#Inspiration Archives - Page 6 of 20

11th June 20168th September 2020

Bovey Tracey – The Contemporary Craft Festival 2016

This was my first visit to Bovey Tracy. I’d heard so many wonderful stories over the years about the brilliant artists who showcase their creations at the Festival, that I just had to come visit and check it out for myself. I was so excited!

Around 200 artists were nestled side by side in the longest adjoining marque I’ve ever seen. Ceramicists were in stands next to jewellers, next to mixed media and textile artists. The place had an amazing buzz of energy, chatter and creativity and it was crammed full of shoppers just like me.

My aim for the day was to catch up with my textile friends, check out their latest work, make some new acquaintances and then browse and indulge in some shopping.
I spent some time chatting with very talented Linda Miller, Viv from Hensteeth, Janine Pope of Mudrabbit and Ella Robinson, before chatting to other artists whose work I adored. I really did quite a bit of chatting.

Marna Lunt – Textiles

Anya Keeley – Mixed Media

Claire Read of Little Burrow Designs – Mixed Media

Lucy Gell – Printmaker

Amy Denton – Ceramic Jewellery

Sue Brown – Printmaker

Kirsty Elson – Driftwood Sculptures

Liz Cooksey – Textiles

Elizabeth Loveday – Textiles

Jane Ryan of OPI – Mechanical Toys and automata

Kate Whitehead – Textiles

……I bought some unique artwork made by Anya Keeley – ‘The Mill’ – my new little Lancashire Cotton Mill.

This beauty came home with me.

… I loved this vintage mobile cinema (called Audrey) who was showing the most wonderful black & white Pathe films all about textiles, fabrics and crafts – I watched the Cashmere Story.

Audrey the Vintage Mobile Cinema

….. gathered some new inspiration for ongoing projects and did lots of shopping.

Linladen Embroidery – of course I bought some!

These goodies came home with me

What a fantastic day out – It’s already in the diary for 2017.
I can’t wait for Art in Action later this year!

4th February 201630th June 2018

Liberty Exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London

As you might have gathered from some of my previous posts, my textile chum and I have regular trips here, there and everywhere in search of the latest inspiration in pattern and cloth.

We both dabble in embroidery and felt-making. I have a background in patchwork and quilting and my chum is a tailoress. Every now and again we come across an exhibition that enthrals and captivates us. The Liberty exhibition ticked all the boxes. The Fashion and Textile Museum’s fabulously high ceilings and interchangeable space was arranged to display the pieces beautifully. Many of its previous textile exhibitions haven’t been behind glass enabling visitors to see each garment up close. The Liberty Exhibition was no exception. You could see every stitch, texture and surface embellishment unhindered so the true beauty of the fabric shone through.
We were taken on a journey through time from the Court Dresses of the 1900’s, the Arts and Crafts movement, the Swinging 60’s through to Liberty in 2016.

Here is a just a flavour of the exhibition – enjoy.

1900-1910 Court Dress and Afternoon Dress, Spitalfields Silk Brocade

Early 1900’s Kimono Style

Embroidered detail – Kimono Style garment

1910 -1920 A celebration and revival of the art of Smocking

Smocking detail

Smocking detail and Dorset Buttons

1930-1940 Silk, Cotton.
Garments mainly made by dressmakers, but some are beginning to be commercially made.

1950’s A revival in Art Nouveau patterns.

The Swinging 60’s. Influence by the pattern of Art Deco.
Cotton, Cotton voile, Cotton Velveteen, wool, Tana Lawn.

1970’s Nostalia. Tana Lawn

1970’s – Silk, cotton, velveteen, wool.

1999 – Collaboration with Jimmy Choo

Liberty in 2016

The photos capture the essence of the exhibition which finishes at the end of February 2016. I can definitely recommend a visit – especially for the Liberty fans out there.

7th January 201614th March 2020

Selvedge Winter Fair 2015

The Selvedge Winter Fair is an annual event for me and my chums. It’s the perfect start to the Festive Season.

The stands were set out a little differently his year giving the stall holders even more space to hang their fabulous goodies.

The fair a wonderful venue to meet our favourite Textile artists, and gleen a bit of inspiration from some stunning handmade products.

Teresa Dunne of Willapark Designs

Ella Robinson and her fabulous drift wood art

Grace from A Threadbear Production

by Julie Arkell

Of course we need to browse and maybe buy a goody or two. I bought some yummy pieces and caught up with quite a few textile friends from Facebook and Instagram.