Sweet Fabric [Search results for community

  • A bit about the value of Community...

    A bit about the value of Community...

    I responded to a request from Kami this week & it really got me thinking & then I found this...

    The value of the collective and the community in the continuation of successful practice

    Presenter: Carole Hanson Epp
    Verge: 11th National Ceramics Conference

    Brisbane, Australia 10th - 14th July 2006


    "I have found that working within a community of artists or collaboratively can be a means, in particular for emerging artists, to gain valuable experience, access to opportunities and an awareness and understanding of the role of the community in support and critique of ones work. When we leave our academic environments to set out on our own as craftspeople we are still in need of a community of like-minded, inspirational, challenging and active producing artists around us. Academic programs can instill such skills as self-criticism and personal motivation, but it is through the community that we evolve and build upon that foundation...

    ...Only through active involvement will we as practitioners see the growth and development of these organizations and the artists they support. Attendance at events, membership, financial support, volunteering of skills and time, are all means towards common goals."


    Complete article here

    What does this mean for me? How can I nurture the relationships I've been building with this craft community & particularly the Melbourne girls?

    Support the community in which you hope to prosper whether financially or otherwise. Get around - have a chat.

    If you enjoy a blog, admire a piece (or collection) of work, got inspired, had a laugh, shed a tear, made your day, touched your heart - support them!

    Buy their work, leave comments, shop in their store, celebrate their wins & take an active interest in their journey.

    Everyone has to buy stuff sometime. Before you head to a nameless, faceless, bigger than Ben Hur store owned & run by a man in a suit you'll never see - consider buying from someone you "know" & who you KNOW will appreciate it.

    Put back what you take out and then some.

    I'm trying really hard to live this rather than just think it. A community is a powerful & wonderful thing. So to all who take the time to post, make, create, share or care - thank you.

    This post has been rather more deep than my usual drivel so I'm going to finish on a totally tacky low note...

    Mike Brady in the Brady Bunch Movie: Alone, we can only move buckets. But if we work together, we can drain rivers.

  • Passionate women...

    Passionate women...

    are inspiring.

    The Story Blanket is just the most wonderful book. It's a children's book (obviously) but I think it's something that belongs on the bookshelf of every crafty spirit. Babba Zarrah & her community will touch your heart.

    I bought the book at Readings when I was ordering my copy of this wonderful & exciting project. Meet Me at Mike's includes projects from some of my favourite Australian Crafty Spirits & I'm very much looking forward to the end of March.

    Just as Babba Zarrah used the wool provided by her community, Pip has pulled together these projects from the online craft community. She has poured lots of love into the book to make something really beautiful.

    I'm sure of one thing...if you're as dedicated & passionate about something as Babba Zarrah & Pip - it's going to be really, really good.

    PS: If the opportunity to purchase these books from Readings isn't enough...Did you know that Readings supports the HIPPY programme run by the Brotherhood of St Lawrence?

  • My stuff featured elsewhere ...

    My stuff featured elsewhere ...

    Fabric from one of my favourite vintage dresses

    Every once in a while something of mine turns up somewhere super lovely.

    Just for the record:

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    Apartment Therapy
    The Apartment Therapy Mission
    Helping people make their homes more beautiful, organized and healthy by connecting them to a wealth of resources, ideas and community online.

    What We Believe
    A calm, healthy, beautiful home is a necessary foundation for happiness and success in the world.

    Creating this home doesn’t require large amounts of money or space. It requires inspiration, connection to resources and motivation to do something about it.

    The basic elements of good home design can be learned and achieved by all.

    Simplicity and luxury are not mutually exclusive.

    Spool holder

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    Craftzine
    Introducing CRAFT: The first project-based magazine dedicated to the renaissance that is occurring within the world of crafts. Celebrating the DIY spirit, CRAFT's goal is to unite, inspire, inform and entertain a growing community of highly imaginative and resourceful people who are transforming traditional art and crafts with unconventional, unexpected and even renegade techniques, materials and tools; people who undertake amazing crafting projects in their homes and communities.
    Christmas Decorations, Corner Bookmark, Granny Square Necklace, Spool holder

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    Craft Gossip
    Confused about everything crafty out there? Not sure where to go and what to buy for your latest craft idea? Can't find that kitsch pattern that everyone else is talking about? Well worry no more! CraftGossip is all the latest news from real craft people telling you about the real stuff. We scour the net looking for the best craft ideas and projects and review them for you.
    Corner Bookmark, Embroidery on Dark Fabric, Hand pieced Pincushion, Photo to embroidery pattern, Twisted Cord

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    Mixtape Zine
    Mix tape zine is a collision of craft, eco-cool and pop culture kitsch it features recipes, eco tips, crafty people profiles, ethical business practices etc - you can purchase back issues here or find out more here. Find Justine here and Nichola’s blog here.
    my collection in issue 6

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    Nuts about Needlepoint
    An encyclopedia of needlepoint and thread information for all stitchers. Learn about Janet M. Perry's needlepoint projects, read book and product reviews, and find articles about techniques, threads, and more
    Twisted Cord

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    One Pretty Thing
    One Pretty Thing is a daily website dedicated to bringing you inspiring projects for a more beautiful life.
    Corner Bookmark, Drawstring Bag, Embroidered carry all, Embroidery on dark fabric, Fabric Notebook Cover, Photo to Embroidery Design, Quilt Quiver, Tealight Holder, Twisted Cord

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    Quilting Board
    The Quilter's message board.
    Thank you Sondray for linking to my projects.

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    Sew Mama Sew
    You’ll find some handy sewing tips and inspiration. Whether you’re just learning to sew, or have been sewing forever.

    The Sew,Mama,Sew! blog is pulled together each week by Kristin and Beth. Who both sew whenever they can and love fabric with a passion.

    If you’re looking for fabulous fabric and patterns, please take a look at the Sew,Mama,Sew! store.

    Drawstring Backpack, How to fold a fat quarter

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    Tipnut
    I think we all have them, those mile high piles of household tips and life hacks that we’ve collected over the years. They’re messy, disorganized and once they’ve been ‘filed’, those tips are nowhere to be found again.

    TipNut.com isn’t anything fancy. It’s simply my way of putting together all the cool tricks I’ve accumulated over the years into a simple, searchable, online filing box–this website. Some of them I’ve tried, some of them I don’t know if I’ll ever try. But I do know they’ll be here if I need them–and I’m happy to freely share everything with you too!
    Simple square pincushion

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    Whip Up
    Whip up: To prepare quickly. To excite. To create. To incite. To build. To invent. To conceive. To push. To upset. To manufacture. To provoke.

    This website has been created in order to bring the best original and exciting crafts to the attention of many.
    To create a community of artists, crafters and makers and share ideas in a central space.

    Embroidered Carry All, Embroidery on Dark Fabric, Corner Bookmark, Handpieced Pincushion, Pillowcase Shoulder Bag, Sausage Dog CD cover, Simple Square Pincushion, Toadstool Pincushion

    Thank you lovely folk for the thumbs up. It's much appreciated.

  • The Quilt Project...

    The Quilt Project...
    IMG_5426

    Last night The Quilt Project quilt was displayed at Abbotsford Convent. Lots of lovely folk came to have a look at our beautiful quilt. It really is something special. Our online community have worked together to make something really amazing.

    I feel immensely proud of all of us. To quote the smalls...

    "We did a big achievement".

    On a personal note...

    When the project began I felt confident that the community quilt we were creating was going to be something special and I thought it would be a bit of fun. Certainly, both those things are true but The Quilt Project has meant so much more to me than just a bit of fun.

    As each block arrived I traced the designs with my fingers and imagined the maker hard at work. When each row was stitched together I stepped back and nodded and thought yes, yes that looks good. It wasn't until I sewed the last row onto the quilt, draped it over the couch and let it spill onto the floor that I was fully aware of the magic that is this project. It took my breath away. Each of these squares is a moment in time, a piece of each maker's life, a memory anchor.

    I will be eternally grateful to all who participated for trusting me with these very precious squares, thank you.

    The Quilt Project now has it's own space. I hope that it's a space that the contributors will be proud of and one that everyone interested in making can enjoy.

    Two extra special thank you's to Bec for travelling to be there & to Nikki for being a fabulous support.

  • Friday Archives...

    Friday Archives...

    Friday Archives hosted by Loobylu.

    Here I was thinking I was done with the archives & little treasures keep popping up.

    These tassles were made by my sister & me (attached to the scissors) in about 1991. Our gorgeous & super talented next door neighbour ran Saturday afternoon workshops for us all.

    Those Saturday afternoon memories are so vivid. All the women & girls in our little community (3 houses, 7 girls, 2 boys, 3 mothers, 1 father, 5 dogs, 1 cat & a lot of laughter), gathered at number 7 for long afternoons of stitching & giggling.

    It's a good life.

    * I'm back from Darwin...Thank you to all the wonderful people who left such lovely comments on my marathon post. I'm popping in for a cuppa, just running a little late.

  • Community service announcement...

    Community service announcement...

    Just following on from my comments about comments.

    A few people have asked "How?". It's super easy & it really does make it much easier to get back to people. Blogger is the main culprit (fab as Blogger is it does have it's limitations).

    Firstly go to your dashboard & click to edit your profile.

    Now make sure your email details are here & that the little box is checked.

    All this has come about because of my rule about responding to comments. It got to the point where I was spending way more time getting around responding than I was actually writing posts or making stuff. So I've made some new rules & the email thing is working really well for me at the moment. Maybe it will for you too.

    Just so you know, I comment without expectation. I never expect a reply & am always pleasantly surprised when I get one.

  • My creative space...

    My creative space...

    The decs are popping up all over the place & I'm making some too.

    Strips of Liberty at the ready... festive but not too Christmassy so we'll be able to enjoy them all year round.

    This is going to be the last Creative Space for 2010. We will fire up again late Jan or early Feb. Take a break from the making...if you like...or don't...but do put your feet up and enjoy some time with your loved ones. Thank you all for making Thursdays such a lovely community day...you're ace!

    Do pop in & add your link if you're playing along this week.

  • Hand art...

    Hand art...

    Image source - used with permission.

    affects me in a way I cannot describe.

    Two years ago I was lucky enough to have my hands painted with Henna by Somali women. I found the experience quite emotional - yet another powerful experience of women & community. I've been reading up a bit on Henna lately & then I came across Esti's blog (via girl ferment).

    The images from Esti's hand project took my breath away. You can read the story of Esti's cousin whose hands these are here.

    The universe served up another breathtaking Henna inspired project here (via design for mankind).

  • Brown Owls...

    Brown Owls...

    last night has given me another chance to blabber on about community.

    Brown Owl's crafty clubhouse was a lovely relaxed but busy space last night.

    Everyone brought their own projects to work on & we had a bit of show & tell too. It was wonderful - all those women with different skills & interests happily sharing their knowledge & resources. That's what I'm talking about!

    Samantha Mathis said it best...

    I have a dream of my own
    And it's mine all mine alone
    Its been my friend since I was just a girl
    It has a life it has a heart
    It has a soul and it's a part
    Of everything this woman gives the world

    And it's a big dream
    Big enough to share
    Like a rainbow, hanging in the air
    And I thank God, for making it come true
    Makes me think maybe God's a woman too
    Makes me think maybe God's a woman too

    There's a full moon tonight
    And I'm bathing in its light
    Naked as the day that I was born
    There is no shame beneath this sky
    I have kissed the past good bye
    And mended up my broken heart so torn

    With a sweet sound only I can make
    And it gets stronger
    With every breath I take
    And it's all apart of making me feel new
    Makes me think maybe God's a woman too
    Makes me think maybe God's a woman too.

    Thank you fabulous Brown Owls near & far for contributing & sharing.

  • Needing a pants kicking...

    Needing a pants kicking...
    Slow going

    Did you know that I'm part of the Down Under Doll Quilt Swap? It was organised an embarrassingly long time ago by the gorgeous Kate.

    In true kootoyoo style I've left it & left it & left it some more. Don't get me wrong...there's been plenty of think time & in my head the finished quilt is really, really beautiful. In reality I have one (yep 1) block pieced and another cut out. Not a fabulous start eh?

    No more new anythings until this piece is finished so I'm going to share my in progress shots. If you catch me wandering off course do you reckon you'd prompt me with a comment like "Hey Kirst, haven't seen much on the white quilt front...what's up with that?".

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    In other news...
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    I've been included in Kidspots Top 50 Bloggers which is hugely flattering. Considering this is a "just for fun" gig for me & there are heaps of professional writer types included I'm quite chuffed. Thanks a bunch Kidspot.

    There's the opportunity there to win a holiday to Dunk Island which is pretty cool so maybe check out the list, see if you're favourites are there. If so - click to vote.

    I've got to say that I think that the craft blog community is pretty under represented on the list. So many beautiful, thoughtful, productive, positive, creative women I love who haven't been represented.

    A big hearty thanks to those of you who have voted for me & saved me from left-on-the-shelf embarrassment. Muchly appreciated. x

  • On my desk...

    On my desk...

    are lots of new bits & pieces.

    The article from yesterday featuring lovely Pip.

    The preliminary drawings for our big & exciting something (I haven't reduced the image so you can have a snoop & just see what that room on the right is - it makes me quite squirmy- eeeek).

    A lovely Loobylu parcel in the post today & waiting on my desk when I got home from work.

    My luscious crown the girls made me last year. The small crowned me when I was at the computer last night.

    Blank Matryoshka. I've been wanting to have a crack at a set of these for a while now. This lovely girl is working on a set too.

    The remains of the crochet baby blanket that the small has slept with, watched TV with & basically carted around with her for her entire life. It's name is Huky & it's the most revolting, manky old bit of string but loved more than anything! Jess will appreciate its importance.

    All sorts of other little books, knick knacks & crafty supplies.

    Thank you everyone for your thoughts on my community post from yesterday - they have been greatly appreciated.

    Please excuse the awful pic - this daylight saving thing has thrown me a bit.

  • The quilt project...

    The quilt project...
    The Quilt Project

    is something special.

    I have co-ordinated 3 community based friendship quilts and loved so much the sense of belonging & the unity & the thought of many hands working together to make one "something".

    I've been stewing on The Quilt Project for a good long time now. Everytime I look at my Great Grandmother's Redwork quilt I've thought about it more & more. I feel a connection with those women. Women who made time to stitch these intricate designs in only red just to share a piece of themselves with someone else. It gives me goosebumps. I'm the only person who really gets to enjoy my piece of redwork history & so I thought I'd like to have a go at organising a contemporary redwork piece that once complete will be published online so that everyone can enjoy it.

    About 18 months ago I purchsed a huge stack of calico squares all overlocked in red. I've got 50 squares to post out & I'd love you to be a part of it.

    Red overlocked squares

    I thought about sending personal invites, but you know...you never know where the gold might lie. I want participants to be as passionate & as excited about this project as I am. You don't have to restrict yourself to embroidery. There are some more ideas & information included with the PDF info sheet.

    If you think that this is something you'd like to have a crack at then visit The Quilt Project page & download the PDF. See edit in red below.

    To secure your place you need to return the 2nd page of the PDF to the email address provided on that page.

    Places will be allocated in order of email receipt of completed sign up sheet.
    Edit: We're over 50 - thank you to everyone who's signed up.

    Thanks.

    The Quilt Project is now complete & has it's own site here...

    The Quilt Project

  • Today is a party day...

    Today is a party day...

    I just discovered that Claire is blogging again.

    It was quite by accident that I stumbled upon the craft blogging community...

    A google search 2 years ago for sterilising jars landed me at:

    kitschenette or more accurately the red kitchen which led me to Claire, Soulemama, Nikkishell & the rest is history.

    Thank you all so much & yay yay hooray Claire.

  • Stitching...

    Stitching...
    StitchingShadow

    the afternoon away.

    Thinking about Ike Rosen, community & history.

  • Suburban shopping...

    Suburban shopping...
    Suburban :: kodak moment

    I love my strip shopping centre.

    Sure, there's an odd mix of shops & businesses. I confess I've only been into the Aquarium once but it is nice to know that if I decide I do want a goldfish I don't need to go to Shoppo. That place gives me a giant headache. I hate Coles & Safeway too. So many aisles, so many bulging shelves and yet only 2 choices of flour???

    Wai & Rita are the Friendly Grocers. Their supermarket has only three aisles but the range is fabulous. Choices for everything. They carry a good range of organic bits and pieces and have plenty to cater for the Gluten Free too. When my babe's were tiny I used to leave the capsule at the counter with Wai & Rita while I buzzed up & down the aisle and now Wai lets the kids scan the shopping.

    Clem owns the fruitshop just as his dad did before him & probably just as his sons will after him. There's always a happy mix of organic & non. They are always up for a chat & always offer to carry your shopping to your car.

    A few years ago the butcher was taken over by Ralph & Anna. I'm "Kirst" at their place. They sell organic & biodynamic meats & we chat happily about the run and the kids. If Dave is working I can be assured of hearing about how terribly the Hawks are playing & whether or not Clarko should be sacked. I'm not really a follower of the Footy but he knows The Date is. He never forgets to ask about the run, the kids or The Date's handicap.

    Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

    All this loveliness & the added bonus of supporting my own community.

    I'm a suburban local & I wouldn't have it any other way.

    PS: Yesterday's soup was fabulous! The little guy said that each mouthful was just like a little corn explosion in his mouth. Too much Masterchef?

  • Country & community...

    Country & community...

    My dad & step mum live in North East Victoria, they are not under threat.

    They rang today to ask if they could donate a doona that I'd left there... It's cold at the relief centre & they really need bedding.

    YES!

    We talked more about how awful the situation is & where the greatest need is. I offered to get more stuff together. A few friends from school are helping out too.

    I'm meeting Dad on the highway tomorrow morning & I'm feeling like my contribution might make things just a little easier for a small number of the bushfire victims left with nothing.

  • HAC workshop - spool holder...

    HAC workshop - spool holder...
    5 September

    I've made a mini version of the spool holder & I think it's achievable in a HAC craft workshop.

    You're invited to attend the pencil spool holder HAC* craft workshop.

    Cost: $55
    Date: 5 September 09
    Time: 1-5pm
    Venue: Balwyn Community Centre
    Book: HERE 10 places available.

    Included: Frame, pencils(6), backing fabric & all equipment & materials to make the spool holder (thread not included)

    Note: I made both the spool holders using frames I already had. I've found that decent Op Shop frames are pretty hard to come by & I really think that the ikea frames look fabulous but if you would like your spool holder to be 100% recycled you will need to select that option when you make your booking.

    *Have a crack