shipbuilding

eye on process

2012-02-21T06:30:00.000+11:00

I had a blissful 'unplugged' holiday
which means it might take a little while
to get back to regular posting
in the mean time you can see some images of my process
on the Material Culture site

image: shipbuilding

something new II

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000+11:00

I made a version of this top
and it's perfect for taking on holiday
I'll be back soon...refreshed and recharged

image: shipbuilding

we're putting on a show

2012-02-02T06:33:00.003+11:00

...while it's still a month away
there are a few sneak peeks appearing here
including the background to my own work
and I'm sure there will be more to come
as the show gets closer

image: shipbuilding

things around the studio

2012-01-24T20:00:00.000+11:00

...aren't very exciting at the moment
I'm working on some artist statements
and it hasn't gotten any easier
since the last time I did it
although I have found new things to distract me
like cooking and watching the tennis

image: shipbuilding

daily happiness

2012-01-20T14:46:00.000+11:00

working on collection #1
finding inspiration in the garden
a visit to the spice shop
and baked summer fruits
(served with yoghurt and some ginger biscuits...delicious)

happy weekend!

images: shipbuilding

something new

2012-01-16T14:11:00.000+11:00

I finished a new linen top last week
after redrafting/altering this dress pattern
it's already becoming a favorite
so I think I'll make another version with a shaped hem

image: shipbuilding

happy 2012

2012-01-11T06:52:00.000+11:00

...wishing you a very happy new year

I'm taking a slowly, slowly approach to the new year
I'm not on holidays yet but feel like I should be
so in between work commitments I've been taking time out
and getting as much rest as I can
after a wonderful but busy last year

image: shipbuilding

simple

2011-12-22T22:35:00.000+11:00

...a snippet of my very simple tree

thanks for stopping by
for sharing your thoughts
and for helping to make this year a very special one
I wish you a happy and safe Christmas
surrounded by those you love

image: shipbuilding

an opening, a diary and the weekend

2011-12-16T07:58:00.000+11:00

last night I went to the opening
of 'Gathering' at the Tinning Street Gallery
and saw some stunning textile work
it's on for three days only...

have you seen Genevieve's new diary?
it's such a calm and exquisitely beautiful space
it's been my place of respite during the last few months
of long and busy days...

and the weekend...I have a commission to finish
family and friends to spend time with
a few more patterns to draft for my collection
and I hope to catch up on reading all your beautiful blogs

wishing you a wonderful weekend

image: shipbuilding

...there

2011-12-14T08:10:00.000+11:00

it was a late night but I got there in the end
the studio's a mess though
I guess that's my next challenge...

thanks for your beautiful comments on my last post
I desperately wish I could show you the whole cloth
but alas, I have to wait until an exhibition early next year
and then I can show you in full when it's hung properly

images: shipbuilding

nearly there

2011-12-13T07:41:00.001+11:00

...eight meters of double cloth ready for the wash

I'm nearly there with all the weaving

and hope by the end of today

everything will be off the looms

and ready for finishing and/or dyeing

it's going to be such a relief

...thanks for being such patient readers

image: shipbuilding

it's all about weaving

2011-11-30T06:48:00.001+11:00

it's all about weaving at the moment...

just putting one shuttle in front of the other

and trying to get everything finished

before the end of the year

...I feel like I'm weaving in my sleep!

I'd like to be posting more often

as I have a few things to show you

but something has to give a little bit

...at least for the next couple of weeks

image: shipbuilding

a new palette

2011-11-22T09:01:00.002+11:00

...soft and smokey

the rain was so beautiful on the weekend

it was warm enough to have the windows and doors open

as it came streaming down through the trees

I sat quietly listening and playing with paper
as happy as could be

image: shipbuilding

happy friday to you

2011-11-18T07:19:00.002+11:00

...I hope your weekend is inspiring

whatever you're up to

for me there will be lots of weaving

some drawing and playing with paper

a conversation about a garden

and a much awaited trip to the hairdresser

...hopefully the sun will be shining all weekend long

image: shipbuilding

a toile, a top and a confession

2011-11-16T07:21:00.000+11:00

the first pieces from all that drafting...

the toile is on the left

which I decided to make out of some white linen

even though I don't know if I'll wear it as is

or if it might make its way into a dye bucket like this linen

plus another version in black check linen

just the hand stitching to go and they're done

it was a really easy pattern and a good place to start

although there are a few small changes I'll make next time

and then I went to get some haberdashery

and walked past the gingham display

(personally I think they put the haby at the back on purpose)

and came home with another two pieces

...so much for lightening my stash

images: shipbuilding

inspiration circles

2011-11-10T07:16:00.001+11:00

I love the way inspiration works

sometimes it's so elusive

other times it's in abundance

and sometimes you inspire and don't even realise it

until it comes back to you in one way or another

I had a visitor to the studio last week

who was wearing a gorgeous linen dress

that she had been inspired to make

after all my posts on Japanese patterns

I was very touched

and in turn it's given me the inspiration I needed

to get sewing using all those patterns I've drafted

and fabric from my stash

I love the way it works...

image: shipbuilding

a recipe for almond crescents

2011-11-07T06:00:00.002+11:00

it's been ages since I've shared a recipe here...

I've been baking these biscuits a lot lately

for family, for friends, for home and to share in the studio

and judging by how quickly they disappear

and the amount of times I've been asked for the recipe

I think I can declare them a winner

over time I've tested a few different versions

but find this one, with a few tiny alterations

is the simplest and quickest

especially if you skip all the hand work and use a processor instead

150gms unsalted butter, chilled, cubed
150gms plain flour, sifted (gluten free works beautifully)
70gms fine white sugar
150gms almond meal
2 egg yolks, lightly whisked
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
lemon zest
icing sugar to dust

combine flour, sugar and butter in a bowl and rub until it resembles fine breadcrumbs
mix in the almond meal, egg yolks, vanilla and lemon zest and bring the dough together
turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth
divide the dough into 4 even portions and roll each into a log shape about 2cm thick
wrap each section in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes
preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius
remove dough from the fridge and cut into 2cm pieces
roll each piece out with your hands to about 5cm long and shape into a crescent
place on a lined backing tray and bake for about 20 minutes or until slightly golden
turn tray once during baking
dust with icing sugar to serve

...happy baking!

image: shipbuilding

washing day / dyeing day / tea day / biscuit day

2011-10-31T11:14:00.000+11:00

...otherwise known as Monday

images: shipbuilding

the beautiful one

2011-10-24T06:00:00.001+11:00

every now and then I wind a warp

that makes me stop and think

whether I really want to weave it at all

because it looks so beautiful as it is

without adding anything more to it

like this silk one destined for my table loom

...if I can bring myself to use it

image: shipbuilding

currently drafting nani iro

2011-10-21T06:00:00.001+11:00

there's so much to love in the Nani Iro book

and the girl's versions are so sweet

but I've decided to keep it to just three pieces

for some simple and quick summer sewing

...I think they'll all become favorites

images: shipbuilding

one for the weavers

2011-10-18T06:53:00.001+11:00

if you ever discover as I did

that the eighty centimeters of double cloth you've just woven

must be unpicked and rewoven again (yes, ALL of it!)

I sincerely hope that someone wonderful will come along

and place a beautiful/edible package on top of your loom

and kindly tell you it contains one block for the unpicking

and another to get you through the reweaving

it will warm your heart...

image: shipbuilding

collections process

2011-10-12T18:05:00.001+11:00

I'm slowly coming to the end of my latest paper project/installation

it's taken a long time to get my head around

the texture, the colours, the look

while keeping it as simple as possible

as happens, what I first imagined and what I've ended up with

are two different things

if I'd had another 400 or so hours to spare

imagination and reality might have met

but right now, it's not to be

it's been a challenging process

time has been short and my shoulder sore

I've been distracted by my day job

and anxious to begin the residency

that has me weaving again

but...it's a beginning

and a project I'm sure will continue over time

probably in many different forms

and when it's finally finished I can show you in full

(and breathe a quiet sigh of relief)

for now...a few shots taken along the way

images: shipbuilding

sunday morning studio time

2011-10-09T16:04:00.001+11:00

...it's my favorite time in the studio

the world is quiet, the neighbours still asleep

it's just Vital Bits and I

with the birds singing their morning songs

...I make a pot of tea and set to work

on my most quiet tasks, crossing things off as I go

thinking all the while about beginnings and endings

the week that's been and the new one ahead

...sometimes I try to trick myself into a sleep in

but my heart knows it's Sunday morning

and wakes me up anyway

in need of the ritual of this quiet creative time

...do you have little rituals like this?

ones that you can't bear to miss out on?

images: shipbuilding

laura ellen bacon

2011-10-07T07:06:00.001+11:00

I found the work of Laura Ellen Bacon

via Harriet Goodall's blog

I'd love it if I stumbled on one of her pieces somewhere

...Harriet makes beautiful things too

and lives the kind of creative country life

I'm always dreaming about

wishing you all a gorgeous weekend

images: Laura Ellen Bacon

currently drafting A to Z

2011-09-30T10:00:00.001+10:00

...just one pattern from this book - a very simple jacket

that I probably won't think about until next winter

but it's always great to have patterns on hand

and it could work in a cotton or linen for summer

if the mood (or Melbourne weather) strikes

...have a gorgeous weekend wherever you are

images: shipbuilding

one / two

2011-09-28T19:04:00.001+10:00

new warps ready and waiting

silk on the left and linen on the right

what I want to do is too complex for my own floor loom

so I have to go elsewhere

which will make for a rather inspiring change

image: shipbuilding

it's not all grey

2011-09-22T06:00:00.001+10:00

you could be forgiven for thinking

you've been viewing this space in greyscale lately

there's been a lot of grey...even for me

but there are glimpses of colour around here and there

these are little paper samples

which are much quicker and easier to make

than handwoven samples

and of course I always love working with paper

image: shipbuilding

studio bounty

2011-09-19T18:17:00.001+10:00

I'm trying to capture every bit of inspiration

that's coming my way

there are too many times when it's hard to come by

and I don't want to waste a moment

or spend any time questioning it

I just want to fill my walls with the bounty

until I run out of space

images: shipbuilding

currently drafting drape drape 2

2011-09-15T20:45:00.001+10:00

I have just one pick from the Drape Drape 2 book

a simple top for summer

maybe in grey or stripes

images: shipbuilding

studio time

2011-09-12T18:22:00.001+10:00

changing my spaces around recently

seems to be working

I had one of the most creative weekends

I've had in ages...

drafting, dyeing, playing with paper and yarn

and beginning on a new weaving project

that finally has me excited

about getting back to the loom again

images: shipbuilding

currently drafting nooy

2011-09-09T13:41:00.000+10:00

I'm starting with the Nooy book

drafting two dresses and a top

I see lots of linen being used for the dresses

and some soft cotton or silk for the top

enjoy whatever you're up to this weekend

...I hope it's something that inspires you

images: shipbuilding

a lovely pile of books on my table

2011-09-06T06:51:00.001+10:00

this is where I'm starting in my quest to lighten my stash

drafting from Japanese pattern books

that a friend has kindly lent me

I'm taking a draft first, sew later approach

so that all the patterns are ready and waiting

for my sewing blitz

image: shipbuilding

two favorite things

2011-08-30T07:44:00.000+10:00

gingham and waffle together...just to break it up a bit

I'd like to find more time for making things

and reduce my stash a bit over the next six months

...I hope you don't mind more posts on sewing

images: shipbuilding

sale

2011-08-23T08:00:00.001+10:00

the shipbuilding shop is on sale

until the end of this month

when I'll be closing it for a hiatus

while I focus on my increasing exhibition workload

stocks are limited...happy shopping!

image: shipbuilding

on my list for the weekend

2011-08-18T08:18:00.001+10:00

sewing...lots of sewing

some things made of cloth for me

plus some paper pieces for an upcoming exhibition

that I'm struggling to get my head around

and a walk or two with a stop for tea and cake

...maybe that will fix my creative block

what do you do when you're stuck?

image: shipbuilding

changing spaces

2011-08-14T09:25:00.001+10:00

my spaces are changing

small cracks are appearing in the walls...ageing alongside me

and I've been moving furniture again

to try and draw a line between work and play

and to chase the light from room to room

I always want everything to be just so at this time of year

as if I anticipate a rush of inspiration when spring gets here

which I must be ready for at all costs

lest it pass me by for other shores

p.s. thanks for your thoughts on my book...I really appreciate it

and to Justine for her wonderful post x

image: shipbuilding

books...beyond words

2011-08-09T07:41:00.001+10:00

this is the book that was hiding in this box

my entry for the Books...beyond words exhibition

which is showing at the East Gippsland Art Gallery

until the 2nd of September

I meant to take some shots on opening night

but I got a little sidetracked

once the champagne started flowing

...you can see images of all the entries here

images: shipbuilding

I think my luck is changing

2011-08-02T09:29:00.001+10:00

Belinda from Simple Things held a giveaway recently

to celebrate the launch of her new Alchemy Botanicals range

and it turned out that I was the lucky winner

of one very cute and wonderful smelling package

...a big thank you Belinda, I love it

images: shipbuilding

shawn davis is a fly tier

2011-07-29T07:30:00.001+10:00

there's something wonderful and intriguing about this work...

maybe it's the richness of the materials or the beauty of the tools

maybe it's that the result looks like an amazing (albeit dangerous) piece of jewelry

maybe it's because it conjures up thoughts of spending a lazy afternoon by a river

or just the shear attention to detail

but whatever it is, I find it so beautiful

...I'd like to go here and still find the beauty of this place breathtaking

images via: the ANTHROPOLOGIST

stephen sollins

2011-07-25T06:00:00.001+10:00

a little something for your Monday morning...

beautiful embroidery by Stephen Sollins

from top: this is my house; let me live in a house; the one that leads home

images via: Brian Gross Fine Art

found via: Brydie Brown

women with clever hands

2011-07-21T18:03:00.000+10:00

...a few hours off today to visit these open studios

and a beautiful exhibition at the Melbourne Museum

of fibre work by artists from Gapuwiyak in Arnhem Land

I wasn't able to take photos inside the exhibition

but found this documentary which shows some of the work

as well as capturing the excitement of the women

as their work is exhibited for the first time

images: here, and here

old school pins

2011-07-14T06:29:00.001+10:00

...pre-digital age

I still love collecting this way

images: shipbuilding

footnote on dressing

2011-07-12T09:28:00.001+10:00

the dress from my last post almost made

the same as the two on the left here

but with sleeves added

...it's not as smock like in real life - thankfully!

image: shipbuilding

seven things about dressing

2011-07-07T11:15:00.001+10:00

Karen kindly tagged me for an award

which involves me telling you seven things about how I dress

I have to admit my first thoughts were of dread and embarrassment

when thinking of how I've been dressing lately and feeling about my wardrobe

but, getting over that...I must be able to find seven things...surely?!

it became a lot simpler, as it does, when I started taking photo's of things

that best sum up my everyday (messy work clothes aside)

1. ballet flats...most of the time

2. simple black earrings my mum gave me and ring by NZ jeweler Anna Wallis

3. cloth, the most important thing to me when it comes to dressing

also because I can sew, I always feel guilty buying clothes
4. when I find a style I like I tend to stick to it...third time around for this pattern

5. scarves are a must...my current picks are one I wove and one my sister knitted for me last winter

6. I always feel comfortable in a silk top and wool cardigan with a linen skirt or pants...sometimes jeans

7. bobby pins for simple hair

there you have it...

passing this over to two ladies who also love cloth

and whose style I admire - Anne Louise and Elizabeth

images: shipbuilding

one moment...followed by another

2011-07-05T14:28:00.001+10:00

the light was soft and grey this morning

still almost dark at 9am with no sign of the sun

I set up my tripod to take a still of my worktable

as it was left last night...

I'd just packed the tripod away

when I turned around to see the sun make a fleeting visit

sending shadows dancing across the wall for just a moment

lifting my heart and giving me just enough time

to take another photo and a short video of the dance

that I can replay over and over

images: shipbuilding

today

2011-07-03T13:59:00.001+10:00

...I'm savoring toast with homemade raspberry jam

attempting to make a basic spindle

contemplating what to make from this old recipe book

and listening to the trees rustling in the wind

I love Sundays...

images: shipbuilding

delivery

2011-06-27T06:31:00.001+10:00

I finally finished my latest book after starting it a year ago

it was such a relief to finish it I didn't feel any of the usual reluctance

to see it go off to await an exhibition later in the year

so happy in fact...I had to photograph the box

image: shipbuilding

one little heart

2011-06-22T15:07:00.001+10:00

I finished reading My Heart Wanders last night

...can you see what I found on my way to the car this morning?

image: shipbuilding

early this morning

2011-06-20T19:28:00.001+10:00

thanks for your thoughts on my last post

they were beautiful to read as they came floating in

and since I was spending a long weekend with my family

I thought it appropriate to ask my Dad to draw out a name

since he quietly reads along and enjoys reading your comments too

...he was very happy to oblige

and although I wish I had one for everybody - congrats to Karen!

images: shipbuilding

one year ago today

2011-06-14T07:20:00.000+10:00

...I posted here for the first time

at times I can hardly believe a year has passed

most of the time I still feel like a novice

and refer to this space as 'fledgling'

not that I need an excuse but it's a good time to say thanks

for stopping by and for your comments

they make me smile and encourage me each time I read them

so...fancy a little giveaway?

I dyed this yarn last week

my favorite shade of blue/grey

it's a fine silk/cotton and has a soft luster

and is suited to almost any project you can dream up

I'm happy to mail anywhere

so please leave a comment on this post

before the end of Sunday, Melbourne time

if you'd like to be in the running

p.s. hello and welcome to all the new readers

who've landed here in the last week or so

feel free to say hello and join in the giveaway

...it's lovely to have you here

image: shipbuilding

lately, I've been inspired by...

2011-06-12T07:05:00.001+10:00

woodblock prints by Cressida Campbell

sticks and branches

attempting to bake pavlova

small growth in the garden

the stylist's guide to NYC by Sibella Court

winter sun

we're in the middle of a long weekend here

and I'm off to find some snow

but will be back with a special post on Tuesday

images: shipbuilding

shop update

2011-06-08T10:52:00.002+10:00

I've just updated the shop with a small number of scarves

...the last of this kind I think

and maybe the last shop update for a little while

I did think I'd weave winter pieces

but I'm not sure if time will allow it

which is a whole other story for another day!

image: shipbuilding

tim johnson

2011-06-07T07:00:00.001+10:00

something is happening...
I'm becoming more and more obsessed with basketmaking
and the possibilities of working with raw materials
to form all kinds of shapes and objects with my hands

I followed a link from Doni's Delis yesterday
and came across this beautiful work by UK artist Tim Johnson
and if I was going to be anywhere near the Isle of Wight in August
I'd be signing up to learn how to make one of those gorgeous scran bags

images: Tim Johnson

aRtECYCLE

2011-06-03T07:20:00.002+10:00

do you fancy taking a walk through the aRtECYCLE exhibition?
I finally made it back to see the show this week
which is located in an old incinerator complex designed by Walter Burley Griffin
and as well as some beautiful work
the gallery itself is a great space for a wander

one of my favorite pieces 'Squares of Nature #2' by Alexandre Prado

gallery trap door and 'Web' by Tim Craker

'Firesticks 2' by Mandy Gunn

'Red Wedged Cube' by Carmel Wallace and one of the original incinerators

'Pink, Orange, White Residue' by Lauren Berkowitz

and you know this piece already...the hardest of all to photograph!

there were a few other pieces I really wanted to show you

but it was late afternoon and the light was fading

and the photos aren't so good

the show is on until the 12th of June if you're in the area

wishing you all a great weekend

images: shipbuilding

pattern love

2011-06-01T17:14:00.001+10:00

you're probably all shocked to see me post something on fashion

...it's pretty rare I must say

but how lovely are the new pieces from Wiksten?

beautiful cloth and simple design...two of my favorite things

images via: wiksten made

saturday / sunday

2011-05-29T18:00:00.002+10:00

a beautiful weekend...

coming home with fresh flowers and delicious biscuits

after drinking hot chocolates on the street

planning to bake some winter desserts with rhubarb

weaving while the dew on the windows slowly melts away

and the satisfaction of seeing empty bobbins

the more I weave with linen the more I fall in love with it

each throw of the shuttle makes me happy

the stiffness of the thread belies how soft it will become

when I wash it for the first time...I always look forward to that part

where it sort of collapses into my hands

images: shipbuilding

weekend weaving

2011-05-27T16:05:00.001+10:00

work has been keeping me away from this space and my loom

so over the weekend I plan to turn these bobbins

into some pieces for the shop

and maybe head out to see an exhibition or two

to help inspire some new creative energy

enjoy your weekend whatever your plans may be
and rug up...it's cold out there!

image: shipbuilding

dye pot mystery

2011-05-23T13:49:00.001+10:00

believe it or not these yarns were dyed in the same pot

the silk on the left has turned a dark blue grey

and the wool on the right has turned a light sliver grey

they are beautiful colours and I don't mind

but...this makes no sense to me

another one of those dye pot mysteries I guess

image: shipbuilding

soapbox

2011-05-19T11:34:00.000+10:00

If you live in Melbourne and know of the Younghusband building
home of many creative studios in the gorgeous village of Kensington
and have five minutes to spare today
maybe you'd like to help try and save this space from high rise development
if so, head over to Ink and Spindle for more details

and then there was calm

2011-05-19T09:33:00.001+10:00

I've been weaving furiously over the last few nights

to finish a couple of pieces destined for birthday gifts

everything looks so much calmer in the morning light

than I remember it looking last night

when I was way too tired to think about putting things away

image: shipbuilding

still life

2011-05-17T06:00:00.004+10:00

when I was young my grandfather's shed was next to our house

and I remember it being one of my favorite places to be

I was fascinated by the many treasures and tools it contained

inside its leaning wooden walls

when I first saw this book late last year

I was instantly drawn to Jane Ussher's moody photographs

of old textiles, tin cans, bottles and boxes inside these historic huts

but it was only when I sat down with my own recently received copy

that I realized the connection to some of my precious early memories

of days spent in and around that little wooden shed

images: shipbuilding of Still Life

making an occasion of it

2011-05-14T07:18:00.001+10:00

the last issue of my Selvedge subscription arrived this week

normally I read it in bits and pieces

but since I don't think I'll renew again

I feel like making a bit more of an occasion of it

and might just curl up in my big chair this weekend

with a pot of tea and a warm blanket and read it cover to cover

I might also indulge in a little more of this Apple and Date Cake

that Dayle featured on her blog recently

it's such a delicious recipe and as you can see...

I couldn't wait for it to cool before cutting a chunk out of it

enjoy whatever you're up to this weekend

images: shipbuilding

one minute all was fine

2011-05-11T15:10:00.003+10:00

...and the next, I was struck down by a nasty little virus

which I thought might at least provide me with some time

for researching and catching up on some beautiful blogs

but then my computer went down with a virus of its own

luckily, in the midst of it all, the postman arrived with this book

and immediately my spirits were lifted...

even though there are many posts on this book elsewhere

I don't think you can ever see enough

...even the reference pages make me sigh

images: shipbuilding

of: Sheila Hicks, Weaving as Metaphor

thank you Marte Marie

2011-04-28T07:24:00.001+10:00

shipbuilding is one of Marte Marie Forsberg's

blogs of the week over at the beautiful Le Voyage Creatif

thanks Marte Marie!

image: Marte Marie Forsberg

long, long weekend

2011-04-27T07:17:00.001+10:00

family time, basket making, a new reed for my loom

too much chocolate and a new sewing space

...I'm not sure what I'll be doing more of

sewing or watching the constant parade of shadows

dancing across the wall in the late afternoon sun

images: shipbuilding

opposites

2011-04-20T14:30:00.001+10:00

I have a light, bright space to work with

but could feel equally at home

in this warm, cozy room

dreaming up winter projects...

images: t) shipbuilding and b) from here

bits and pieces

2011-04-15T08:29:00.001+10:00

I have some pancakes to make

painting to do

changes to make to my loom

and a birthday party to go to

and once all this is done

weaving will be at the top of my list - hooray!

...enjoy whatever you're up to this weekend

image: shipbuilding

aRtECYCLE

2011-04-13T07:04:00.001+10:00

some good news recently...

one of my paper pieces will be included in this exhibition

which starts next month

images: shipbuilding

simple on the outside

2011-04-11T08:29:00.001+10:00

I'm determined to spend as few pennies as possible

to set up my new sewing area

so I spent a quiet Sunday afternoon

making some new drawers for my cottons

out of scrap paper and card

I've been wanting storage like this for ages

rather than the plastic tub and paper bag

I've been using for too long

so it was an afternoon well spent I think

images: shipbuilding

seven things

2011-04-05T15:24:00.001+10:00

Galit of Slow Noodle passed on a 'versatile blogger award'

so I get to tell you seven things about myself

and pass it on...thanks Galit!

The first job I ever had was working in a newsagent on Saturday mornings.

I'm sure this is where my obsession with magazines started.

I usually prefer old furniture to new but would love to own

a Portia cabinet or Gillian sideboard by Khai Liew.

* clipping from Vogue Living

I wish I was naturally talented when it comes to ceramics

but I just collect them instead.

I'm such a map nerd that someone once suggested I try working

for the company who produces the local street directory.

It made me laugh...I really do love maps.

My most treasured kitchen item is my Mixmaster.

It was given to my parents for their wedding over forty years ago.

I like to think all that history makes my baking better.

One day I plan to live in the country again.

I really miss the open spaces and big sky.

* clipping from Vogue Living

My favorite meal is breakfast and my favorite weekend breakfast

is buckwheat pancakes with berries and ice-cream.

*clipping from The Age

so, there you have it...

rather than passing this on to anyone in particular

I think I'll leave it open to anyone who'd like to join in

and if you do, maybe leave a comment here so we can follow along

images: shipbuilding

it started with a drawer

2011-04-04T09:46:00.002+10:00

a few weeks ago I thought I'd reorganize a drawer

that was full of yarn and dye samples

and was so happy once it was done

one drawer quickly became four

then I had an idea

and four drawers extended to pretty much everything

drawers, cupboards, boxes, bookshelves

you name it, nothing was safe

I swapped some furniture with my sister

the local opp shop was very happy to see me

and one kindergarten is about to inherit

a huge stockpile of fabric for cut and paste

after all of this I now have enough room

to set up an area dedicated entirely to sewing

without losing any of my precious studio space

and I can't wait to use the dining table for dining again

on a side note, Galit has tagged me for a 'versatile blogger award'

thanks Galit - more on this tomorrow

image: shipbuilding

suddenly...

2011-04-01T11:30:00.002+11:00

it's Friday already

I'm not really sure where this week went

but hopefully my motivation for posting

will be back next week

have a great weekend!

image: shipbuilding

simple

2011-03-28T17:33:00.001+11:00

"I am simply looking for beauty, whatever that is.

It's nothing that can be explained, only felt.

If I find it in a single bowl

or a wandering line of pots, good.

I am grateful."

I'm searching for words as simple and elegant as these

by the wonderful potter Gwyn Hanssen Pigott

and have fallen in love with the description

...a wandering line of pots

image: shipbuilding

the written word

2011-03-23T12:34:00.000+11:00

as I was saying, I love making

...researching and sampling I love too

but when all this is complete

comes the dreaded artists statement

a short, concise written summary of the work

and the ideas behind it

this statement forms part of the application process

when putting work up for selection into exhibitions

and you'd think after spending more than 100 hours

carefully making a piece of work

it would be easy to rattle off a few hundred words

without having to resort to every trick in my book...

walking along the beach / staring out to sea...

lying in the park / watching a storm roll over...

reading old notes / writing in pencil / watering plants that don't really need it...

eating delicious food / people watching / flower browsing...

try typing it instead...

after all this...two statements down, one to go

then the weight will be off my shoulders

and I can think about weaving again

p.s. Sampling has put some beautiful yarn up for raffle

to help raise funds for Japan

images: shipbuilding

creativity

2011-03-21T08:11:00.001+11:00

at least someone...two people actually

got creative in my studio over the weekend

I had very good intentions but the weather was gorgeous

and there was plenty of catching up with family and friends to be done

via the beach, various parks, a gallery and a laneway

I feel like I've been away from this space for weeks

while behind the scenes I've hardly drawn breath

and feel both excited about what I've been making

and exhausted at the same time

the making I love but when it comes to writing about it

that's when I start to procrastinate

images: shipbuilding

small help

2011-03-16T13:04:00.000+11:00

Elizabeth is so kindly holding a raffle...

you could win one of her gorgeous PRIMOEZA jumpers

and help the Red Cross appeal for Japan at the same time

see all the details here

image: PRIMOEZA

japan

2011-03-15T07:40:00.000+11:00

...sending my thoughts to all in Japan

and those waiting for news of loved ones

and hoping all who stop by here are safe and well

images: shipbuilding

lizzy sampson

2011-03-11T08:01:00.001+11:00

I finally resurfaced last night to head out with a dear friend

to see a gorgeous show by local artist Lizzy Sampson

at the tiny / inspiring Hand Held Gallery

just the title of the show was enough to get me there

but if you can't make it

you can see lots of Lizzy's beautiful and intricate work here

for Victorians - enjoy the Labor Day weekend

I'm hoping for a relaxing / reviving / inspiring three days

images: Lizzy Sampson

remedies

2011-03-07T12:19:00.000+11:00

if you're feeling a bit under the weather

I can highly recommend any of the following remedies

* drink lots of tea with honey and lemon

* acquire some fresh flowers from a friends garden

* bake some almond and lemon biscuits

* have little visitors make new artwork for your wall

...it's working for me

images: shipbuilding

something fun arrived yesterday

2011-03-02T14:50:00.001+11:00

...from Justine of Upon a Fold

this very generous bundle of giveaway goodies

is going to keep me entertained all winter

cutting, folding, gluing and stitching

thanks so much Justine - I love it x

if you haven't been to Upon a Fold

it's a treasure trove of amazing paper inspiration

with all kinds of treats in the shop

and an endless parade of talented people on the blog

...it really is paper heaven

images: shipbuilding

weekend cooking

2011-02-28T06:00:00.003+11:00

seriously good roast tomato sauce...

I wish I could say I grew them

I'm sure it would taste even better

if they came straight from the garden

but it's still good

images: shipbuilding

the last word

2011-02-23T16:13:00.000+11:00

harvest workroom has been hosting The Last Word

an exhibition of tapestries by RMIT alumni and staff

it's a gorgeous show and a really lovely space

but this post is a bit late - it ends tomorrow

...the white series shown 2nd row on the left

is by this talented weaver

images: shipbuilding

wabi inspirations

2011-02-21T06:00:00.003+11:00

I spent longer than is probably considered polite

browsing Wabi Inspirations on the weekend

its calming effect was immediate

and it's printed on lovely paper stock

with lots of project and colour inspiration inside

...another something for the love list

images: via here and here

yesterday

2011-02-18T09:00:00.001+11:00

a sleepy early morning trip to the country

with the rain against the windows

and a new magazine that went unread

images: shipbuilding

pattern #1

2011-02-16T06:00:00.001+11:00

I finally decided to get a little more formal about making patterns

and enrolled in a course to learn the basics

but I have to confess...

after spending a whole day making one pattern

sewing it is the last thing I feel like doing

I understand why the pattern maker taking the course

says she makes lots of patterns but very rarely sews

image: shipbuilding

evolution

2011-02-14T06:00:00.001+11:00

I love seeing sneak peeks of other peoples work

as they go through their making process

but I always feel a little shy about revealing my own pieces

until they're totally complete (nee 'perfect')

but as this year is all about putting fear aside

here's a (very grey) peek at a new artist's book

I've been working on since way back here

and although there's still months of work to go

it's already got an interesting shape to it

images: shipbuilding

love list

2011-02-09T19:38:00.001+11:00

hmm...I'm trying to keep my list of 'wants' under control

but it seems to be getting longer by the minute

so today I'll keep it to just four things...

boots by Rachel Comey

sweater by PRIMOEZA

Polaroid a Day, Black Edition

rings by Nga Waiata

images via: Totokaelo, PRIMOEZA, Mocking Bird, Nga Waiata

linden

2011-02-08T07:53:00.001+11:00

I've been feeling a little studio bound lately

so it was great to get out and about on the weekend

and have some quality time with friends

seeing some exhibitions and indulging in a long and lovely Sunday lunch

on our list was the Linden Postcard Show

where I think I spent as much time

looking at the period features of the building

like the pressed tin ceilings and original fireplaces

and dreaming of where I would put my things

if the space was actually mine

as I did looking at the overwhelming number of art works

p.s. I've now updated the shop

images: shipbuilding

wish you were here scarves

2011-02-06T06:37:00.001+11:00

...in the shop on Tuesday morning about 8am

images: shipbuilding

isabel dammermann

2011-02-04T06:00:00.001+11:00

I've realised in the last few days how long it's been

since I posted about other work/artists that inspire me

it hasn't been intentional but when I'm in making mode

everything else tends to get put to the side

I love these pieces by Isabel Dammermann

they're like lost treasures

simple but clever

with a beautiful mix of materials and textures

images: Isabel Dammermann

wish you were here

2011-02-02T06:00:00.003+11:00

it's been busy around here...February already?!

I've been weaving, dyeing and finishing

the first scarves for the shop

just six pieces...one of each colour

woven with linen, silk and cotton

surprisingly soft and a beautiful weight for mid season

I think I'd like one of each myself!

...hopefully I'll have them up next Tuesday
once I sort through all the photos

image: shipbuilding

goodbye weekend

2011-01-31T06:00:00.001+11:00

images: shipbuilding

lucky dip

2011-01-28T14:08:00.001+11:00

I bought this piece of linen on sale years ago

and I've always been a little stuck on what to do with it

it's a beautiful weight but just too white

so on a whim yesterday I threw it in some left over dye

and now it's so much better...sort of purple/grey

it's the kind of colour that would look amazing

with a print or some embroidery in rich colours

images: shipbuilding

dye house

2011-01-26T06:00:00.013+11:00

I've been busy in my own personal dye house

a sort of tiny chaotic makeshift laboratory

where I'm trying to find colours I love

and while it's a bit endless...I'm feeling very determined

also making some happy discoveries weaving with linen

and drinking mint tea while reading words written

when all this making wasn't happening so easily

and I'm realizing that feeling overwhelmed by so many things to do

is much better than the feeling of not making at all

images: shipbuilding

hello

2011-01-24T15:47:00.002+11:00

a little reminder that the Flood Relief Auction finishes tonight
at the very civil time of 9pm...thanks for your bids and good luck!

memory lane

2011-01-20T06:00:00.000+11:00

inspired by this beautiful post of Donatella's samples

I've been having a look through my old folders

that contain all my work from RMIT days

there are lots and lots and lots

of neatly finished samples all mounted and filed

complete with notes on every detail of their making

but what caught my eye in the end were some of the unfinished ones

cut off the loom in haste with thread ends and waste yarn still attached

filed at the back under 'rough notes etc.'

the story of their making undocumented

probably because they didn't work and there wasn't time to waste

...at the other end of the neatness spectrum

some of my yarn records from various projects

that show my love of a certain palette

images: shipbuilding

dresses

2011-01-18T08:08:00.004+11:00

one of the things I really wanted to do while on holiday

was overcome my fear of the stylish dress book

don't ask me how I came to be afraid of a pattern book

it seems ridiculous but all those lines are very intimidating

thankfully it was all pretty easy just a bit time consuming

now I have three new linen dresses

that will work for both summer and winter

and I'm really loving the big pockets and comfy fit

images: shipbuilding

new year / new warp

2011-01-15T13:08:00.002+11:00

this warp is a soft silk I'm using for sampling

and to play with some ideas for mid season pieces

which will make it into the shop in February

I love the process of sampling

it's easy to become distracted trying to find

the right combination of yarn, structure, colour and finishing

and go off on an altogether different path than intended
and wind up with something unexpected

...I'm hoping for happy surprises this time around

image: shipbuilding