then t-shirts for a few days.

We're planning to catch up for Christmas which will be a lot of fun I'm sure!

Teena

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2010 WORLD’S BEST TEA COSY

2010 WORLD’S BEST TEA COSY.

$500 prize!

The Tea Cosy capital of the world, Miles, (in Queensland, Australia) is again seeking the world’s best tea cosies, following the great success of the 2005 & 2006 World Tea Cosy Making Competition which attracted entries from Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, U.S.A., South Africa, New Zealand, and France.

There will be 3 categories: TRADITIONAL; OPEN; COLOUR CODED = PINK (all proceeds to be given to Breast Cancer/Research). The winner of each category will receive A$200.00, with an extra A$300.00 to the overall winner. A selection of tea cosies is presently touring Queensland, per. courtesy of Ontour onexhibition from the Queensland Arts Council.

Entry is FREE – all cosies remain the property of Miles Regional Arts Council : no tea cosies returned (unless by prior arrangement with Ann) . Tea Cosies will be sold, with the money raised to be given to charities at the discretion of the Miles Regional Arts Council. All tea cosies MUST be accompanied by an entry form, which you will find on our web.

http://www.dogwoodcrossing.com

If unable to access this, please draft your own entry form which must include NAME, ADDRESS , CATEGORY and your story/history of the entry. M.A.I.D. 4. T. is a partnership between Western Downs Regional Council and Miles Regional Arts Council Inc. Tea cosy to be sent to Mrs. Ann Gibbons, "Mirrabook", MILES 4415, Queensland, Australia by end of June 2010. Winners announced September 2010. For more information, contact Ann Gibbons on 07 46271707 or tedgibbons@bigpond.com

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TEXTILE ART FESTIVAL QLD June 2010

TEXTILE ART FESTIVAL:

June 25-27, 2010.

"Visitors in 2009 loved this event" and why not? Much to enjoy including fantastic festival competitions.

http://www.textileart.com.au

This exhibitiion is owned and operated by Expertise Events: phone (020 9452.7575. The venue will again by Brisbane Exhibition Centre, South Bank.

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TAWFA 2010: Australian Wool Fashion Awards

TAWFA 2010: The Australian Wool Fashion Awards

Entries now open for TAWFA 2010. Will this be the year I finally enter?

I hope so!

The presentation parade will be held 7th April 2010 at the Royal Easter Show, Sydney.

http://www.tawfa.com.au

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18th Tamworth Fibre Textile Biennial 2010

MOMENTUM

The 18th Tamworth Fibre Textile Biennial touring exhibition has these venues coming up in NSW in 2010:

• 6 Feb – 14 March 2010 Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo Regional Gallery;
  
• 26 March – 2 May 2010, Hawkesbury Regional Gallery and Museum.

More information is available from http://www.tamworthregionalgallery.com.au

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Contemporary Aboriginal Fibre Art

FLOATING LIFE

Contemporary Aboriginal Fibre Art is on at the Queensland Art Gallery until 11 October and includes a catalogue – it showcases the Qld Art Gallery’s collection.

http://www.qld.gov.au/exhibitions

As well, you can see EASTON PEARSON (fashion design) from August 20 – 1 November 2009 (exhibition catalogue available).

And – PAPERSKIN: Barkcloth Across the Pacific will be exhibited at Gallery 4

QAG from 31 October 2009 – 14 February 2010. This show ‘explores the uniqueness, breadth and aesthetic strength of Pacific barkcloth’ and showcases over 40 ‘outstanding examples.. from the 18th century to the present.’

This show will tour to Te Papa (Wellington, NZ) in 2010.

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SILK IKATS of CENTRAL ASIA

SILK IKATS of CENTRAL ASIA

from the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is showing to October 11 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney.

This is a "stunning collection of 50 exotic and vibrant silk robes and textiles created in the late 19th century in the remote region of Uzbekhistan…. This exhibition offers a rare insight into 19th century life in the oasis cities along the Silk Road."

There are associated programs including special tours, free lectures, free films, "Education’ and ‘For Kids’.

Entry is $8/$5 concession;
tickets available online: http://www.artgallerynsw.gov.au

Info line: 1800 679 278

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Artcloth: Engaging New Visions

If you get time, check out the ARTCLOTH exhibition at Fairfield City Museum & Gallery.

Stein Gallery

Artcloth: Engaging New Visions 29 August 2009 - 11 October 2009 Curated by Marie-Therese Wisniowski. This exhibition wil be opened at 2.00pm Saturday 29 August by Joan Truckenbrod, Professor of Art & Technology, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, USA. The ArtCloth movement considers the use of cloth as an art medium. Techniques used include dyeing, shibori, melt-off, discharge, batik, printing, and digital imaging to create cloth of rich visual depth and complexity. This is a movement gaining significant momentum in England, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and North America. Marie-Therese Wisniowski, the Curator of this exhibition was able to engage a group of 20 enthusiastic and prestigious international Artists who are at the cutting edge of Art Cloth. It is first at the Fairfield City Museum and Gallery. It will then travel around Australia. Image; Ken Kagajo, 'Discharge-thundercloud'

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