Absolutely Fabulous Fabrics

‘Who seeks shall find.’ (Sophocles)

 

These beautiful fabrics, damasks, silks and velvet, have just arrived this afternoon and are the result of an impromptu buying trip. A mid-week must to raise the sprits.

 

 

Although the fabrics I use are, in the main, recycled from previous projects, very much appreciated donations and occasionally I receive discarded, vintage fashion items and table linen.  However, I find it necessary to make an enlightened purchase from time-to-time in order maximise ones fabric cache.  After all it does generate a fresh impetus on the creative front, like feeding the soul.  That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.

In addition to my purchases I have just received a donation of some fabric sample books, containing a vast array of tapestry assortments and natural damasks.  Rich pickings indeed and all gratefully received. 

I think the red fabrics will make excellent ‘Red Herrings’, as I attempt to ‘Ramp up the Red’ with the British Heart Foundation on the 7^th February, more about that coming soon.

 

That's A Wrap

‘A box without hinges, key or lid yet golden treasure inside is hid’. (JRR Tolkien)

 

I love the anticipation and excitement of an unopened gift and deliberating its potential contents.  Does the shape belie its identity?  The moment prior to revealing the mystery is the most enticing and gives the biggest thrill of all.

 

Gift giving can indeed be a tricky business.  However, effort, care and due consideration is often its own reward when the recipient is clearly delighted.

 I strive to give gifts that are unique, interesting and where possible evokes a treasured memory the significance of which lies within the carefully chosen fabrics.  I rarely choose a functional item, unless specifically requested, preferring to create gifts from treasured, rare or vintage textiles.  The snippets of silk, cotton and linen; scraps of yarn, floss and of course a sprinkle of beads and sequins are used to create my dolls, bears and fish to name but a few items in the ‘Raganory’ repertoire.

 

 

Once complete, attention has to be focused on the way the gift is to be received.  The presentation deserves the same consideration as the gift itself.  The wrapping of choice should enhance the overall receiving experience, adding to the suspense and thrill, but not so much that it outshines the gift.

 

Unfortunately, there are difficulties obtaining off-the-peg wrappings, boxes, packets and bags that fit exacting requirements.  I feel that bespoke gifts need bespoke packaging.  Therefore, in pursuit of an authentic handmade finish I have, in the past, presented my gifts in a range of different ways; using tissue, cellophane and specifically designed organza drawstring bags.  However, irrespective of the materials used the result was the same ill-fitting finish that lacked the consistency and style I longed for. 

Preferring a clean, uncomplicated style I have more recently decided to devise my own box pattern that can be adjusted to fit any of my creations.  Functionally they protect and conceal the contents and provide a blank canvas to embellish as lavishly or elegantly as appropriate for the intended recipient.  This approach affords a flexibility with regards to tailoring the gift to a specific individual yet maintaining a consistent style that is easily reproduced.

 

'That's a wrap!'

 

A Fishy Business

 

 

 

'To him all good things, trout as well as eternal salvation, come by grace, and grace comes by art, and art does not come easy.' (Norman Maclean)

 

It is hard to resist the tranquil and beguiling nature of fish; they’re almost hypnotic to watch.  The elegant simplicity of form, graceful movement and vibrant colours are amongst their most endearing qualities.  

 

 

When we were young my mother regaled us with tales of her childhood Christmases and expectations.  The most evocative of which, was her recollection of the gifts sent from her grandmother.  The much anticipated annual parcels of homemade toys and dolls, I always felt was reminiscent of the Laura Ingles Wilder stories.  The similarities that exist between my mother’s life and Ms Wilders' despite their place in history, I feel are still relevant today. Proverbs, propaganda and idioms such as 'waste not want not', 'make do and mend' and 'the devil makes work for idle hands', in addition to a prudent instinct for hoarding scraps continue to span the generations.  No doubt, what are the echoes of my mother’s childhood, has become a fundamental ethos that permeates my daily life. I feel that these values are portrayed in the fish that I created over the recent festive period as gifts for my nearest and dearest.

 

 

The initial inspiration, for my fish creations was taken from my ever growing cache of fabrics, some are now quite rare.  Unfortunately, fabric departments and shops, once all abundant in choice are now sadly in demise.  What was formerly a precious resource containing bolts of exotic cloth, trimmings and notions are rapidly becoming artefacts of yesteryear. I need alternative sources to improve my material well being.

 

 

 

 

The proposition 'something from nothing' suggests, to me, that some importance is attached to what was previously lacking.  That addition, I believe, comes in the form of inspiration, time and creativity often driven by necessity.  I wanted to showcase how precious scraps of fabrics and rags could be transformed into a gift and not merely discarded or thrown out.  The fabrics used are all remnants from previous projects including upholstery, curtain and dressmaking endeavours. 

 

 

'Good things come to those who bait'

 

 

A Prelude

I am a lover of the rare and beautiful. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Embroidered postcards from 1914. 

 

 

An appreciator of time taken and of time spent in the pursuit of creation. 

 

 

 

I endeavour to minimize waste...

 

 

 

...and delight at procuring a potential treasure from the imperceptible.

 

 

 

 

 

I admire the limitless talents of the many and aspire to make my own small contribution.

 

 



 

Regards Lee.