Monday 25 June 2012

Sewing Kit

One of my favourite objects to make is this pieced linen sewing kit roll.  The Big Dots and Sticks are relief printed by me and the tiny square is a vintage French silk denim and the patches on the inside where you stow supplies are felt. When I developed the first samples I was surprized with the interest and they were snapped up quickly, perhaps because it's a satisfying organizer, intimate in scale and soft to touch. 

I just took a few into the Guild Shop, including this one ... 

Linen sewing kit roll with the 'Big Dot' border. 

Linen sewing kit roll.
Linen sewing kit roll insides.  'Sticks' print on the pocket.

Monday 18 June 2012

Clotheslines


While in Italy in April we went to the island of Burano, historically significant for lacemaking and nowadays the main attractions are these charming colourful houses and fresh seafood. 

I've always liked pegging up laundry, love the fresh air snapping through my clothes and sheets. I simply enjoy handling cloth in most activities related to it.  In Burano, everyday linens and clothing begged to be photographed. They appeared in thoughtful combinations, elevating the practice to a different level.

The island is in the lagoon north of Murano in Venice (see previous post).  

Colour Theory Study.
Improvisation.

Composition and a feat of 'out the window' engineering.

Balance.

London Plane never looked so good.

B & W Study #1.

B & W Study #2.
Photographed April 18th, 2012 on a fine sunlit day.

Saturday 16 June 2012

Lacemaking in Burano, Venice


While in Venice in April we boated out to the island of Burano on the vaporetto, the water bus. The island is famous for lacemaking.  The Museo de Merletto was an exquisite jewel to discover on this beautiful sunlit day as were the colourful houses (post to follow) and a wonderful meal on a terrace. 




 Photos were not allowed in the museum but I managed to snap a few ... 





Some say the the first formal needle lacemaking for the European royal courts was Venetian and Burano prospered as the centre of excellence and production between the 16th - 18th century, famous in particular for 'punto in aria' (points in the air), one of the most delicate forms on display at the museum among the many fine examples.


'Punto in aria'   Museo Merletto, Burano.

Museo Merletto, Burano.


I saw lacemaking still being done by hand on the island.  The shops stocked work that was locally made and products made in Asia.


Museo Merletto, Burano.