13threads

"Inspiration for your quiet place somewhere"

2012-01-27T10:57:00.000Z

Couture Shoes

2012-01-26T10:44:00.000Z

"Marloes ten Bhömer produces shoes that are both provocative and otherworldly. Her work fuses artistic and technological experiment in order to discover shoes anew. "

Blackfoldedshoe
made from a single piece of folded leather

Foldedshoe
made from wood and tarpaulin

Pressedleathershoe
Pressedleathershoe is made using a leather processing technique in which leather is soaked in water and pressed in between a two-part mould, forming it into a three-dimensional shape. The leather parts are then dried, cut and assembled into one shoe, embedding the structure that gives the shoe it’s strength. Blackpressedleathershoe is made from three preformed leather parts.

Marloes shoes can currently be seen at the Industrious|Artefacts, the evolution of crafts, an exhibition showing...

by means of current work of various designers, how historical crafts in the former Zuiderzee region have evolved and how they influence contemporary design and industrial processes... In the past few years, attention has been increasingly devoted to the design process, the action. Within that process, artists and designers create their own crafts and their own small-scale industries or artefacts.

until 12 February 2012
Zuiderzeemuseum, the Netherlands

Burns Supper

2012-01-25T10:41:00.001Z

With themes of 'woman, nature and love', Scotland's makar, Liz Lochhead, reads Sketch by Robert Burns in celebration of Burns Night.

Change of Season, Change of Place

2012-01-24T08:09:00.001Z

with studiorundholz' spring / summer 2012 in Mallorca

Work In Progress

2012-01-23T13:30:00.000Z

Inspired by:

warmer days and no jacket required
dog walking and pockets for treats
aprons and layering

Material Ideas:

Cotton Poplin
Cotton Lawn
Linen

Description:

front - princess seams, pleats at waist, raglan shape sleeve, high neckline
side - side insert has hidden pockets
back - asymmetrical crossover, hem slightly higher than front, drop shoulder sleeve, gathered underskirt detail
underskirt - attached to side seams of dress - at back only.
sleeves - wide and three quarter length

Pattern, shape and construction still need work.

Negative Space - Revealing the Bespoke Process

2012-01-20T12:05:00.000Z

Block Party: contemporary craft inspired by the art of the tailor

(via Fashion Link)

Very Busy, Slowly

2012-01-19T09:52:00.000Z

Learning to be workmates with Ada in between watching episodes of Borgen (thank you Marion!).

Lighting Up My Life

2012-01-12T10:16:00.000Z

with the Plumen Energy Saving Lightbulb. A very much appreciated Christmas gift from my husband.

Now who says romance is dead?

He bought me two!

"Carven's Guillaume Henry...

2012-01-11T09:24:00.002Z

was looking at Diane Arbus photographs from the 1960s for inspiration for his pre-fall collection." - The New York Times

Now, that made me want to have a look!

Inspirational Designers - Celia Birtwell

2012-01-10T14:21:00.000Z

Because of my love of Ossie Clark dresses, a love of Celia Birtwell prints is an obvious given.

Photograph by Lee, Jim 1969

One time fashion collaborator and wife of Ossie Clark and muse to David Hockney,

Drawing of Celia Birtwell by David Hockney

Celia Birtwell's prints "were just as appealing as Ossie's famous 'architectural' cutting." - Celia Birtwell

Indeed, the complement of Celia Birtwell's romantic bold florals and Ossie Clarke's beautifully biased cut chiffons, silks and crepes created a very alluring twist on the inspired classic dress shapes of the 1930's and 1940's and thus making them synonymous with 'Flower Power' of the late sixties and seventies.

Jane Birkin wearing Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell

In 2006, in collaboration with the high street's Topshop, Celia Birtwell revived some of her more famous prints creating an 'affordable', 'sell-out collection'!

For me, it is the Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell dresses that appeal and so I will just keep saving...

A Wee Bit Closer

2012-01-08T13:03:00.001Z

for me anyway!

Photograph of Yayoi Kusama taken by Shawn Mortensen
from his portraits of artists in their studios.

From the 9th February until June of this year, 'a varied, spectacular exhibition' of Yayoi Kusama's unique work will be exhibited at the Tate Modern.

Look Now, See Forever

2012-01-03T11:54:00.000Z

Since the age of 10, artist Yayoi Kusama has been putting polka dots in her drawings.

As part of her new exhibition at the GOMA, Brisbane, Kusama's interactive installation 'The Obliteration Room' gives other children the chance to apply their own polka dots to a blank canvas.

(via Laughing Squid)

New Beginnings...

2012-01-02T13:54:00.000Z

Starting with fresh footprints in the sand.

And looking forward...

As Hogmanay Approaches

2011-12-30T12:33:00.000Z

I wish all a fantastic time!

x

Happy Christmas, I Love You Baby

2011-12-23T10:17:00.001Z

...and the bells are ringing out for Christmas day.

A favourite of mine.

All the best x

Some Festive Spirit

2011-12-19T11:19:00.001Z

"We are proudly non-conformist, as has always been the way in these Western Isles - Oirthir Gaidheal, the coast of the Gaels, the land of the outsider."

"So romantics we are, and independent romantics at that...we are free to follow our hearts as our heads. Every day is a new adventure and every day we challenge ourselves and ask 'What next? What if?'"

"Diversity starts in the field. Provenance is key. We believe the interaction of land, man, soil and climate is paramount. We value our farmer relationships, reconnecting that lost cycle between farmer and distiller - land and spirit."

BRUICHLADDICH, Islay - 'progressive Hebridean distillers'

''My Daughter, My Muse...''

2011-12-16T09:17:00.000Z

Whether she motivates a doll to be made

Viktoria's daughter's doll

or the styling of a photo shoot,

Erica's daughters and vases

'my daughter, my muse' inspires some truly honest, beautiful works of art.

Jetty's daughter - "Untitled"

Being Spontaneous!

2011-12-15T12:18:00.000Z

It's never too chilly to have a picnic, especially when you are wearing this 'spontaneous picnic dress.'

Made from a table cloth, plastic bib and a kitchen towel, 'the Buttercup dress lets you have a festive meal wherever you are.'

(However, if this spontaneity is taking place in Scotland, again, I recommend bringing a brolly, wearing a coat, a jumper, some tights, a scarf, gloves, a hat...)

Andrea Aranow

2011-12-14T09:48:00.000Z

As a fashion designer, Andrea Aranow sewed, made and dressed the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis.

And as collector, Andrea Aranow is the owner of the largest private textile archive in the world: a digital archive of more than 26 000 pieces.

Andrea Aranow Textile Archive from Aaron Rayburn

And This Time...

2011-12-13T09:23:00.000Z

A purple wool tweed hat

...and still playing!

Ten Commandments

2011-12-12T12:43:00.000Z

Back in the 1980s, Dieter Rams was becoming increasingly concerned by the state of the world around him - "an impenetrable confusion of forms, colour and noises." Aware that he was a significant contributor to that world, he asked himself: is my design good design? - Vitsoe

Dieter Rams ten most important principles for what he considers good design:

Good design is innovative

TP1 radio/phono 1959

Good design makes a product useful

Multipress Citrus Juicer 1972

Good design is aesthetic

Tischsuper radio 1961

Good design makes a product understandable

T 1000 world receiver 1963

Good design is unobtrusive

Lighter 1968

Good design is honest

Loudspeaker, reel to reel tape recorder and control unit 1962-1964

Good design is long-lasting

Chair 1962

Good design is thorough, down to the last detail

Calculator 1987

Good design is environmentally friendly

Universal shelving 1960

Good design is as little design as possible

Speaker 1958

Fashion Link

2011-12-09T12:21:00.000Z

Fashion Link is a wonderful resource for the fashion students at Adam Smith College. Written by the Curriculum Head NC Fashion and Furniture, Hazel Terry not only finds and comments on all things interesting, different and unique in the world of fashion, her other two blogs the art room plant and Furniture are also a great source of inspiration.

Thank you so much Hazel for the chance to chat.

My New Toy

2011-12-08T12:49:00.002Z

Having loads of fun playing with Ada...

and with this new application for my iphone which creates fake Polaroids.

Take your photo and watch it develop, shaking it like a real Polaroid to make it develop faster. Sound effects included!

No, I'm not getting much sewing done!

Update...
Then using the Cross Process app the photos look like this

Ada

2011-12-04T14:39:00.000Z

Ada 'Fender' Lovelace is 8 weeks old and the newest member of our family.

She is adorable and we love her to bits!

Or Perhaps Somewhere With A View...

2011-12-03T13:15:00.000Z

New Refuge Gervasutti via Dezeen

A tube cantilevered over the edge of a mountain.

Definitely closer to those stars!

Somewhere Different for the Weekend

2011-12-02T14:15:00.000Z

The Beer Moth - Inshriach House, Inverness-shire

Karlotta- Roulotte Retreat, Scottish Borders

Lapwing Safari Tent - Tyninghame, East Lothian

The Lovestruck at Mhor - Lochearnhead, Perthshire

Ben Ledi - Trossachs Yurts, Stirling

But if Scotland seems just a wee bit too cold this time of year, then a canopy under the stars in Southern Spain may just be ideal.

Habiba - Campo Del Moro, Caceres

Have a lovely weekend x

Giger's Goddess

2011-11-30T13:14:00.001Z

Malgorzata Dudek's Spring/Summer collection - an homage to Swiss surrealist H.R. Giger.

When I started sketching this collection and planning the fabrics, I couldn't see it complete without elements of H.R. Giger's artwork. And what better way for me, as a designer, to honor a man whose Biomechanical vision has massively influenced architecture, film, music, tattoo art, fashion and industrial design - Malgorzata

Malgorzata adapted H.R Giger prints and transferred them onto fabric.

A Process - Sketching

2011-11-29T07:00:00.012Z

And this is the point where I wish I could say, "and now I draw this, a beautiful fashion illustration."

by Kat Macleod

But I don't because, well, I can't!!

Instead, scattered throughout numerous books, on the back of napkins and many scraps of paper, my simple sketches help me to work out a design idea or remind me of a particular detail I like. Not quite a technical drawing as they are not in proportion nor do they show all the stitching detail, however, I do annotate these 'flat' drawings and use them to work out the basic shape and construction of the piece I want to make.

As part of the process, the creation of working drawings is important. I may not always take my time over them or even remember where I drew them, but they are essential for getting the ideas in my head down on paper in a simple, clear format.

A good resource to help with drawing and understanding this part of the process is Technical Drawing for Fashion by Basia Szkutnicka

Lovely Ladies with Great Taste!!

2011-11-28T11:39:00.001Z

Suggested Styling by Viktoria

And 'an imaginative, well-cut dress' for an evening at the ballet by Jan

Thank you so very, very much.

Secret Garden

2011-11-23T08:46:00.000Z

Kaja Gjedebo's new jewellery collection is 'delicate, romantic and mysterious.'

It developed from a series of papercuts I was working on, and then I started bending them and adding layers and pearls. It has been a dream to work with it, and I will probably add some more products like bracelets and broches next year. The designs are light to wear, and sits beautifully on the neck and shoulders. - Kaja Gjedebo

And, of course, she is still making those wonderful cufflinks.

Tara Donovan

2011-11-22T08:52:00.000Z

Tara Donovan turns everyday items such as styrofoam cups

pencils

buttons

clear plastic drinking straws

and glue into beautiful sculptures.

A Hat and A Dress

2011-11-21T14:50:00.000Z

Going green this time in a hat made from a Donegal Tweed and a wool/cotton mix dress in a Liberty of London print.

A Process - Inspiration

2011-11-18T11:09:00.001Z

I thought I would try, over a few, short, blog posts, to explain and show my design, pattern making, sewing process.

So, to begin with, there has to be: Inspiration

As you know, if you read this blog, inspiration for me comes in all shapes, colours, forms and textures. Sometimes it is a photo and sometimes it is a scene from a film or an illustration in a book. Many times it is a feeling, an idea sparked by the mood or the atmosphere of a place. But most often it is the drape, the structure, the silhouette created from a beautiful piece of fabric that inspires me to want to make a dress.

Vintage Balenciaga

And with a particular interest in the history of design and fashion, the inspiration for many of the clothes that I create, or would like to create, comes from my fascination and research into the cultural and social influences on the way we dress.

The following are just a few of the books that I often refer to.

Fashion, A History from the 18th Century to the 20th Century
The Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute

Christian Dior und Deutchland 1947-1957

The Complete Fashion Sourcebook
by John Peacock

Forties Fashion from Siren Suits to the New Look
by Jonathan Walford

And, of course, the superb tumblr blog OMG that Dress!

For me, finding inspiration is the easy part...and the most overwhelming!

And Another Dress

2011-11-15T21:06:00.000Z

This time in a crisp cotton poplin which is covered in large grey/blue flowers and cabbages. The wide sleeves are made from cotton voile as is the gathered inset in the low neckline.

The dress is shown here worn layered over the top of a longer woollen skirt. However, my initial idea was to wear this dress over a skirt in a tweed check. I had the fabric all chosen and when I went to get it, it had been sold!

Beautiful necklace by The Jewelry Story

All it needs now is a warm wrap, a stylish hat and somewhere nice to go.

The Long Wait

2011-11-14T17:05:00.000Z

New Christmas ad by John Lewis

(via Creative Review)

A Piece of Cake for November

2011-11-11T09:43:00.003Z

...comes from the inside of these bowls.

Guy Benadon designed a series of three melamine bowls, each associated with different cake recipes. The recipes are inserted into the bowl – the concept is to insert and measure the ingredients in the bowl in the order in which they appear on the marks inside. It’s kind of a no-brainer way of whipping up a quick dessert using one simple product. (via Design Milk)

As much as I like the idea of less mess, less cleaning up, an enticing picture of a cake, however, will win me over every time.

And these Marzipan and Pear Cupcakes with Caramel Butter Cream look delicious!
(via The Bedlam of Beefy)

And these Muppets Cake Pops look adorable!

(via Laughing Squid)

A Paisley Print Dress

2011-11-10T14:02:00.000Z

Liberty of London Paisley Print Dress

Where To Begin?

2011-11-09T16:51:00.001Z

With her textile jewellery?

stitched cord necklace

With her green jewellery?

or with her green sculptures and landart?

This is all the stunning work of Ceca Georgieva -

a textile artist working in the field of nature art. Working with natural materials not only brings me joy, but also much wisdom . In even the smallest piece of grass there is incorporated history, meaning and purpous. I constantly marvel nature. I admire and learn from her genius "installation" of design, color, smell and light ... It is a great challenge to enter in her laboratory and to be able to add my own thing.

Too Bad...

2011-11-08T07:48:00.000Z

that this was the last hat in this fabric as I have just found my perfect model

and photographer, Loïc Capdeville.

Beautiful!

Thank you so much Lucie x

Inspirational Designers - Eiko Ishioka

2011-11-07T16:47:00.000Z

The incredible work of costume designer, set designer and director, Eiko Ishioka.

A revolutionary artist whose internationally acclaimed work for stage, screen, advertising and print media has made her one of the premier visual artists...
- Bjork

Like all great artists of the world, Eiko understands what is going on in other cultures besides her own, and by immersing herself in them, she is able to create works that are unique blends. Her work transcends boundaries on many levels, since she refuses to stick to one particular medium or set convention.
- Francis Ford Coppola, Director of Bram Stoker's Dracula for which Eiko one the Oscar for best costumes

A Smile for the Camera

2011-11-04T13:59:00.001Z

I met my Aunt Gwen this week and I showed her my shop. She wanted to know how I thought I could ever sell anything with such a grumpy look on my face! So these are for Aunt Gwen (and all potential customers!)

And this is a new dress!

Jelly Beans

2011-11-04T07:27:00.000Z

288,000 of them.

(via my son)

Stitched

2011-11-03T08:15:00.001Z

like the wind

The incredible work of Roanna Wells.

shade card

collected lines

Having studied embroidery, one particular focus is on the relationship between drawing and stitch. I am interested in the similarities and differences between the tow, their ability to make permanent a thought or observation, and to create pattern, texture, stillness and movement - Roanna Wells

scattered

chained

Beautiful!

(via Kleidersachen)

Tent Dresses

2011-11-02T07:36:00.000Z

Literally, dresses made from recycled tents.

The incredible work of Angelika Werth

"The tent dresses are big enough that you could sleep under them," says Werth. "I quite often think of the kilt, which used to be a bedroll at night and then was worn as a garment in the day."

More Posing

2011-11-01T13:34:00.000Z

...for some more hats!

Grey Harris Tweed

Dark Grey/Black Wool Hat

Dressing Up!

2011-10-31T16:34:00.000Z

Clever

but I'd rather wear these.

All Vivienne Westwood A/W 2011

Happy Halloween!

Hel Yes!

2011-10-31T06:47:00.001Z

[Garden Shed] is a unique prefabricated garden shed that combines a green house with storage space and comes in ready made elements that can be assembled by simply using a screwdriver. The Garden Shed is made from Finnish pine and safety glass and equipped with automatic openers to control the temperature inside.

Garden Shed is designed by architect Ville Hara and designer Linda Bergroth of Hel Yes!

(via this isn't happiness)

And A Wool Dress

2011-10-28T16:08:00.000+01:00

The fabric is very soft and in a very subtle brown/black/grey herringbone pattern. This dress looks great layered over a skirt and the weight of the wool fabric also makes it ideal to wear open as a lightweight coat over the top of another dress

...like my Dark Green Pinafore Dress!!

Recreating Masterpieces

2011-10-28T14:57:00.000+01:00

Last year I took part in a photographic shoot by visual artist and photographer Lindsay Perth.

Lindsay recreated and photographed iconic images only using women with an aim to "question how we understand gender types and male/female 'characters' in documentary photography."

Lindsay Perth's remake of Robert Capa's
"The Falling Soldier"

With the project Remake, the aim is to 'put all your creative energy into re-creating and re-staging' a famous work of art using photography.

Jesse John Hunniford's remake of Grant Wood's
"American Gothic"

Ewa Wiktoria Dyszlewicz's remake of Jaques-Louis David's
"The Death of Marat"

Nienke Zondervan's remake of Vermeer's
"The Girl with the Pearl Earring"

All this talk of Vermeer and Norman Parkinson has got me inspired!

Accessories and Clothing, Awareness and Consciousness

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000+01:00

Handmade, bleached and dyed jersey fabric creations of A&C, launched in 2005 by Christiane Gruber.

Each piece, one of a kind.

And Another Hat

2011-10-25T14:35:00.000+01:00

Green/Navy Hebridean Tweed Wool Hat

This black painted wall is coming in very handy!

A Pinafore

2011-10-24T14:59:00.002+01:00

This time finished and photographed.

The pinafore is shown worn with one of my blouses

and layered over a wool tweed skirt.

And I changed my mind about the hem: I cut the back straight and raised it at the front because I like the idea of layering it with other skirts, petticoats and dresses and this way you see them underneath.

A Pinafore in Bay Leaf Green

2011-10-23T15:28:00.001+01:00

Not finished: the front hem has to be cut straight with the back left hanging slightly lower.

The bust line sits high across the middle of the bust and the back skirt folds over towards the front concealing the side seams.

Hoping to have it finished and photographed this week.

Geek Logic

2011-10-21T10:42:00.000+01:00

'Use the Principles of Basic Algebra and take the Guesswork out of Life.'

So, should you do it yourself (paint your son's room and assemble Ikea furniture) or call a professional?

$e Te + Ty Sa Sc + [(U - 7)squared +1] + Sa squared = BobVila
$y + 50Te + H + Dsquared

Sa = Your current actual skill level in this area (1-10 with 10 being "earned a Ph.D. in caulking")

Sc = Skill level you have claimed to family and friends (1-10 with 10 being "get sweatshirts as gifts from extended family that read 'World's Greatest Painter and Ikea Furniture Assembler'"

Ty = In hours, time you have available to devote to this project

Te = In hours, time this project should take a professional

$y = In dollars (substitute currency), total funds you have available to spend on this project

$e = In dollars (substitute currency), hourly rate a professional would charge

H = How horrible do you find this project? (1-10 with 10 being "involves handling raw sewage")

D = What is the potential for later disaster should you apply your "expertise"? (1-10 with 10 being "there's no roofing problem that can't be fixed with bubble gum and duct tape")

U = Urgency of this project (1-10 with 10 being "water level rising: basement vermin building ark")

If BobVila is greater than 1, you should do it yourself

Truth is, I didn't really need to do this equation to know that I should have called in a professional!
But if I should need help with the following life's important questions then I may be tempted to get my jotter out.

Should you eat something scary from the back of the fridge, or just order Chinese again?
Whose turn is it?
Should you call in sick?
or
Is it time to see a therapist?

[Geek Logik]
by Garth Sundem

Calculator included

And I am so excited...

2011-10-19T09:44:00.000+01:00

but probably not as much as Elena who has just opened this beautiful shop in Bergamo, Italy.

I'm excited because some of my hats are on their way to Materiaprima!

Elena, wishing you all the best in your very exciting, new venture.

Materiaprima

via Broseta, 24122 Bergamo, Italy

'Taking the Chair'

2011-10-18T16:54:00.005+01:00

In their first collaboration, mother and daughter, Caroline and Maisie Broadhead, have chosen seven masterpieces by such painters as Vermeer, Magritte and Velazquez in which a chair has a prominent presence. Caroline creates the chair and Maisie then uses the chairs in her photographic recreations of the original paintings.

The chair is more than an object in these paintings. It is a catalyst for the human action that takes place and it carries the various narratives. Over the last few years Caroline Broadhead has made a number of works that are based on a chair. She has a strong interest in the numerous associations this piece of furniture provokes. Inspired by the often empty, upturned or ‘about to be sat on’ chairs in the paintings, she has transformed second hand chairs that operate somewhere between an image and an object. - Marsden Woo Gallery

A Young Woman Standing at a Machine
Image via Kleidersachen

And Another One...

2011-10-16T11:45:00.000+01:00

This time, going green but not so much 'Mia', unfortunately!

Remembering Dennis Ritchie

2011-10-15T17:45:00.000+01:00

As you probably know, Steve Jobs died last week. Sadly this week saw the passing of another visionary genius, Dennis Ritchie.

Dennis Ritchie (standing)
circa 1972

We owe much to Dennis Ritchie, more than we can ever possibly imagine. Without his contributions, it’s likely none of us would be using personal computers today, sophisticated software applications or even a modern Internet.

Without Dennis Ritchie, there would be no Jobs by Jason Perlow

Thank you, Douglas.

It's Friday...

2011-10-14T17:28:00.001+01:00

Another week: looking after my very unwell little girl, attending my very talented son's awards ceremony for music and making some new hats!

And contrary to what some (Douglas) might believe, I don't think the image on the left makes me "look mad in a Mia Farrow kind of way" at all!!?

...have a great weekend x

How Pig Parts Make The World Turn

2011-10-14T13:12:00.001+01:00

Using art and craft, Christien Meindertsma exposes the hidden practises and connections of our modern life and aims to "regain an understanding of processes that have become so distant in industrialisation."
In her book Pig 05049, Christien "reveals lines that link raw materials with producers, products and consumers that have become so invisible in an increasingly globalised world.

Here, Christien Meindertsma discusses "How Pig Parts Make the World Turn."

Cloud Nylon

2011-10-13T07:20:00.001+01:00

Using nylon monofilament, looking to the structures of the natural world, mathematics and science for inspiration and employing the techniques of knitting, weaving, crocheting and knotting - The Jewellery of Nora Fok.

Splash
Clear, knitted nylon

"I saw a photograph of water drops hitting the surface to form a crown: a magic moment I love to capture in nylon."

Million Dollar Collar
Threaded artichoke seed parachutes with clear nylon

Princess Pagoda
Woven, clear nylon

"The pagoda, a symbol of Chinese culture, combined with the conservatories that house the specimens inspired me to visualize the head piece."

Walking Onions
knitted, knotted clear nylon

"Walking onion (Allium cepa aggregatum) is grown for its shallot-like, onion-flavoured clusters of bulbs borne in place of flowers. The stalks eventually flop over and the little onions can take root and ‘walk’ across the ground as each generation moves further from the mother plant."

Cloud Nylon is now on tour in the UK

Hiding In Full View

2011-10-12T07:35:00.000+01:00

An exhibition of paintings and prints by Scottish artist Alison Watt opens at the Ingleby Gallery in Edinburgh next month. And I am doubly excited because this new series of work by Watt took 'indirect' inspiration from the incredible photographs of Francesca Woodman.

Fent
Alison Watt

Over the past fifteen years, Watt's paintings have 'edged towards abstraction, painting swathes of fabric suggestive of both a human presence and absence.'

Alison Watt

'Phantom'
Alison Watt

Then last year, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence commissioned Watt to create a piece of work for their collection of self-portraits by women artists. And it was this idea of the self portrait that turned Watt's attention to the work of Francesca Woodman and in particular to Woodman's 'Angel' photograph.

Francesca Woodman's
'Angel'

Much of my work is about the transformation of an object into an idea, and in the process of painting the work for the Uffizi I found myself looking closely at the photographs of Francesca Woodman. One of the many things I found fascinating about Woodman’s work is her use of the object in her self-portraits, and how the two elements of self and object often merge. If it was possible to create a painting that was difficult to identify and at the same time incredibly intimate, that was what I wanted to do.
- Alison Watt

Alison Watt and her self-portrait
'Angel'

Both 'Angels' were hung side by side in the Uffizi Gallery's exhibition last year.

Alison Watt: Hiding In Full View
Ingleby Gallery
Edinburgh
5 November 2011 - 28 January 2012

'Construct...Sabotage...Reconcile'

2011-10-11T07:00:00.004+01:00

Coiling is the ancient tradition of making pots by rolling lengths of clay into snake like coils, stacking them and smoothing the layers together to create a strong structure. In her work, contemporary ceramic artist Cheryl Ann Thomas, uses this technique to 'construct, sabotage and reconcile' these amazing sculptures.

I build carefully balanced columns by coiling tiny ropes of porcelain clay. They retain the imprint of my hand. These precarious columns are too tall and thin to withstand the heat of the kiln. They are compromised and collapse during the firing process. These kiln 'accidents' are coupled and reconstructed in a second firing. The chance outcome is left unaltered.

Relics are the remains of a human intervention. The evidence hardens into a permanent record of my interaction with the material.
- Cheryl Ann Thomas

'Architecture of the Mind'

2011-10-10T10:59:00.004+01:00

The simple, beautifully structured ruffles, pleats, frills and photography of Sanne Jansen.

"Architecture of the Mind"

"Home is where the Heart is"
Audax Textile Museum, Tilburg

And her gorgeous collaborations with Dutch photographers Suzanne Jongmans and Marjan Holmer

pictures by Suzanne Jongmans

"Fair"
pictures by Marjan Holmer

And It's Friday...

2011-10-07T17:25:00.003+01:00

A little inspiration just in case you are going out and don't know what to do with your hair.
It's all for a good cause.

Alternative Hair Show
via Laughing Squid

Have a lovely weekend x

A Piece of Cake?

2011-10-07T08:54:00.001+01:00

Actually, how about a biscuit instead?

I would like to share with you this recipe which has an interesting story behind it...

Click for larger image

October's 'piece of cake' via fuckyouverymuch

2011-10-06T07:51:00.001+01:00

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
-Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Layering With A Blouse

2011-10-03T07:47:00.001+01:00

and a wool skirt.

Both worn underneath my wrap dress.

An idea and work in progress.

Featured Seller: LaTouchables

2011-10-01T06:50:00.001+01:00

LaTouchables

Glad to see Etsy got this one spot on!
Wonderful Dawn x

Wrapped in Tweed

2011-09-30T07:00:00.006+01:00

The feel of a shawl, the look of a poncho but definitely cape inspired.

Made from lovely Hebridean Tweed in a colour weave of oranges, red, purples, pinks...I created a short A-line cape at the back, cut the front longer on the bias to create a front drape, added a very large hood, two pockets and a front zip closure. I have exposed the selvedge of the fabric on the pockets and the front opening, the hem edges are unfinished and all seams inside are finished with a contrasting Liberty of London cotton.

Hand Embroidered Portraits

2011-09-29T07:45:00.004+01:00

Although the medium employed is crewel embroidery wool, the technique borrows more from the worlds of drawing and painting...My work unabashedly nods its head to the tradition of tapestry and my own love of craft. Using wool instead of oils has allowed me to broaden the dialogue between portrait and process as well as propose a new definition for the word “painting” - Cayce Zavaglia

The incredible 'paintings' of Cayce Zavaglia

(via Laughing Squid)

Glorious Day!

2011-09-28T12:49:00.000+01:00

It is late September, nearly October and it is warm and sunny and oh, so lovely in Edinburgh.
I'm off outside to play!

x

Calum McClure

2011-09-25T13:59:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, the weather was beautiful here too. A warm breeze for late September and the light a soft, muted glow. And as I walked up the hill on my first day out in over a week, I saw this painting in a gallery window and had to go in

Bulrushes

because this is the wonderful work of Calum McClure and last year I shared a brief glimpse of Calum's work after seeing his paintings at the Edinburgh College of Art Degree Show.

Undergrowth

Since then Calum has gone on to win the prestigious Jolomo Award and now has his first solo exhibition since graduating in 2010 at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh.

Pathway

Mostly concerned with the 'atmospherics and memory' of places such as botanical gardens, cemeteries and country estates, Calum states that he 'hopes to capture these places at quiet moments when nothing specific is happening, so it is the place alone that holds the viewer's attention.'

Untitled

Although his use of 'beautiful detail and drawing' has been compared to such artists as Albrecht Durer and Andrew Wyeth, it is Calum's 'unusual choice of subject matter' that sees him as 'ploughing his own furrow.'

Winter Sun

McClure says that in setting out to paint the Scottish landscape he was determined to avoid the "kitsch version of Scottishness" which celebrates hills and glens. "Some people are negative about landscape painting, saying that it's old hat. But I think it's more than pretty pictures, it can capture the atmosphere of a place."- The Scotsman

Canopy

His beautiful paintings certainly capture my attention and, obviously, the attention of many others too, as they are nearly all sold.

Calum McClure

The Scottish Gallery

7 Sept - 1 Oct 2011

It's Friday...

2011-09-23T15:00:00.000+01:00

and this image pretty much sums up how my head has felt this week: messy, distorted and definitely very fuzzy.

I have been in bed all week with a horrible head cold! Recovering, so looking forward to a clear headed weekend.

Have a great weekend.

x

(Fantastic photo by Marc Laroche)

And Then...

2011-09-17T07:45:00.001+01:00

once you have mastered knitting these old patterns, added a bit of flair, plenty of elegance and a ton of talent and creativity, as my friend Stephanie proves, the possibilities to create something beautiful are endless.

Bell Cape

Lace Eyelet Sweater

Fern Sweater

Swing Fan Sweater

Wheatsheaf Peplum Jacket

(all images from Hillary Rohde Cashmere)

...I Was A Knitter Before I Could Sew

2011-09-16T15:55:00.001+01:00

I began to knit Fair Isle and Aran long before I could hem.
And if you've often wondered, how did it all start?
Who taught me that nothing can absorb all your time and attention
Like a good knitting stitch can?
Well, it was my mum.

However, unlike my mum who can write a knitting pattern by just looking at a jumper in a shop window (I've seen her counting the stitches!) I struggle to follow the 'easy' pre-written, totally detailed ones with nice pictures. So, many years ago with some idealistic notion that I, alone, was preserving this ancient craft, I decided to focus on the techniques of pattern stitches rather than trying to knit myself an ill-fitting cardigan.

With the help of Barbara Walker, I not only learned how to create samples of lace panels, twist stitch patterns, fancy texture patterns, I also found out a little about the intriguing stories behind a lot of these old stitches.

Mrs Montague's Pattern
Mrs Montague was a Lady of the Chamber to Queen Elizabeth I of England.
She made stockings for the Queen in this pattern which was copied from a French design.

Honeybee Pattern with Faggoting
Patterns like this are used by peasant women of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia and Slovakia
to make stockings that are part of the traditional regional costume.

Bead Stitch
A basic Shetland lace pattern used as a construction unit in more complicated laces.
The little 'beads' are found in Spanish lace patterns as well, demonstrating the Spanish
ancestry of Shetland lace

Originally written in the 1960's, The Treasury of Knitting Patterns and Barbara Walker's other fascinating knitting books were out of print so I had to source mine through AbeBooks. However, recognised as the wonderful resource that they are, some have since been reprinted and The Walker Treasury Project has been set up to collect and post photos of these knitting patterns.

So with the nights slowly drawing in...I have a daughter who wants to learn to knit.

(all images via The Walker Treasury Project)

Yes, That Is A Smug Smile!

2011-09-15T14:21:00.003+01:00

After taking apart, re-cutting, re-sewing and a few design changes, I like it!

Still unable to list it in my shop as it has undergone too many delicate (actually some quite major) adjustments, but it will make a perfect work dress.

I would love to make more of these dresses in this wool and silk mix fabric now that I know what I'm doing! And I think they would look great layered over the top of a longer skirt and worn with a really big chunky scarf...

Ok, now to get back to working on something I can list in my shop.

Gorgeous Fabric, Lovely Dress Pattern

2011-09-14T16:40:00.002+01:00

But just not meant for each other!

I know the look on my face is the same look I have in every photo
but this time, I really am not very happy!

Too many checks, loose weave fabric, fraying fabric, too many lines to match up, forgetting to strengthen the neckline edge, strengthening the front facing too much, my lack of patience...

Sometimes a dress just doesn't work out...

Keeping It Real

2011-09-10T09:29:00.000+01:00

with the Walkers of Pottergate 'team'.

Karen, Louise, Becky and Anne

Set up in 1990 by Anne Rowe with 'no formal fashion experience, but bags of mis-placed theories and heartfelt enthusiasm!', Walkers not only offer an amazing selection of unique clothing in their Norwich based shop but they also ship worldwide, offer 'lots of extra measurement service' and have the 'biggest variety of Rundholz Black Label in the UK!'.

A dress, a jacket and a skirt are in my shopping bag...

Yosoou 2011-2012 Collection

2011-09-08T07:54:00.000+01:00

Yosoou 2011-2012

(image via cool e chic style fashion)

Bedspreads and Scarves

2011-09-07T13:56:00.000+01:00

I have always loved these Ouno bedspreads which are made from recycled vintage Christan Dior and Vera Neumann scarves

and have always wanted to have a go at making one!

Alas, since I lack Fabrique Fantastique's immense and covetable collection of vintage silk scarves, I thought these gorgeous works of art would do the job just as well!

Inkjet print on scarves by Andrei Koschmieder

Beautiful!

A New Dress

2011-09-05T14:34:00.002+01:00

As well as thinking about cake, eating cake, I have been working on some new patterns.

This wrap dress has a scooped neck band and shaped bodice. The short bodice sits on the bust line and ties close the dress at the side.

The sleeves are wide and finish just above the wrist.

Both the front and the back of the skirt have inverted pleats to give shape to the loose skirt.

I made this dress out of Liberty of London cotton but I hope to make some from wool over the next few weeks.

A Piece Of Cake

2011-09-02T13:49:00.005+01:00

Trick Birthday Pizza Cake
via Laughing Squid

I think I would have found it difficult to hide my disappointment for as much as I love pizza, at the moment, I seem to be loving cake a wee bit more, perhaps a wee bit too much!

So, inspired by the Pudding Clubs being held in local pubs to sweeten up the evening's drinking, I immediately thought 'Cake Club', here, once a month to try, to test, to share and to enjoy a piece of cake. So...

September's Cake
...comes from Denis Cotter's for the love of food and since this cake is in the breakfast section of the book and served with yoghurt and fruit salad, it must be good for you!?

Download September's Cake recipe

All monthly recipes will be posted on the A Piece of Cake (I have turned recipe cards into pdf files so they can be downloaded) where comments, suggestions and cake recommendations for next month can be left.

Any excuse to try, test and share a piece cake...

With The Face of LaTouchables

2011-08-31T14:30:00.000+01:00

13threads never looked so good!

Beautiful model wearing a LaTouchable's cuff
and a hat by 13threads

Thank you so much Dawn!

A Beautiful Short Film

2011-08-30T11:31:00.000+01:00

that would certainly meet the couch fest criteria!

by Buffalo Picture House

2011-08-28T07:26:00.001+01:00

Couch Fest Films is a 'cozy shorts film fest' hosted in people's living rooms all over the world. On September 24, each home taking part in the festival will screen a unique programme of short films every hour. To encourage festival goers to visit as many home screenings as possible, places such as Reykjavik have conveniently located the house screenings as near to each other as possible so it is possible to walk or cycle between the venues. A short intermission between the screenings will allow for 'discussion and socialising.'

Although the deadline for hosting a screening in 2011 is closed, there is still time to submit a film for screening at this year's festival. The film must be less than 8 minutes long, 'must not suck', and 'while viewers might be sitting on a couch to watch your film, there is no requirement for your film to have a couch in it.'

via (Laughing Squid)

A Story About Madness

2011-08-25T09:48:00.001+01:00

Last time I saw Jon Ronson was at the Latitude Festival. I was on a forest trail when I spotted him coming towards me, scurrying after his son who was dressed as Elvis! Last night I saw him in the Main Theatre tent at the Edinburgh International Book Festival where, this time, his son was the caller on his constantly ringing phone and, once again, he was entertaining to watch!

The award winning documentary maker and author of two best sellers Them: Adventures With Extremists and The Men Who Stare At Goats (made into a Hollywood blockbuster which was nothing like the book but did star Mr. Clooney and Jeff Bridges!) was at the festival to talk about his new book The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through The Madness Industry.

In his review of the book, Will Self states

...for the record: at his best, Ronson is one of the finest comic writers working today. I began The Psychopath Test late at night, tired, dispirited and ill – then found myself laughing like the proverbial loon for page after page, for approximately the first 40, at least.

Myself, only on page 100, I would have to agree. However, with another 186 pages to go, I only hope the book manages to answer some of the complex and interesting questions about the definitions of 'normal', the number of CEOs and political leaders who are indeed psychopaths and should we all have to take the psychopath's test?! that last night's talk raised and left me needing to know more.

A Very Brief Tour Guide of Dumfries and Galloway

2011-08-21T08:09:00.001+01:00

13th Century Caerlaverock Castle and moat - and posing for third album cover
Rockcliffe, Colvend Coast
Port Logan Fish Pond - a Victorian fish larder. A tidal pool created from a blow hole formed during last ice age.
Threave Castle - only accessible by boat
Rockcliffe - a cliff walk
And my son looking so, so happy - in Italy!!

2011 International Photography Awards

2011-08-20T08:09:00.000+01:00

Nature: Arial
Drought and Flooding Rains by Melissa Powell

Advertising: Beauty
Surreal Dreams by Rus Anson

Achitectural: Buildings
Untitled by Manuel Consentino

Fine Art: Collage
Tate People by Luca Di Filippo

Nature: Underwater
Life Aquatic by Chuck Bradley

Advertising: Food
Falling Foods by Trevor Pearson

Advertising: Fashion
Women of History by Peter Lippmann

...more beautiful photographs at the Winner's Gallery

It's Friday

2011-08-19T13:35:00.000+01:00

...and I was going to write about the festivals here in Edinburgh but since Niki spectacularly teases you with some of the highlights...

...and I was going to show you some of the new patterns I have been working on this week but since I don't have one complete but instead have bits of three different patterns...

...and I was going to moan about the end of Summer, the end of summer weather here in Edinburgh but no need as today the sun reappeared, if only for a wee bit...

So, instead, I will post a picture of a cat, a big lazy cat, and be thankful it is not snowing, yet!

via tumblr

Shot in Amsterdam

2011-08-17T07:00:00.003+01:00

Gorgeous clothes on me and you in a great location.

The new Rundholz Collection - What's not to like?

Precious Light

2011-08-16T07:40:00.000+01:00

is a 'contemporary imagining' of the King James Bible in collage, sculpture and words by Scottish artist, David Mach.

Exhibited over five floors, one floor will focus on the words and language of the Bible while another floor will show the artist at work as he and his team create a decoupage of the Last Supper.

Golgotha - sculptures created from coat hangers

Nativity

Jacob's Ladder

Also unveiled at the exhibition will be two of Mach’s distinctive match-head sculptures depicting Jesus and the Devil. Five times the size of a human head and built from thousands of coloured match-heads, the sculptures will be set alight in performances by the artist in Edinburgh. Following a stabilisation process, the charred remains will be displayed in the exhibition.
- City Art Centre

Jesus Christ

(However, after these plans caused controversy, the burning was performed behind cosed doors.)

David Mach - Precious Light: a celebration of the King James Bible 1611 - 2011

City Art Centre

Edinburgh

until 16 October 2011

Summer Lovin'

2011-08-14T17:37:00.001+01:00

Rockcliffe

No more clean clothes, no more money left: Summer holidays are over. But it has been a blast!

The Schoolhouse and Bothy

2011-08-05T08:55:00.000+01:00

Accessible only by boat, Kylesmorar looks like the perfect place to escape to.

Does Cycling In A Skirt Make You A Motoring Hazard?

2011-08-03T07:00:00.005+01:00

Jasmijn Rijcken was stopped and almost ticketed by an NYPD officer for biking in this outfit. Her skirt, the officer said, was too distracting for drivers.

Would You Trust An Airbag Helmet?

Bike jousting? Naked rides? There's a cycling niche for everyone.

Rain, Cycling and Glasses: they don't mix
Beer and bikes: can they ever mix?
What was the first bike you really loved?
What to do if your bike is stolen?

And how to make cycling more fun: turn your bike into a horse

Just some of the many questions, views and advice found on the Guardian bike blog and the new Bloggers on Biking book CycleBabble.

Kron, KronKron and Kron by KronKron

2011-08-02T07:58:00.001+01:00

The name has a long story!

The designers and owners of Kron

So to cut a long story short, "Kron store is known for its beautiful shoes."

We Miss You

2011-07-31T13:22:00.001+01:00

"A short, beautifully filmed parable about humanity’s increasing disconnect with the natural world." - via Laughing Squid

by Hannah Maria Heidrich

To Know The Road Ahead, Ask Those Coming Back

2011-07-28T12:01:00.001+01:00

So, ask me: 'Where should I stay in Reykjavik...and possibly have lunch?'

Answer: Kex Hostel, Reykjavik, Iceland.

Another former biscuit factory turned into a quirky, stylish 'social hostel' in downtown Reykjavik.

Furnished with salvaged and found objects (note, the silverware and crockery don't match), the Kex hostel describes itself as "an organic concept blending a vintage industrial feel with an eclectic, contemporary touch." Over three floors, the Kex can accommodate all variety of guests with its range of dorm, family, double and single rooms. On this visit I stayed with my friends, but definitely on our next family visit, the double rooms with private toilets appeal.

And lunch was delicious and affordable. Taking advice from the chef's partner, "where else are you going to taste skyr mozzarella?", I chose the Icelandic version of a caprese salad. Although the skyr mozzarella had its own unique, slightly sour taste, it looked and had the same consistency and texture as mozzarella di bufala and was indeed lovely.

and as Kex reminds you...

A Good Traveller Has No Fixed Plans, Sunshine All the Time Makes a Desert, It Is Not Down In Any Map; True Places Never Are, I would just like to add When You Forget Your Camera, Check Out Flickr...all photos courtesy of others (click on photo for source)

Another Roadside Attraction

2011-07-08T15:25:00.001+01:00

From leisurely bathing in the hot, milky sulphur waters of the Blue Lagoon to climbing behind the crystal clear mountain waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, from eagerly anticipating the sporadic eruptions of bubbling and steaming Strokkur to the powerful force felt from the constant flowing glacial waters of Gullfoss, and from strolling the vibrant streets and shops of Reykjavik to skirting the ashen base of the now quiet Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland's attractions are spectacular and extraordinary.

So, like us, if out and about and seeking good cake, warm hospitality and some shelter from the roaring wind and lashing rain of the south Icelandic coastline, Bakkabrim Organic Cafe is another roadside attraction not to be missed. Perched on the beach overlooking the old harbour of Eyrarbakki, Bakkabrim may not offer hotdogs and a petting zoo! but instead serves delicious homemade soups, bread, picnic baskets to go, and possibly the best vegan berry tarts ever.

On our travels we have sorely missed some alternative to the petrol station hamburger food culture that prevails in this country...We had this nice idea that people would just start coming and that they would tell their friends and so forth, that it would just grow and we could just focus on cultivating the building and our service...We don’t want it to expand into something that will outgrow its original purpose and charm but that it should be self sustaining. Our dream is to invite and provide activities for people to come here and enjoy the local scenery, be it bird watching or walking on this tremendous beach. Also to be able to do some cultural events such as photography exhibition on the fisheries that were here. - David, who owns Bakkabrim with his wife Arna (maker of the delicious tarts)

Two More Sleeps...

2011-06-29T08:56:00.001+01:00

until I head to Iceland, until I can scoop my daughter up into the tightest, most loving, most missed hug ever.

So I can't think of a better way to offer a glimpse of this beautiful place than to show some gorgeous Icelandic fashion photographed against the extraordinary landscape of Iceland.

( photos and clothes of Spaks Mannsspjarir)

Be back soon x