Ties with Tradition

While at the Powerhouse Museum I also visited the Ties with Tradition exhibition featuring Macedonian Apron designs. The stories behind the aprons were endlessly fascinating.

No surprises here, this one was my favourite.

This apron was woven in 1954 by Spasija Aleksoska for her wedding. It has been worn once. The flowers are made from tiny woollen pompoms.

This Apron was loaned by Dana Atanasovska and was woven by her mother-in-law for her wedding. The loom width was 36.5cm; cotton warp, woollen weft.

This Apron is from Meseista and was woven in 1968. Woven by Angelina Todoroska using hand spun and dyed wool. Angelina wove between 50 and 60 aprons in preparation for her marraige. each apron took approx 2 days to weave.

Today's Finds

Skipped the Garage Sales this morning and instead headed to a local Flea Market. First stop, I spotted these bundles of Handmade Natural Paper for $2 a bundle.

Then as wandered around we came to a handmade jewellery stall.

These rings were $3 each. The pink one is for my niece.

Some moisturiser would be nice.

Who said I'd never use Maths.

After finishing two days of kids classes I have been reflecting on the uses of mathematics. The kids were amazed at how much maths and science they used while they splashed dye around. They were even more astounded to learn how much fun they had. I showed them some photos I had taken during my recent trip to Sydney.

Angela from Living Creatively recommended that I go and see an exhibition at the Powerhouse Musuem. The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef exhibition is based on Hyperbolic Geometry. That's it for the technical description. If by now you are starting to nod off take a look at some of the pics.

Not only maths but as it was described in the Sydney Morning Herald as "an artistic project that weaves art and community craft together with environmental activism and marine biology." The exhibition feature coral reefs made from wool, plasticbags and fibre optic cables.

Incredible! The exhibition continues in Sydney until the end of the month. Fingers crossed that we get to see it in Brisbane.

The Crafter's Way 106 - Flower Power

Sorry, I've been a little tardy posting this week's Messenger column.

Flower Power

Here is another tutorial to make a fabric flower. This one uses a little more fabric but is quite easy. I’ve made my flower from 2 shades of pink however it looks just as effective if you mix up coordinating prints.

You will need: fabric in 2 colours/prints, scissors, strong sewing thread, needle, button or beads.

Step 1: Trace off 4 circles in each fabric. I used a glass as my template. Cut each circle in half. You should now have 16 semi-circles.

Step 2: Fold each of your semi- circles in half, finger press along crease line.

Step 3: Sew a narrow seam down the short straight edge. I used the sewing machine but you can just as easily hand sew the seam. Turn each to the right side.

Step 4: Divide your petals into two groups. Using your strong sewing thread sew a running stitch along the open edge of the first petal. When you get to the end carry the thread across to the next petal. Continue until all petals in first group are joined.

Step 5: This is where you will regret not having used strong thread. Gently gather up the thread, drawing the petals into a circle shape. Take a couple of backstitches into the reverse side. Repeat Step 4 & 5 with the second group of petals.

Step 6: Stack one circle of petal on top of the other. Offset the petal so that you can see them all. Stitch though the centre securing the layers. Bring needle to top side and secure button in place. Take needle back to the reverse and finish off.

Back to Free Craft Projects.

New Stockist

We have another stockist.



Country Quilt Co at Pine Mountain Rd. Ipswich is now selling a select range of our Hand Dyed Fabric and Threads.

Change is Good

We've had a bit of change around at the shop.

Needing a better way to display the fabric samples that worked in the shop and at shows. This is so quick to pop them on and off without any fuss.

Alan has also been diligently working though the long list of things we need to change over to our new logo. Still a little ways to go but we're getting there.

Never used Hand Dyed Threads? Check these out.

I'm Dreaming Of A....

I've started on Christmas projects. This is one that I've framed, I'm waiting for the glue to dry.

Then I started stamping on Hand Dyed Fabric and Paper. I was really enjoying myself.

Unfortunately, both projects have now been put on the backburner. I got news of another project with a deadline. I just want it noted.....it's only August and I've started on Christmas. Good aren't I? Hopefully Santa will be good to me.

The Crafter's Way 105- Kanzashi Flowers

Flowers are the theme for this week's Messenger column.

Kanzashi Flowers

Spring must be in the air as I have a couple of flower projects planned for the next couple of weeks. I first learnt to make these flowers when I was in Japan a couple of years ago; they are based on origami folds.

1. Cut a square of fabric. This one is 10cm sq (1a).

Fold it diagonally. Finger press the fold (1b).

2. Open out the fold then refold on the opposite diagonal.

3. You now have a triangle. With the long edge closest to you fold the one corner to the point.(3a)

Fold the remaining corner to the point (3b).

4. Fold fabric in half along original fold line from step 1.

5. Holding the point turn the fabric over (5a).

Fold the left corner into the fold line (5b).

Fold the right corner into the fold line (5c).

6. Turn to right side. Pin folds in place. You have now created your first petal.

To finish: Continue creating petals until you have enough for you flower. Odd numbers look best. Place petals right side down into a circle. Stitch petals together. You may need to trim the lower edge of each petal to get them to sit properly against each other. This will depend on the weight of the fabric used. To create centre of flower: sew on beads or a button. Turn flower to wrong side and attach small piece of felt. Attach hair clip or brooch back.

Back to Free Craft Projects.

New Stockist

Living in Brisbane's beautiful Bayside area? You can now purchase TrishAlan Designs Hand Dyed Fabric at Bayside Stitch Craft .


The shop can be found at Shop 2/140 Ross Court, Cleveland.

Blacksmith But Not As You Know It

Out here at Old Petrie Town we have not one but two working blacksmiths. What these guys create couldn't be any further from horseshoes. One of them has even created some commissioned pieces for Elton John. Alan spied this yesterday afternoon and suggested I go and have look. It's a huge tree. I left all of the guff in the background so that you could see the size.

As I was walking back the guys from the Fire Brigade Musuem had one of the old trucks out the front. Note the wooden ladder.

And the Steam Engine Guild had left these 2 outside on the road. They both work... very noisily. Would never have passed OHS standards.

Dylon Dyes 40

Lin Harvey from Uniquely Yours Creations has been doing some more dyeing with Dylon Dyes.

Check out her posts.

Trip Down Memory Lane

It seems that lately everybody I know is finding old magazines that had been secreted away for long forgotten reasons. My latest addition is a Woman's Day from August 15th 1983.

It features this pullout book full of " attractive craft ideas to make". Don't scoff, this is part of their Collector Series. The first thing that caught my eye was the horse. When I was in Grade 3, about 10 years earlier, we made this style of horse in a sewing class. And today, softies are everywhere. Everything old is new again.

Except maybe for this. It is a knitted pine cone pin cushion. Mmmmm. Not sure if we are ready for this again. If you really want to recreate this item I'm happy to email you the pattern. I want to keep the original, after all it IS a Collectors Item.

The Crafter's Way 104 - Craft Catchup

Here is this week's Messenger column.

Craft Catch Up

There is so much to see and do in the craft world at the moment. Here’s a quick rundown of dates to put in your diary.

Saturday 15th August sees The Handmade Expo celebrating their 1st Birthday at their new home, The Ipswich Turf Club, Brisbane Rd Bundamba. This great venue has allowed the expo to expand to over 100 stalls of handmade goods and the inclusion of Gourmet Fresh. If you don’t want to drive, catch a train, it is a short 600m walk from the station. While in Ipswich pop into Handmade Heaven a boutique retail outlet full of handmade items. You can find Handmade Heaven at the Old Flour Mill, Brisbane St. Ipswich.

Continuing at the Pine Rivers Art Gallery until the 22nd August is That Felted Feeling, an exhibition of works by the Qld Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Artists. Free Artist Talks and Demonstrations continue throughout the exhibition. For more details ph: 3480 6941

From 21st August – 29th Sept the Henzell St Quilters are holding their annual exhibition at the Redcliffe City Art Gallery. The exhibition will showcase 20 years of modern and traditional quilts, wall hangings, cushions and dolls.

The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre will be hosting Crust, a travelling exhibition of international contemporary ceramics from 5th August 31 August.

Still at The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, there is a series of 2 day workshops on offer. Ph: 3408 9288. Learn Goldwork Embroidery, Mural Techniques, Watercolours and Sculpting in Clay.

At Artisan until 5th September is Living Treasures, a sublime exhibition by Marian Hosking. Featuring over 100 beautifully crafted objects, including brooches, rings and necklaces, highlights the breathtaking beauty and diversity of natural forms.

If there is any other craft news you would like to share please email me. Hope you enjoy these craft activities.

Dylon Dyes 39

I've had these images for weeks and had forgotten to share them with you.

I was using the exhausted dyebath of Dylon's Sunflower Yellow and Flamingo Pink.

I've scrunched up the silks and jammmed them into my honey containers and slowly and carefully poured the colour over. There was no excess dye pooling in the bottom of the container. I left them soaking overnight.

The first image is the Laundered Silk that I used in all the original colour trials. The second is Sari Silk. It has a lovely arty paper feel to it. The last is a Thai Silk that my brother bought for me. It has retained the scrunched look, no amount of steam is removing it. Just remember that this is the exhausted dye not the first dip. To see how silk dyes using the Dylon Dyes check the earlier posts labelled 'Dylon'.

Free Projects

Indulge your creativity with these Free Craft Projects, Craft Tutorials, How To's and Craft Hints.


Check back often as more are added frequently.

Fringe Dweller

My Tree Jumper was returned in the mail yesterday. I have to hand it to the Warwick Art Gallery they really did take time to pack it well and nicely.

They even sent me a photo of it on the tree.

I don't know who the child is but it's a nice touch.

Finished

This morning I put the last touch to my handbag project. Other than the couple of printed fat quarters I purchased I made this totally out my stash at home, hand dyed fabric, threads and plastic washers, even the handle. It was brown and a little too narrow but Alan used his dremmel to opening out the handle then painted it black.

The inspiration from the bag came from M'Liss Rae Hawleys' book "101 Fabulous Fat Quarter Bags", it was the Saddle Bag Purse. I loved the look of the bag except that 2 saddlebags would never be enough room to carry all the stuff I have in my bag and that she had used binding around the edges. Now I know most people might have taken the hint to declutter some of the junk out of their bags but I knew this was NEVER going to happen. And secondly I believe that life is too short for messing around with binding.

So my bag has 4 pockets, 2 are on the inside. I also think this may be a little safer. It is also a bit shorter and narrower. I made 2 fronts attaching them like you would a lining. Pulled the bag through to the right side through the opening and top stitched it closed.

The buttons are Singleton Buttons. Fabric covered buttons for when you don't have any button forms. I made these using some plastic washers. I'll do a tutorial. I make the shank a little differently to other instructions I've seen.

Now that I'm on a roll with the sewing machine I have a bird to make for Pauline from Funky Friends Factory.

Back to Hand Dyed Fabric.

The Crafter's Way 103 - Huckaback Embroidery

Here is this week's Messenger column.

Huckaback Embroidery

At a recent Garage Sale I came across some very old Huck Fabric. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it but I sure wasn’t leaving it behind. I was vaguely aware that it had been widely used for embroidered hand towels however I had no idea how it differentiated itself forms other forms of needlework.

Huckaback Embroidery is also known as Swedish Embroidery and Darning Embroidery and Huckaback Darning. Like all crafts Huckaback has enjoyed many revivals. Popular around the mid 1800’s its popularity waned until the early 1900’s. I found a New York Newspaper from the 28th February 1909 that reported “Beginners in embroidery should rejoice- huckaback work is back in first favour”, it goes on to state “as with every revival the modern darning on huck is more artistic than when it was popular 15 -20 years ago”.

Huck fabric is a coarse absorbent cotton or linen fabric, the fabric I purchased was Irish Linen. It was renowned for never wearing out. I’m sure that my mother still has Huckaback table runners from her mother in use. Huckaback was taught in schools as it was considered a very easy and inexpensive form of embroidery. In Huck embroidery the stitches never pierce the fabric. Huckaback Fabric is characterized by well defined vertical floats. The thread is ‘woven’ through these floats creating the stitches. A tapestry needle is best as its blunt end will not split the floats. Prior to the early 1900’s silk threads were used exclusively but today #3 and #5 perle cottons are used as is stranded cotton.

Traditional Huckaback embroidery showed the design on one side only; all the stitches ran in the same direction. The picture however shows that with a little artistic flair how effective this form of embroidery can be. Stitches run both vertical and horizontally to create an eye catching design.

Huckaback Fabric can be a little difficult to source however if you are keen to try this form of embroidery you can achieve a similar result using aida cloth. You never know another revival may be just around the corner.

Yippee!

I'm a very happy dyer. KraftKolour is back in business. After surviving the devastating Victorian Bushfires, Bonnie and Graeme have rebuilt and restocked. I received my first order from them yesterday.











You can email orders to info@kraftkolour.com.au