Monday 19 May 2008

swap goodies, an exhibition and a meeting...

On Friday myself and Ms Bester met with the lovely Katy from imagingermonkey and her son, ginge ( obviously that's not his real name). We visited the Skin and Bones exhibition at Somerset House where I was delighted to bask in Katy's reflected glory....the woman was only wandering around the show with one of the exhibition items on her back...I tried to persaude her to hop up on the plinth and be done with it but strange as it may seem she managed to resist. The show was great. Lots of very sculptural fashion pieces juxtaposed with interesting architectural models, designs and photographs. I was most interested in the clothes: think Junya Watanbe, Yohji Yamamoto et al etc along with Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood from closer to home. Well worth a visit, if only to see Mc Queen's amazing appliqued skirt with leather bodice - I almost wept. Don't go expecting pretty floral prints and a fashion trends to follow for this season, this is serious stuff, imprevious to such paltry concerns...

We then retired to Gabriel's Wharf for some lunch and swapping of our sewn goods.

Katy produced a beautiful Astronoughty for Ms. Reva's fifth birthday in a couple of weeks time



and a great bag for all the child's bits'n'bobs...

how cool is that, it's even got a tag with her name on...she is going to love it!

and for me a really lovely little tea coaster...

Katy has obviously been paying attention to my interminable ramblings on the subject of that fine beverage. Ms Reva set up the following shot, to showcase both the lovely new coaster and my favourite vintage teacup as well as the teapot she helped me paint when she was two years old.

See that blob inside the lid? That's Reva Girl's thumbprint...

Thanks so much Katy - you are a star!

I mentioned to Katy previously that I was thinking of making an owl and pussycat mini-quilt, she said it was her favourite piece of nonsense verse and I didn't need any further encouragement...


here's the back:

difficult to see much with all that Michael Miller stripe going on but as I was making the quilt I reflected on the fact that I actually sometimes like the backs of such things more than the fronts. After I had done the appliqued front with the owl and cat on I just loved the wrong side with the stitched outline (before I added the striped backing). It reminded me that when at art school most of my drawings focussed on negative spaces rather than positive, there appears to be something about what is absent rather than present that attracts me...hmm, may need to give this a little more reflection...

other swap news:

sneaky peek of my actual Lucy Locket mini-quilt swap for Marie


I really hope she likes it...

and a finished Functional Felt Swap pincushion and needle-roll soon to be off to a surprise recipient

These are made from a thrifted felted scarf (the blue) and cashmere sweater (the pages in the needleroll) along with some really pretty vintage trims that were in my stash. I really want to keep them for myself as I need one of each (well, I actually do have a needle book but the cashmere pages in this one are just gorgeous so I want it!). The pincushion was inpired by this tutorial right here...I didn't follow the tutorial right to the letter (far too lazy for that) but the end result is pretty much the same.

next up - the doll swap...am nervous about this one I must say, never having made a doll before...wish me luck...no, more than that send me inspiration...

15 comments:

. said...

Ooooo *jumps up and down with excitement* The sneak peaks looks fab!! I can't wait to get it.

xMx

Hells said...

So much lovely stuff on there its hard to know where to start . . .
but I especially love the pin cushion.

Apryl said...

love the pincushion and the needle wrap, the mini-quilt is precious too I used to love that poem too, but I always wanted to know what a runcible spoon was.

Lindsey said...

Yay! The O & The P is a fave of ours too. I used to recite it to kiddie when she was still cot-bound. Silly voices were a must!!! The mini quilt is great and the feltie bits too. Love the colours.

Cait ni Clic et al said...

Truly exhausted after reading that blog of activity and creativity! Love the doll for Ms Reeva and the Owl and Pussy Cat quilt, just amazing what you crafters get up to in your 'spare' time.......bonne continuation! x C

Anonymous said...

Let's connect soon Annie. The Radio Free Nation misses you. Keep up the great work!!!
Marty

Hells said...

Hi there, sorry to be cheeky. I have tagged you, have a look at my blog and see what its all about!!!

JuanitaTortilla said...

*Sending Inspiration*

Oh my, what a feast for the eyes!
You are such a great quilter;
I bet I won't have the patience for that craft...

I am particularly amazed at the loveliness the polka dot teapot is oozing! I want that teapot! *lol*

Charlie P said...

WOW! There are so many amazing things in this post- I love the astronaughty and coaster and pin cushion and quilt and teacup and...ok, everything. Excellent gifts/work. Can't wait to see your doll :)

angharad handmade said...

Wow - what lovely swap items you've given and received! I really love the astronoughty, and your owl and the pussycat quilt (my children love me reading that rhyme to them!). The doll swap sounds like fun too - my mum used to make gorgeous rag dolls and I'd really like to do some myself one of these days.

Jodie said...

I love the owl and the pussycat mini quilt -it is soooo good, super awesome . It is one of my favourite bits of nonsesne as well.

Unknown said...

I had a fab day, it was such a lot of fun. And my mini quilt looks even better in real life than it does on the pics. (if that is possible)
I'll do my best to send you some inspiration...ready, concentrate....NOW!!!!

Any good?

@GiftedHand said...

Not sure if you saw my post below.

You have now been tagged!

x

Anna - Three Sneaky Bugs said...

Oh, oh, oh! Such wonderful stuff. I love the tea coaster. My favorite part of the mini quilt is the fish looking up at the owl and cat. And of course, you know I love the little felt swap set.

New England Quilter said...

The owl and pussycat mini is adorable!