Showing posts with label Textiles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Textiles. Show all posts

Monday, 17 June 2013

Front Porch


Fiona Lenord is the beauty behind Australian label Front Porch. From her home in the mountains she collects and repurposes all kinds of textiles from local op shops. Along with her pretty amazing mum they are whipped into shape and given new life as dresses, cushions, ponchos, and my favourite, wool blanket bunting!
I was lucky enough to work with Fiona when we designed prints for homeware textiles. Her eye for colour and pattern is the best bar none, full stop.
To find her, just visit The Front Porch Facebook Page where she holds online sales between peddling her wares at Sydney and Blue Mountain markets.
 
Images by Fiona Lenord & Family. 

 

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Productive Waiting & Textile Design Inspiration from Nature

If you are a follower of my Instagram feed, you may already have seen the creative flurry happening at our house this week. I'm not sure if I've mentioned that NP and I are expecting our first child - in fact the mystery person was due last Friday! It's times liked these when I thank my lucky stars that I can fill my time with making and napping very happily. I've even been able to squeeze in some work for my Masters of design remarkably.

The Moreton Bay fig fruit seem to encapsulate the storing of memory, patiently waiting to drop from their home in the sky after a storm or strong wind. Seeds are released and awakened, just as memory can with the right triggers.

So far I have used them to naturally dye silk and wool, resulting in a beautifully soft neutral tones. Their rounded forms have been translated into bulbous felted textile pieces. The magnificent tones are the basis of a new colour palette.

And now a watercolour repeat design has emerged...

Thank you fig fruit - you are marvellous distraction.

 

Saturday, 9 March 2013

Alex Falkiner: Textile Maker and Colour Connoisseur

If you are in Sydney in the coming weeks and require an injection of joyful colour and texture, I prescribe a visit to any of these exhibitions or workshops Alex Falkiner (aka Alfaky) is involved in. Or if in need of a quick top up, go over to her website and Instagram feed as soon as possible!

Alex Falkiner's felt, crochet & grosgrain necklaces. Photo by A. Falkiner.
Alex Falkiner's studio and baskets. Photo by A. Falkiner.
Alex Falkiner's rope and felt necklaces. Photo by A. Falkiner.
Alex Falkiner's Baskets. Photo by A. Falkiner.

Prescriptions can be filled here:

 

The Curio Collectors Cabinent, Gaffa Gallery
281 Clarence St, Sydney, NSW
7th - 18 March 2013

Knit | Knot | Weave, Gallery Lane Cove
164 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove, NSW
4th March - 1st April 2013
* A few of my talented friends - Paula do Prado and Brook Morgan are also in this show!

Workshop: Knot and Twist: Fabric Necklace Creations with Alex at
85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW
Saturday 6th April

 

Thursday, 28 February 2013

Coral & Tusk Update

Lucky me! My very perceptive mum gave us our very own Coral & Tusk Cushion! She did some excellent detective work when we were last in Moss Vale visiting the lovely Made by Others store. Apparently I picked this guy up in the store and my mum took note. It's looking lovely on our upstairs couch.

 

Saturday, 23 February 2013

Coral and Tusk

Good morning friends! This morning is a porridge and chai kind of morning, with rain and wind and heavy skies in Sydney. I have big plans to get some things made today, the weather making it easier to be indoors. However I've just heard that rivers are flooding in other NSW areas, which can never be very good.

Have you seen these little creatures from Coral and Tusk? Quite a few of these are in my virtual shopping cart, with the hope of at least one making it's way to our home!

The way the studio operates reminds me of when I worked as a commercial textile designer - lots of chat and cups of tea... Their video shows how lovely the Coral and Tusk Workroom is...

 
 

 

Coral & Tusk from Coral & Tusk on Vimeo.

Designer Stephanie Housley gives a sneak peek into the delightful world of Coral & Tusk, her line of pillows and accessories. See her imagination come to life as embroidered drawings in her beautiful Brooklyn showroom/production studio.

Friday, 25 January 2013

Textiles Meet Up

Happy New Year Friends! I'm finding the days whizzing by already and it's only January.

My year spent in midst of my Masters of Design has resulted in lots of thoughts and ideas percolating, ready to be put into making action over the next couple of months. Another splendid outcome is a small arrangement of textile-inclined people that I've begun to spend time with. I've always wanted to be part of a textile collective - and this one is of the highest calibre.

Yesterday was the first catch up of the year, which was planned around a visit to the Dank St Gallery in Sydney, and supplemented by excellent coffee and cake. Our conversations floated around possible future collaborations, making-tips and other odds and ends, and left me feeling ready to tackle some creative problem-solving.

Alex lives here. Paula lives there. And I'll have to find out where the others reside and update this list.

Here are a few shots of Bridget Kennedy's work that we stumbled upon - a beautiful collection of beeswax rings available to peruse and take home for a small donation. Mine now reside on my glove-mould.

 

The Depot GalleryJust help yourself why don'tcha 23 January - 2nd February 2013An installation of 10,000 rings by Bridget Kennedy. 
Materials - zinc, silver, lead, coal, gold in beeswax

 

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Drum Roll for the Felt Ball Rug!

Holding_FeltRug

Stitch_FeltRug

Wilton_FeltRug

Slightly embarrassingly, I started making this Felt Ball Rug two years ago. Two years? Yes. Two years. November 2010. You might remember this post mid-way through the making... No? Well, neither do I... that was one year ago. A lot happens in one year... and a lot of nothing happens in one year, particularly when one has the habit of stopping and starting projects willy-nilly.

When I purchased 8000 felt balls, this kind of rug was a rarity. I think Anthropologie had a nice looking one out last year... but now... I see them everywhere! Not quite the same as mine, but still.

Never-the-less, I am proud to announce that I am literally days away from finishing this guy up. Just a few more stitches and this rug will be ready to adorn our living room. I must admit that it's only two-thirds the size that I had originally planned (thank-you to my sister who pointed out there was no way a bigger rug was going to work in said room). But despite this small change, I'm quite happy with how it is looking.

From the above photo you might thing that Wilton just loves sitting a top of these balls. The reality is, since he ate, digested and pooped one of the balls out, he's steered clear of the rug and was forced to sit on it for the photo shoot.

Speaking of photos, my marvellous sister Hannah took all of the above. She is super talented and very generous to make time to take shots of my work. I'm going to invite her back once it is all done and dusted for a final capture of TWO YEARS of procrastination and a bit of stitching results in.

Thursday, 8 November 2012

Hello Singapore!

Well, it's actually 'so-long Singapore' as I write this post. Battling against bleary jet-lag may mean a bit of rambling today... The couch feels like it's moving underneath me, but I will persist!

Our five day trip had three purposes - having some tailor made shirts and suits stitched up for NP, to eat good food and to relax. All were accomplished, along with some sight-seeing ta'boot.

Highlights included our stay at The Fullerton Bay Hotel (the breakfast was a-mazing), The Little Drom Store, Supermamma, the Perikanan Museum and The Gardens by the Bay.

Some photos to illustrate:

 

 

Wednesday, 7 November 2012

Koskela Festive Felt Workshop hosted by Feeling Fuzzy!

Hi there! I'm writing from Singapore where NP and I are wrapping up a very demanding holiday... the eating and relaxing really has to stop!

I have some exciting news... I'm very happy to announce my Festive Felt Workshop taking place at the end of November at Sydney's Koskela space (one of my favorite places to visit).

The workshop is open to both kids and adults for felt-making fun. We'll be stringing and decorating felt-ball garlands and rubbing and rolling Christmas Bon-Bon's to fill with your choice of treats. Perfect little presents for your friends and family.

If you have been wondering about felt-making this is a great introduction to wet-felting. It's a little less delicate than needle-felting, which is why I prefer this method. The merino fleece has a mind of it's own and happy mistakes lead to lovely soft pieces.

I hope you can join me for this fun day - spread the word if you know anyone that might be interested.

x Emma

Workshop Details

Sunday, 25th November :: 10.30 – 12.30 / ALL AGES

Cost: $60.00: all materials provided

TO BOOK: info@koskela.com.au / or / (02) 9280 0999

85 Dunning Ave

Rosebery NSW 2018

 

 

 

Thursday, 18 October 2012

Textiles Workshops & Pop-Up Store, Sydney

A few of my talented COFA companions are having this very good-looking Pop-Up Store at Gaffa Gallery from the 12 - 17th November.

The workshops, ranging from zine-making to crochet are sure to be creatively inspiring. Make sure you book yourself a place!

Head over to Alex's site to do so.


Sunday, 5 August 2012

COFA Exhibition Announcement: Art, Design, Textiles, Sculpture, Ceramics and More!

In two weeks I will be showing my work in progress at the COFA Half-A-Desk group show. It is the first time my small samples of felt and small drawings will be shown outside of my studio in the flesh.
It's also a great chance to see the work that goes on at The College of Fine Arts as there will be 59 other students with half a desk to fill with their creations.

Consider this your official invitation. Hope to see you there!



Friday, 29 June 2012

Publisher Textiles Sale - Today & Tomorrow

Untitled
Cushions from Publisher Textiles amazing sale @pubtextiles
Nabbedd myself some great cushions and printed fabric meterage at the Publisher Textiles Sale today. If you're in the area and pop by you are in for a treat!

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Walter G Pop Up Shop at Barometer Gallery, Paddington

Walter G Pop Up Store Walter G Pop Up Store

I had an invigorating conversation with Lauren and Genevieve from Walter G today. I scooted past their Pop Up Shop to see their beautiful products in person.

They were so generous in telling their stories of working with artisans in India where they live for 3 months of the year working to produce raw and beautifully patterned fabrics. Not only are they skilled textile and product designers with an amazing sense of aesthetic, but have deep knowledge of traditional block printing and dying and collaborative skills.

They are at Barometer Gallery until 1st July 2012 selling and chatting about their wares.

Barometer: 13 Gurner St Paddington.

Images 1 & 2: Emma Peters
Images 3, 4 & 5: Walter G

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Solipsist: Colour Colour Colour


SOLIPSIST from Andrew Huang on Vimeo.

Image from Solipsist from Andrew Thomas Huang.


I was chatting to a colleague about how I often feel after teaching a class at COFA that I come away having learnt a huge array of new things just by talking to my students.

I don't know if they realise that I love seeing where their ideas come from, what inspires them, and how they travel from that point with their own perspectives. This is the creative journey that I love to see and be a part of.

This Vimeo Solipsist by Andrew Thomas Huang inspired one of my students in her textiles project and I can see why. Looking forward to checking out more of his work. Oh, and the Making of Solipsist is here!

Colour Colour Colour,
Pattern Pattern Pattern,
Movement Movement Movement,
Texture Texture Texture!

Enjoy on your Wednesday mornings as much as I did and thank you Alyce for bringing this little gem into my world.

Saturday, 31 March 2012

Women with Clever Hands, Object Gallery, Sydney.



Image: Julieanne Gitjpulu Malibirr, Looped string mat
Photo: Leise Knowles


This morning I went along to the Women with Clever Hands demonstration and talk at Sydney's Object Gallery. This is an exhibition of fibre work celebrating the creativity and skill of the artists of Gapuwiyak. Animals, bags, necklaces, mats and baskets of beauty that are woven, looped, twined and coiled are displayed for us to see the stories of these women. The stories of their families, their community, their bodies and their history.

I mentioned in the last post that I've been thinking long and hard about story and narrative forming a concept for creative designing and making. Looking closer at the information about each piece in the exhibition you can see that each is named accordingly:

"String Bag Story"

"Close Coiling Story"

"Past Times Story"

"Working Together Story"

Every aspect of this work literally weaves stories into the pandanus, along with sacred feathers and seeds. Chatter and talk, demonstration participation and observation. This is what the gallery floor became when we were invited to participate in the making process. The value of story resonates through the room.

Louise Hamby and Lucy Malirrimurruwuy Wanapuyngu curated the exhibition with the help of their fellow sisters. Many of the pieces honour and remember those who have now passed away. 

Women with Clever Hands: Gapuwiyak Miyalkurruwurr Gong Djambatjmala
Object Gallery
417 Bourke St Surry Hills NSW
Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm
31 March - 9 June 2012

Thursday, 15 March 2012

Gaawaa Miyay: Lucy Simpson, Textile Designer

Gaawaa Miyay Products

I've been talking to my design students this week about developing concepts for textile design. What is a concept? What is the purpose of a concept? Where does a concept come from?

Concept is a mysterious notion - I see it as the idea that holds the design process together. It's the starting, middle and end point. It keeps you on track and allows you to communicate your ideas creatively. It may be a few different ideas joined like a dot-to-dot puzzle. It could be a piece of inspiring music. Sometimes it is a story.

Lucy Simpson, creator of beautiful textiles that make up Gaawaa Miyay (River Daughter), is an expert at visual story telling. Each of her designs respond to memories of storytelling, people and places. She draws from her ties to the Yuwaalaraay country of Northern NSW and interprets her connection through visual narration.


Next week Lucy is holding an Open Studio Night at Addison Road Gallery, Marrickville. If you are in the area I'm sure she'd like to see you there.
Invitation to Lucy Simpson's Open Studio Night.

In the mean time you can look to these sites:


Gaawaa Miyay
An Interview with Lucy by Craft Australia
Lucy's Collaboration with Julie Patterson at Cloth.

Image Credits: Lucy Simpson & I Ran the Wrong Way

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Sublimation Printing

Transfer Printing Explorations

Transfer Printing Explorations

A trip into sublimation printing - also known as heat transfer printing.
Polysol dyes do the trick... find out more here.

Saturday, 3 March 2012

Dear Beattie...

Dear Beattie,

After some years of wearing one of your dresses, reading your blog and following you on Instagrm I had the lovely pleasure of meeting you and Gladys yesterday at your shop.

It was so nice to chat to you about your journey as a designer. It takes an ocean-full of fearlessness to produce work from the heart and then hang them out for people to consider & critique.

I liked your stories of trips to the South Coast, learning how to spend time creating and entertaining yourself without the distractions of the television. What a great way to begin learning about resourcefulness and inventiveness.

Your approach to local design and the importance of daily rituals within your community speak miles about where you draw your inspiration and support from. So important as a solo designer!

I've thought a little bit about our chat yesterday and wanted to let you know it made a radiant impact. Thank you for being so happy to talk.

Have a lovely week!
xEmma

Places to find Beattie:
Website
Blog
SHOP | 182 SYDNEY ROAD, FAIRLIGHT, 2094 NSW AUSTRALIA
P | 02 9948 9557
E | HELLO@BEATTIELANSER.COM




All Images: Beattie Lanser

Sunday, 29 January 2012

Change underfoot...


Work in progress..., originally uploaded by Feeling Fuzzy?.

Three weeks left of my job as a textile designer for Sheridan Australia.
Four weeks until I start my Postgrad Research as a Masters student at COFA.
Seven years since I was last at University as a student.

Big exciting changes always come with a good mix of excitement, apprehension and mystery.

Keep posted for the next chapter of Feeling Fuzzy!

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Cecilia Heffer: Lace Narratives

Hello Friends,

You may have noticed this blog has been a little on the thin side in terms of any substantial writing... sure, a few music suggestions here, some hipstamatic shots there... but I think we can all agree this makes not for a particularly interesting read!

(Please tell me otherwise... perhaps you'd rather me short and sweet?)

Tonight despite an avalanche of University marking that is cascading from my inbox, I feel it is deeply important that anyone in Sydney over the next 3 weeks make a concerted effort to get to this exhibition.

I'm assuming that you who read Feeling Fuzzy? are quite keen on art, textiles, craft and the importance of beautiful things in life, yes?

I think you will appreciate at least 20 minutes gazing at the incredible textiles of Cecilia Heffer hanging in the beautiful Damien Minton Gallery in Redfern.

Exhibition Details:
Wed 28 July to Sat 14 August 2010
61-63 Great Buckingham St Redfern
02 9699 7551
Opening Hours: Wed-Sat 11am-6pm


PS. Number 46 is coming home with me!

Cecilia Heffer's Fabric Drops

Cecilia Heffer's Fabric Drops


Images 1 & 2: Feeling Fuzzy?
Images 3 & 4: Damien Minton Gallery