Memories from Home - Tracey Emin Exhibition

I had always sat uncomfortably on the fence on the subject of appreciation of controversial artist Tracey Emin's work until I went to her exhibition 'Love is What You Want' at the Hayward Gallery in London recently. Knowing a little about her controversial status in the contemporary art world I went with an open mind and ready to consider the ever looming question 'what is art anyway' and 'are you taking the piss'? Not surprisingly, the answer to those questions when faced with an exhibit of a used tampon was the latter and the constant references to her abortion experiences left me feeling awkward and emotionally drained.

Sure her previous work 'My Bed' (link here) could be considered abit 'lazy' and her tent piece 'Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963-1995' (link here) was a little unnecessarily informative but what I didn't realise about Tracey Emin is her uncanny knack with a needle. Check out the amazing quilts she has produced, they blew me away and not something I had expected to see at all.

 

She had patchworked, appliqued and embroidered snippets of her life in proper memory quilt style using old clothes, swatches and keep sakes. I can just imagine her sat in a little stitch n bitch sewing group stitching away on these........NOT!

One thing you can say about her work is that it's truly personal. She is outspoken. She challenges personal thoughts and makes statements that others might not be so brave to make. And whilst her mono prints were a little too dark for me, I could appreciate their rawness. They really make you feel like she's scratched out her heart and soul on the paper. Hmm serious shit really! And I guess that's what art is, expressionism. This is where it starts getting abit deep so I'll leave you with your own thoughts on this.

So do I like Tracey Emins work? Yeh, I love the quilts. And anything controversial is good for the mind. And yes I appreciate her abilities as a mixed media artist. I also love the way her work is so personal and tells her story, just probably not one to share with the kids though.

I chose not to put up pictures of her more controversial work, but if you're interested, Mr Google is always more than willing to oblige.

My Creative Space

Late on Saturday night with the film 'The Notebook' on the telly, I dared to delve into the 'very old unfinished projects' pile I have stored in my grandmas old sewing basket and was very pleasantly surprised indeed to find this large double bed sized completed patchwork in need of blanketing, backing and binding.

I remember making this when my sewing machine first arrived in Tassie from the UK. After nearly two years of living with only the belongings I had stuffed in my backpack or had recently accumulated, I felt like a child on christmas morning when all my goodies arrived from the UK and once again became part of my life. Including my grandma's old sewing basket jammed to the brim with some treasured sewing items that I just couldn't be without, some very carefully selected fabrics and other bits and bobs and my trusty old Singer (mums old one given to me when I was about fifteen).

So, I digress, in my creative space this week I decided to get 'Vera' the quilt finished so that we can use it in the beloved caravan. I don't know why I do that by the way, but I always do name my quilts. I even remembered this old girls name when I pulled it out. Maybe it's because when I'm sewing with the old vintage sheets I think about who would have had them before me and I create this imaginary charater which the quilt then sort of becomes. Anyway, I digress again, to finish Vera, I stole the old blanket we currently had on our bed that really had seen better days and was in need of upcycling and chose a beautiful vintage sheet from my stash for the backing. I had already sewn on the bias binding made from purple corduroy when I originally did the patchwork so the first job was just a massive case of ironing, sandwiching, pinning and basting.......she's a big'un!

I then realised that Vera was going to need some quilting as she is rather large I was a little worried she might get abit bumpy and misplaced with age.....bless her! So I embarked on an applique project to go on her backside to hold her together.

But that didn't quite work out as my optimistic self hoped as she was just way to bulky to manouevre in the machine, so plan b had to come into action; I ended up just stitching in the gutter of the patchwork panels to keep her altogther and maybe later I'll attach the applique design by hand, one for the road trip maybe!!

So she's now all finished and hanging up drying. Tomorrow she'll be on our bed, I can't wait. What has everyone else in blogland been up to this week? Lets have a lookie here. Cheerio.

New Stockist - Crossed Spoons Cafe

Won't you just check out Violet, Florrie and the others in their new home; the Crossed Spoons Cafe, Boat Harbour, Tasmania. All poshed up and ready to go to a good new home. I'm so proud of them, but I must let them fly the nest. I hope people enjoy them as much as me.

So let me tell you about the Crossed Spoons Cafe. It's one of those comfy cafe's where you always feel welcome and relaxed. Vanessa explained "it was always our aim to offer good homecooked meals and give people the chance to purchase locally made wares". Supporting local artisans is something that is important to her as well as offering a wide range of Indian products.

The Crossed Spoons Cafe provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy a yummy meal, coffee or desert in easy chairs in front of a roaring fire whilst your child plays with the toys on the rug. Or if you want abit of peace and quiet you can sit in the other room and admire the fantastic views over the bass strait. Whether your lunch appointment is business or pleasure, Crossed Spoons Cafe will provide the perfect place to 'nosh up'. There's heaps of space so you will never be left out in the cold and is very conveniently located on the Bass Highway between Wynyard and Boat Harbour. Also known as Killynaught, they also have beautiful little cottages if you really can't bear to leave. Closed in winter on Tuesdays and Wednesdays but open all other days 11am - 5pm. A stay here would be a must if you're thinking of visiting the area.

Ada's Quilt

I took advantage of a glorious sunny day to take some pictures of my quilt for new baby Ada. Such beautiful bright colours deserve beautiful sunshine.

I'm so, so pleased with my new labels.

Spot the pins!! Just the last bit of hand sewing to do.

I think I may have also fixed the problems I was having with my 'comments', so please try again if you've been unsuccessful in the past, and thanks to those that have emailed me to let me know:)

My Creative Space

Yey, in my creative space this week I finished the sleeping bag! So after sandwiching the layers and cutting out the pattern, I quilted around a few of the groovy flowers to hold it all together (I only ended up doing a few at the back). I also made enough single fold binding to go around the neck, arm holes and sides of zip.

It was then a case of assembling; I started on the zip by binding the two edges of the front pieces where the zip goes and then 'stitched in the gutter' to attach the zip......I love saying that:). I then stitched the front to the back at the shoulders and attached the binding around the neck and arm holes. Finally turn it inside out and stitch all the way around the sides and bottom to join.

The blanket used instead of wadding makes it perfect for chilly nights. Just make sure you lengthen your stich (3.5 on my machine) and use a 11+ needle cos there's some serious thickness you're sewing there.

I had a fab day yesterday sewing clothes for Maggie; two dresses made from sheets, and trousers made from my jersey cotton stash. I may finish off the bottoms of the trousers with trimmings but I really should have done that before I stitched them up. I was just too keen to get them on her and to the park, such a beautiful day today in Tassie. I'll put up pictures of the blue dress I made another time.

I love using binding and ric-rac around the arms, neck and bottom.......any excuse to use ric-rac, I love it:). When you're done here, pop over to Kootoyoo to see what others have been up to. It's such a fab way to share projects, abit like a show and tell of your creations.

New Baby Quilt

A friend, who is also a novice but very enthusiastic sewer, is expecting a baby in April and a group of us have decided to make a special quilt for the baby. We will all produce an individually designed square measuring 30/30cm which will then be put together to form a quilt. The square can be made according to the skills of the individual; some can applique designs, use embroiderey, fabric paint, knitting, the options are endless. It's such a lovely gift for a newborn to treasure forever as each square reflects the individual who made it. I have done this before and it wasn't a great success but this time I have high hopes so I will keep you posted how it develops. This is my square which I did this afternoon.

Monday Morning Book Club

Better late than never hey! First on my list of things to do upon my return from a very wet weekend at Marrawah for my brilliant husbands surf comp is to do my Monday Morning Book Club blog - see I have my priorities very right indeed:)

I suppose this book should really have been No.1 on my 'must have' list of books for fellow crafters. This book sits besides my sewing machine and doesn't dare move. I refer to it as often as the pope refers to his bible. You know when you're working on a project and you just can't quite work out how to do this or should I do this before I do that, well this baby has all your answers. It's what Mrs Beeton is to coooking or a good housekeeping manuel is to the desprate housewife. It covers everything; equipment and supplies, how to get the best out of your sewing machine, explains all about different fabrics, methods and sewing techniques, using patterns, projects, decorative touches, mending, tailoring, home furnishings.....it's got the lot with step-by-step pictorial instructions. This one is circa 1972 but there are many out there in charity shops, all very similiar. So grab yourself a copy today from your local Vinnies for about $2.

Hmmm now to tackle the mountain of wet sandy washing and a very messy campervan.

Kaffe Fassett

Is it really possible that looking at fabric can make my heart race so....it does, it really does! Ahhhh I just love the genius that is Kaffe Fassett. I was just checking out his website, and looking at his range of fabrics literally makes my heart flutter....it must be love. Now calm down I hear you say, but please let me explain. I have been following Kaffe's work since I was about 13 so it's no 'school girl crush'. My mum used to drag me along to the Knitting and Stitching show at the Alexandra Palace in London every year to help 'man' her stall (mum designs needlepoint kits based on oriental rug designs - well until she sold the business to become a full-time gypsy - long story) and I would frequently sneek off to wander around the stalls and exhibits and was always drawn to his work. So I am no stranger to his genius. At 13 of course I was maybe just a little less enthusiastic but could nevertheless appreciate the colours, the designs, the visual happiness his work evokes. So the motto of the story, have a look at http://www.kaffefassett.com/ and feel the love, enjoy the visual happiness and most importantly be insprired to create.

Monday Morning Book Club

Books, books, books......I love them almost as much as I love fabric. When I first decided to take this sewing thing to another level and start Baby Boudoir I couldn't get enough of sewing books. I would walk into a bookshop or a library and pass many an hour sitting on the floor leafing through the pages of the craft /design and sewing books. I seem to be as happily consumed doing this as I am going to a Vinnies or a haberdashery shop. All of a sudden I wanted to learn correct techniques, take tips from the experts and be inspired by colours and designs. Whereas previously I had been happy to just make it up as I went along and muddle my way through my sewing projects.

So I've decided to start a Monday Morning Book Club where I'll share with you those books that I love and maybe you could share your favourites too.

There is no other place to start but the holy grail of quilt designs that is Material Obsession. Thank you so much Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke for your inspiration. These books are stuffed full of the most amazing quilts I have ever seen - and I've seen alot all over the world!! I aspire to one day produce a quilt like these. I love the way they magically combine colours, patterns and shapes and the appliques are like something out of a children's story book. Both books also contain fantastic tips and techniques for beginners, as well as detailed instructions which are easy and exciting to follow. And the photographs are just so 'now'. Buy these books if you are an enthusiastic but timid sewer, or a 'lifer' of sewing and I guaratee you will not be dissatisfied.

I would love to hear your comments to my book review or receive book reccomendations so please leave a comment..................and don't forget to sign-up to follow me over on the left of the page.  See you next week for Monday Morning Book Club.

My Makes

It seems that I may be a somewhat shy blogger!!!! Each time I attempt to write a post, words seem to fail me. For someone who is not usually short of a word or two this feels a little weirdorama. Maybe that's it, maybe I just have too much to say and don't know where to start. Nevermind, until I find the confidence and feel comfortable about revealing my thoughts, creations and aspirations to the world, pictures of 'my makes' that I have for sale will have to suffice.

The bag pictured above is one of the many different coloured bags I have for sale. Made from recycled wool, buttons, beads and beautifully handmade fabric/felt flower embellishments. Great for little girls to carry their own bib, wipes and spoon when meeting friends for lunch.
Below is Florrie-Blue and Violet from my softie range. Made from recycled stock. I use all the same fabrics for bunting, softies and quilts for a fully co-ordinated baby's boudoir. (See quilts and bunting on the right hand side of the page).
this is sunny...........
and this is Florrie and Maggie.

So there's a few of my little makes for you to ponder over. Baby Boudoir is a very new venture for me and I'm very excited about seeing how it develops. One thing I have discovered recently is how many very talented ladies there are busy in their homes creating wonderful handmade treasures. We need to get together, share ideas and inspiration. I would love to hear from you all, particularly if you are local to NW Tasmania and would be interested in selling your creations in "a winters eve artisans market" that I'm hoping to organise over the winter where people can come to sell, buy, chat, hang-out and have coffee and cake. Look forward to hearing from you.......and don't forget to follow me, sign up over there on the left.