Aotearoa Creative Textiles - Day 3 Whskr Reports

Today (Wednesday) we had more fun creating our structures and using some more ideas of Jae's to add to our vocabulary! The class is a real mix from the talented to the whiney and some are working so hard producing some excellent work, as you can see in these pictures.

We spent time working on our individual projects. I am pleased with the way my structure is working out so far. I am working with the concept of an idea within a structure. Say, like a pearl within an oyster. Some examples :- the pearl idea, one irritant making a thing of beauty; or, alternatively - an angry person within a smoothly veneered and mannered facade. Two contrasting elements.


I have trimmed my three sides of the structure to size now and they are ready for the dyed threads I will sew them up with tomorrow.

Jae also demonstrated two more things we can use as contrasting elements. They are in her book and look fun things to try. One is patching and piecing fabric then adding contrasts on top, and the other is cutting shapes like diamonds, or urns or such like through layers of fabric BUT not sewing them together until you have really explored the surfaces. A really thought provoking challenge.

Creative Textiles Forum Day 2 - Whskr reports

After a tough trip in, the winds are fierce at this time of year and this week have really let rip, making bike riding less of a pleasure and more of a chore, in spite of the fact I go the 'scenic' route avoiding lots of traffice for most of the way!

Today, Tuesday) Jae Maries took us through more exercises to expand our view of things including the use of PVA and polyfiller. Used thinly this creates an interesting structural strength fabric that allows us to create dimension as well as texture.

The mixture, used in the photo above, when applied on plain calico gives an almost paper like fabric that makes a nice box or cylinder, both of which are on my to do list! The mixture can be incised for another form of contrast or dimension or layered and coloured.


have a lot of work to do on mine - htis is a skeleton outline for much future work.

A further exercise was a grid, we used a lovely koru patterned serviette, then criss-crossed it with a grid of stitches, and washed and scrubbed it away, in part. The intention is to build on this further (at home as time is short and there are so many ideas to cover!). We can fill the squares left with stitches, knitting or anything. The focus is on finding textures which is exciting.

We are also making a daily book covering our adventures, keeping records, comments, ideas, things we have done. At the end of the week we will all have pages and pages of fun stuff to look back on.

Aotearoa Creative Textiles - Day 1

10 of us assembled for Day 1 of our class with Jae Maries one of the UK's premiere artistic and textile talents.

In spite of the poor weather (and me freezing) I had a great first day. Jae discussed the ideas and direction each of us aimed to head in. Everyone had ideas, pictures and concepts to discuss.

There is even another doll maker there although she doesn't seem keen on discussing dolls with me.

We started with some exercises in colour contrast to loosen up, then went on to working with an image and either paper or textiles. Doesn't sound much but it was an absorbing day.

Each of us has been given a copy of Jae's book which is a great buy if you are thinking of moving outside your textile comfort zone into new areas. It is full of ideas, encouragement and advice.

Felt like Friday Shopping for Unique Gifts - Whskr writes!

Kiwi's are catching up in the online market place and one of the best sites around is Felt. It is quick, clean, easy and growing all the time. I am featuring some Felt Folk today on the Whskr blog - enjoy!

Sumptuous is the way to describe these Glass Gravity Earrings from Isla in Auckland on the North Island. Such a lovely blue, elegant and clean lined. Price $35NZ ($25US),

BeautyChaos from Lyttleton, Canterbury offers this delicious shabby chic skirt or is it a top. Well you decide! The Tattered Pixie Skirt/Top is fun, versatile and very clever! Honour the world with this environmentally awesome seller!

Finally! From Bella Threads, for the guy who loves practical things! A Man's Utility Apron made from practical brown cotton drill. It has three large pockets and is embellished with a practical "manly" stencil! $35NZ (US25).

Bella Threads also stocks pretty girly things in her shop!

Check out and browse Felt for more slightly different things, all from Kiwi folk who love to create. You will get a warm welcome!