Does this work....?

I find that designing a new pattern for a bag is a bit like a cryptic puzzle - how to get everything neatly sewn in, in the right order and still leave the correct opening available so that you can turn everything out through the lining.  I still have so many "oh, that's why you never do that!" moments and examples of sewing myself into a dead end or un-turn-out-able bags, but when it works out you feel you've cracked the Rubik's cube.

I had one of those feelings when I cracked making this little evening bag fully lined in one go.

 Various tutorials detailed the making of a boxy bag like this but either they had no lining or the lining had to added in after by hand.  Anyway, I was on a high.  Then my daughter said "oh, I like the soap bag".

So my question is does this work as an evening bag since it's in silk and metallic threads?  Or does it still look like it should be hiding a shower cap inside?  I need your help....

With these thoughts, I tried another simpler design without the wraparound zip and boxy shape.  Comments gladly accepted.

Both bags are about the same size - 8inches length by about 4-5inches high, 1.5inch wide at the bottom and have a wrist strap or a shoulder strap attachable with swivel hooks.

Christmas cheer

Course work has been a bit 'thin on the ground' recently as we took a break up to the Gold coast last week before Christmas but I thought I'd share some photos with those of you lacking from heat in the UK at the moment.

And this is high season!

We also did the theme parks and water parks for my son - son and hubbie exhausted themselves up and down horrendous water slides while I got some serious reading done for once, except for the odd rollercoaster - it has to be done!

Hubbie is the one screaming like a girl second from back!

 I took some knitting supplies for later felting but it just wasn't the weather for it and the reading won. I can thoroughly recommend Kate Atkinson's "Got up Early, took my dog" if you haven't discovered it already - definitely up to her usual standard.
Before we left I finished a couple of nunfelted bags for Christmas presents for family back in UK but I fear they may still be languishing in the snowbound post offices of Scotland.

So here's a photo, mum, it's on its way, honestly.

I do hope you all have a lovely restful Christmas with plenty of time for textile art, of course. Many thanks for your supportive comments this year, guys. 

Sculpture by the sea for 2010

"Sculpture by the Sea" has just finished for another year in Sydney but we did manage to get down to Bondi on Thursday evening after it had been raining over the last weekend.  You have to walk along the headland from Tamarama Beach to Bondi to see all the sculptures which is great, but not so much in driving rain!
The light was fading a bit so the photos are not as good as they could have been but here are some of my favourites.

The shark fin is made out of car doors

Detail showing the eggs inside

"chicken chainmail"

The glass pieces reminded me of Jane's hanging

This would have been lovely to see in different lights.

detail of above

This was the only fibre-based exhibit this year

Printmaking

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to try my hand at print making with a real print roller.  My daughter has been having a course of printmaking lessons at weekends to help her HSC studies from Andy Totman of the National Art School, at the Newington Armoury studios, Sydney Olympic Park.  She couldn't attend one of the days so I went in her place.

We were introduced to photo polymer (solar) plates which I'd never used before.  The plates have a surface which is activated by sunlight and so by placing an black and white acetate image on top and leaving in the sun, an etching is produced from which prints can be made.  It's a bit like cyanotyping where the treated fabric exposed to the sun turns blue but not where the fabric is covered.

I chose a photographic image of a neighbour's tree I frequently use in my sketchbook.  Once exposed for 2-3 minutes the plate is immersed in water and gently the excess polymer coating is rubbed away to reveal the image.
The plate was inked up with oil based printing ink and a print produced under the roller press.

I was amazed by the detail produced particularly when so little ink is used. I printed a couple more - one over a newsprint and one with a second inking in red on top.

By overlapping the acetate images on the plate then exposing to the sun, you can get multiple images on the one print.  I mixed some Shakespeare with Stonehenge.

We also did some monoprinting, using some torn muslin and threads as resist.

I personally prefer the second print from the plate which is a little more subtle and shows more textural detail.

It's getting warm - Christmas is coming!

Today was the opening of the Wheel 'n' Weft craft group Christmas sale in Thornleigh, of which I'm a member, and it was extremely busy.  The first few hours are usually hectic but today seemed extra busy - must have been the homebaking and the Christmas music! 
I took some photos to give you a flavour of the place and the other members' work - glass, textiles, wood etc etc

Rhondda Retallack

Jenny Gordon

Elaine Farrington

Lindie d'Ath-Weston

The sale and exhibition is on until Sunday 31 October 4pm so do stop by.