Corset creation

It's been a long time since I made clothes and even when I did they were quite basic, but recently Art a'Peel (the local textile group I'm a member of) challenged the members to create an artistic corset.  It was interesting to see each members approach to the theme - some did two dimensional designs which were framed, or on canvas, and others created actual corsets in varying sizes.
It's always inspiring to see how each person interprets a challenge.  For me I threw myself wholeheartedly into creating a full size corset with no idea at all what I was doing, as lining and boning were new techniques.  However, I have to admit once it was done I was quite thrilled with the end result.  It's good to push your boundaries and try something new - we never know what we're capable of until we try.

I started off with some Osnaburg fabric I'd previously rust dyed, as it had good strength but was soft and manageable, and lined it with Quilters Muslin.  The embroidery was hand stitched and on an evening sitting attaching the many sequins was quite relaxing.

The rings for the lacing are metal curtain rings, heated with a heat gun and dipped in embossing powder to coat them with a colour to match the sequins and embroidery.  It was fiddly but worked well and tied it all together (pardon the pun!).

My grandson asked me if it was for me, or a young person - I've learnt to smile sweetly and not take offence.

Art a'Peel Open Day 2015

A big thank you to everyone who came to Art a'Peel's Open Day on Sunday, what an amazing day we all had.  

It was wonderful to see so many people who share the same interests and creativity as our group, and its amazing how much you learn and acquire inspiration from days like these.
We had many comments on the high quality of work on display, which is what Art a'Peel is all about.
Our "Masque" theme for this year enabled us to dig deep for ideas and resulted in a splendid variety of work

One of my contributions to the theme was this face mask made of angelina fibres molded to shape and embellished with embroidery threads and beads.  All our members submitted a diverse selection of masques and I'm always stunned by their imagination, every one of  them was incredible.

Along with our theme, there was also a large display of work created throughout the year by all group members, as well as demonstrations on some of the techniques used.

 Elizabeth Morley displayed some of her incredible wearable art,

 as did Dixie Stanford.

My display of Chinese textiles was a great hit, and it was lovely to see how fascinated people were with the history of the pieces, if not a little horrified about the history of foot binding.

And not forgetting the scrumptious food we had available ... warming home made soups, scones with jam and cream, biscuits and cakes ... we always look after our visitors.. 

So for those who couldn't make it this year, make a note in your calendar and don't forget to pop along next year - everybody is welcome!

"Masque" Open Day - Art a'Peel Textile & Mixed Media Group

Sunday 12th July, is Art a'Peel's annual Open Day and 10th anniversary.  This year our theme is "Masqued".  Come along and have a look at our "Masqued" display, along with a showcase of members work throughout the year.

Doors open at 11am until 3pm, and for $5 you get complimentary soups, tea, coffee, cakes as well as demonstrations of techniques and meet lots of like minded people.

I will be displaying a selection of my Asian textiles, so pop in and have a chat, we'd love to see you.

Art a'Peel Christmas Lunch

Last Sunday was Art a'Peel's Christmas lunch wind up.

Lots of yummy food and a lovely way to catch up with everyone, including members who can't always make it to the monthly meetings.

Dixie's new hair colour was a delight and we look forward to seeing what she surprises us with next month.

It was a day of show and tell, sharing the things we've made during the year as well as sharing books to read and inspire us for the year ahead.

Jill R managed to complete her fabric flowers that we made with Elizabeth Morley and created a beautiful necklace with them.

And Jill L shared her gorgeous reindeer and elf dolls that she wonderfully makes.

We had a new member Marie Gallin, join us and share some of her amazing and inspiring textile work.  We're all looking forward to Marie joining our group. 

And we all shared our silver and white secret Santa gifts which all went down a treat and everyone was thrilled and delighted with the surprise gift they received.

We have a break now over the hottest month and regroup in February, looking forward to the year ahead.