knottie ladies

Meet Jane Curtis a new Knotty!

2012-01-21T02:49:00.000-08:00

Knotty Ladies are gearing up for another wonderful year of stitching, getting together this month - January the 31st at 7.3-pm at the House of Cloth.

Meet one of our newest Knotty Lady Jane Curtis. She has been working on creating a linen patch work from reclaimed embroideries.

TM: Who was behind getting you started in hand stitching?

JC: No one showed me how to hand stitch, which the reason 'running stitch' is my favourite! The things that motivated me to handstitch are the meditative nature of it, its simplicity (especially with running stitch) and that there is no fooling with hand stitching - the end result looks 'handmade' with all its imperfections and that's what I love about it.

Even if someone's work looks perfect on one side, you can turn it over and see the loose bits of cotton tied off and their underside knots. The embroiderer's time and work is all there, in front of you - in other forms of craft you can try to imagine and appreciate the artist's labour, but not necessarily see it.

Finally, I like that this form of craft has a low entry level - perfect for people like me who pick up and put down types of craft and craft projects over time.

TM: You are also a online goddess with ABC Open - what fantastic projects do you have happening at the moment?

ABC Open, if you haven't heard of it, is a new(ish) project of the ABC that teaches people skills in digital media (photography, audio, video, blogging, social media) and broadcasts the stories you make on the website http://abc.net.au/open , on ABC Local Radio and on TV News 24 (Monday - Thursday 9:50am and 8:55pm).

I run free workshops all around Central Victoria. There's 'Summer School' workshops in January and February about managing your digital photos, social media and using a smartphone. Workshops are listed on the Central Vic page on ABC Open

TM: What piece of linen are you in love with at the moment? And where do you find these beauties?

I'm in love with an unfinished piece of embroidery that I picked up in an op shop. It has beautiful little geometric shapes on it in pastel colours. And because it's unfinished, I've been filling in the pencilled lines with, what else, running stitch!

I find all the pieces of embroidery in op shops, in Bendigo and in smaller towns. Since I do workshops in many small towns, I can pop into op shops in my lunch break and see what's there. Heaven!

Knotty Ladies 2012

2012-01-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

This was our last Knotty Ladies for 2011, I hardly got any sewing done - too much chatting, making new friends and unwrapping some beautiful handmade Christmas goodness.

2012 starts this month on Tuesday the 31st at the House of Cloth, 7.30pm start.

Scroll down to view some of the gift's exchanged.

Knotty Ladies in October

2011-10-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it is coming close to the end of the year - and although this blog has been a bit on the quite side Knotties has still been happening!

Infact we are meeting this Tuesday the 25th of October 7.30pm at the House of Cloth.

Our wonderful sponsor Elizabeth May the director of House of Cloth is sharing her textile story with Tamara Marwood.

TM: I couldn't help but notice that you are completely head over heals in love with textiles! Please share with us your current textile practice and research.

EM: My current practice encompasses dressmaking, knitting and weaving. I am also doing a Textile Design course through RMIT, which is opening my eyes to new possibilities. Last year I did machine knitting, which was seriously challenging but when I finally got the hang of it was great fun. And this semester I have been doing screen printing, which is challenging, fun and inspiring.

I am an avid reader of anything which is about or connected to textiles. I love old sewing and fashion books, and do have to control myself from buying too many. Thank goodness for libraries!! I usually have lots of books out from the RMIT library, and have found our local library a rich source of textile related books and magazines. These all provide lots of inspiration

TM: What are you current projects you are working on?
EM: I have a few too many projects at the moment, all in varying stages of completion. I have been making a red ‘jeans-style’ jacket for some time (though I am not going to say how long!!). I am getting some buttons made now, so it is getting closer to finishing. I am really looking forward to wearing it after all this time.

I also have a couple of weaving projects underway, one at home and one in the shop. The home one is intended to be a plain weave cushion cover using a wool blend yarn. I have used leftover bits of yarn and fabric from the dyeing class I did at RMIT a year ago in the weft, just to add a bit of colour. The shop project will be a table mat using a fine linen yarn, and is basically a plain weave crossed with areas of a lace weave. This one will take a while to do I suspect, as have not been able to do much of it recently.

I also have a couple of nearly completed knitting projects, which I have done slowly over the last 2-3 years whilst travelling on the train. One of these projects was completed, but when I tried it on I did not like the fit, so I have pulled it apart and re-knitted it. The hardest bit now is fitting in the sewing up and finishing. Hopefully they will both be ready for next year’s cooler weather. I will need to start planning the next knitting project in preparation for returning to weekly train journeys early in the year.

TM: Who was it in your life that gave you these beautiful skills and knowledge?
EM: My earliest influence would probably have been my grandmother, who was always knitting something for her grandchildren. I used to play with her wool when staying at her place during the holidays. I also had a great aunt who was a dressmaker, and remember having clothes made by her, like a beautiful maroon velvet dress I remember wearing proudly. But I guess it was my mother’s influence which was the greatest. I do remember hanging around the treadle machine while she made clothes for me and my siblings, always trying to help. This started my long association with fabric and the sewing machine.

I have also been fortunate to have met a number of very talented women over the last 10 years who have inspired me to take on other creative activities, most notably weaving. These women have been very generous with their knowledge, which has helped me develop. But you know, I sometimes feel like I should have been weaving all my life, as I have a high level of comfort when working at a loom.

TM: What role does textiles have in our community?
EM: Textiles have the capacity to unite people in the community into a common creative atmosphere. And whilst sharing this common activity, it is possible for people to heal from whatever misfortune has befallen them. Textiles can also tell a story, about events and people at particular times and places. They can also be things of beauty, to brighten up people, homes and public spaces.

Get knotty in August

2011-08-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Knotty Ladies is coming up again next week - Tuesday the 30th of August!

Helen is available for embroidery tuition for those of you who are wanting to brush up on your skills - otherwise pack up your current hand sewing project & join in the evening fun.

Anita has sent through images of her recent stitching fun.

Sent through any pics of your recent project to show off!

Embroidery workshop at Knotties next Tuesday evening!

2011-07-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Next week at Knottie's Helen is hosting a 101 embroidery session - great if you are wanting to learn some new stitches or just wanting to brush up.

Stitches include Back Stitch, Stem Stitch, Chain Stitch, Blanket Stitch, Bullion Stitch and French Knots. Helen will be explaining variations of each of these stitches to show how they can be manipulated in a number of different ways to achieve different effects.

Helen asks if you would like to join in please bring along:

Calico about 30cm + square. If you don’t have calico, please don’t go out buying anything. As long as the fabric is a plain colour, with an even and close weave, it will be fine

Bring along any sewing needles

Apart from that, bring along your sense of adventure

pencil, ruler and notebook.

Below is an image of Helen's work and also a recent interview

Your stitching is a delight - last time at knotties it was amazing to see your work jumping off the fabric with vibrant energy. Who was it that gave you the skills and joy of hand stitching?

I grew up with stitching of many kinds. My mother was always making something and embellishing it – wool embroidery on hand knitted gloves, lace flowers on dresses and all kinds of “fancy work”. She encouraged me to try hand and machine work, as when I was growing up, clothes were primarily made at home for children who were always “growing out” of something. If they could be embellished to make them a little more appealing, this set you apart from others! My grandmother was also a very creative needlewoman, so I suppose in many ways it is in the genes.

For a number of years, I didn’t stitch, but a move to Brisbane in the early 90’s introduced me to the Queensland Embroiderers’ Guild and I was hooked again. Since that time I have done a number of workshops in different techniques. I like to try as many different things as I can, but goldwork, white work and finer embroidery appeals the most. Most pieces end up as gifts as people still love and admire hand embroidery.

What is the project you are working on now?

I have a number of ‘UFO’s’ (Un-Finished Objects) and PhD’s (Projects Half Done) which I am reacquainting myself with and attempting to get finished. I did a course with the South Australian embroiderer Jenny McWhinney, and have a needle painting project of hers called ‘Resting Camels’ to finish. I am also planning a piece for the needlework section of the Bendigo Show in October

Looking forward to our next knotties session when you are sharing some tips and how to's on basic embroidery. What are the stitches you will be sharing with us and what do we need to bring?

People need to bring along a piece of Calico about 30cm + square. No smaller than this as it can become hard to work with. If you don’t have calico, please don’t go out buying anything. As long as the fabric is a plain colour, with an even and close weave, it will be fine (I will have a few spare pieces as well). Bring along any sewing needles you have, as we will be discussing the function of various sorts of needles. Needles make or break a project and I will explain that big is not necessarily best (no crowbars please!!). I will also have a supply of needles and threads for working with on the night. A hoop is not needed, but hoops in embroidery will be discussed.

Apart from that, bring along your sense of adventure and a pencil, ruler (if you have one) and notebook.

You are a regular face at knotties now - what does knotties bring to your sewing practice?

A pleasure doubled is a pleasure shared. To be able to meet with likeminded people and discuss what we are all working on is a privilege for me. And those discussions lead on to so many other topics of interest. I have only been in Bendigo a little over 12 months and work full time. So my opportunities to meet and find people who love to work with their hands have been limited. Knotties fills what could have been a huge void for me. It is also really inspiring to see how people use colour and texture in their work and genuinely love what they do.

The Knotties visit Buda

2011-06-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

A little while back three of us Knotty Ladies went to historic Buda Historic Home and Garden in Castlemaine, to take part in one of the Inspired by Buda sessions being offered prior to next year’s Contemporary Textile Awards & Exhibition, which will take place in mid 2012. (One of the categories for entries is : ‘INSPIRED BY BUDA’ where entries must reflect some aspect of the Buda Historic Home or Garden)

It was a gorgeous, sunny, autumn morning and the session started with morning tea and a talk by Diana, one of the Buda volunteers, about the history of the house and its talented occupants, the Leviny family who came to Australia from Budapest and lived in the house from 1863 ‘til the mid 1970s). We were then allowed to wander through the house and gardens, taking photographs or sketching whatever inspired us, and there was plenty to choose from! The patterns in the carpets and upholstery, monochromatic vases of Honesty, etched ruby glass panels beside the door, leadlight windows, pieces of art from various Australian artists in water colour, linocut, etc, the design of the rooms and the furniture therein.

Many of the objects in these rooms were crafted by the 5 unmarried Leviney sisters who worked with wood, metal, textiles & embroidery - enamelled dishes, carved wooden furniture, metal and glass light fittings, hand made garments, framed embroidered pieces, etc.

The extensive gardens were also an inspiration with the variety of plantings. The sun enhanced clusters of berries on trees and vines, clumps of strappy leaved plants, interesting conifers, star-shaped bromeliads, a variety of self-seeded offerings clinging to steps and paths and nooks and crannies. Then there was the aviary, the once-upon-a-time tennis pavilion and various other out-buildings associated with storage, etc, the picket fences, the various gates…

Inspiration was everywhere and the time to take it all in on such a sunny morning with like-minded women was a treat indeed.

Meet Knotty Lady Anna

2011-06-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

Knotty Ladies is on again this coming Tuesday the 28th of June- 7.30pm at the House of Cloth.

Here is some inspiration for your making - the work of Fryerstown stitching wonder Anna Winneke, interviewed by Tamara Marwood.

T : I first had the pleasure of meeting you at a blogging workshop. Did this inspire you to start blogging? What other online resources influence your work?

A : Actually, I had such grand ideas of beginning an arts based 'travel blog', I spent nights wide awake scribbling in my journal, making notes that led onto other ideas... and seriously, I thought I was going to revolutionise the world of travel! Ha, guess what? I already run a business with 7 employees and have 2 small children... and... well.... I just lost a lot of sleep! ahhhhhhhh.... but, that idea is still in my bank of many more!

Nope, I did not start! I think I actually prefer to spend that time looking or making.
BUT... I do love to look at some inspiring blogs that other people share... at swim two birds... rita cordeiro.... slow progress.... the design files.. I can waste a whole hour on pinterest before I've realised where the time has gone... alexia abegg (yummy quilts), sarah dingwall... and of course zigo zago....

T: I just love your embroideries - I am a big fan of your darling french knots? Who was the catalyst for you to take up the needle at this time in your life?

I am slightly obsessed with textiles... and texture in general... I can become very quickly addicted to building up a pattern in colour, one stitch at a time (which is odd... as I am a fairly impatient person... but patient with building up an embroidery). I used to be such a prolific journal writer... I'm sure it was all just self deprecating ramble... but I used to love just sticking my hands in between the etched pages and feeling all the words written there... I think it's similar with the texture of stitches.

The embroidery aspect of my making, has definately evolved due to my lack of a physical, making space at home.. young kids and business committments during the day (plus building our home and large garden), which has enabled me to hop into bed at night, and pull out something that I can pick up and put down easily, something I can be distracted from for a while and not feel too guilty about... my mother was a stitcher.... I used to love seeing all the the colours of her threads (that I wasnt' really allowed to touch)... and it was probably just my love of colour that attracted me to using all those threads... with their monochromatic colour schemes. I remember when I was in my late teens being laughingly told by someone I admired...'I love your sense of colour anna... you just wear them all together, whether they go or not'. I think this probably stayed with me... I was so confused as to whether that was a compliment or not, in my befuddled youthful mind...

THIS NEEDS TO BE MENTIONED AS TITLED 'ODE TO VERA MOLLER'!!!!!... as... it is!

For Tully... my daughter.

For Alby... my peacock son!

T: What is your current embroidery work? What is it all about?

A: I just finished a 'portrait' work for the mt macedon shire post your art award.... it was a mirrored image of my silouette in 'falling' colour... that I've been pretty attached to lately... I'm a bit distracted with knitting at the moment.. and paper cutting too....but I think that I am starting back on these wee works below... they are part of a three dimensional design that I sketched last year... started, and then 'put down' again. The circles will wrap around 'mushroom' type caps... that stand on stems... as part of a 'forest' overlapping under and over each other....
hmmm... still not sure how this will be resolved... but lots more circular works are evolving to join

T: Can you share with us what role sustainability plays in your arts practice at all?

A: well.... I have a rather large amount of 'gleaned' fabric... that I stitch together, stitch onto and pull apart to use the threads from.... so I guess that is fairly 'low environmentally impactive'.... and well, sustaining my love of art and life is fairly sustainable for me personally!

Our April Gathering

2011-05-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Last week our get together was quiet - I think there was six of us all together & a special visit from the Bendigo Sustainability Group photographer Liz Martin! Here are her pics below.

Judith brought along a quilt she started in Canada back in 1986! (could you guess this with the peach colouring!) She couldn't remember how she put it together - although some other members who are quilt making experts were able to give her some ideas to take up the project again.

Some fall out from Easter arrived too...

I had a fun night stitching and talking. Thanks Knotties!

Our first Knotties at the House of Cloth

2011-04-04T04:43:00.000-07:00

Here we are surrounded by the beautiful and creative atmosphere of House of Cloth.

Look we are happy makers as well as very serious and hard working!

Check out these socks - they make themselves into these amazing patterns all by themselves - all you have to do is knit! It is called Opal Wool. Thanks for sharing these Helen.

Join us at the Knotty Ladies stall at the Bendigo Community Farmers Market this Saturday and continue to be amazed and inspired!

Meet Knotty Lady Alex

2011-03-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

TM: Alex, it was a joy to have found you online but just wonderful to meet you in February at Knotty Ladies. Please tell us all about your stitching and knitting practice.

How does your practical making fit in, or come together with your online and business life?

A: I am always crafting, be it knitting or sewing. I guess it is not something I need to make time for. It is something I need to do to feel whole and fulfilled; it has become part of my daily routine, like doing the dishes and cooking.

Having Kids is a great excuse to pick out some great fabric, select a pattern and sew something gorgeous. You are dressing your family after all, right?

And knitting is something I do all year to keep my hands busy and everyone suitably warm. ZIGOZAGO has really just developed from this passion of dressing my family and keeping them warm and cosy.

I love to share my finds and discoveries, so having a wool and fabric business just made good sense. I source my supplies mainly because I love them and enjoy using them myself. I test the patterns, the yarn and fabric so that I know that they work and look good.

Crafting is also a way of being involved in a community. Craft brings women together and through these gatherings, we nourish our souls, connect and develop friendships. Running knitting groups is another element that inspires me and it has become the 'fibre' of my community.

TM: What project are you working on at the moment?

A : I have just finished several knitting projects for my kids. Heading into winter, they all needed cardigans, jumpers and neck warmers. I am also sewing winter PJ's in warm Flannel for them and some samples for the Artist Market. I have also little projects on the needles using the wool I stock. I am also in the process of designing my own knitting patterns. That is something I always wanted to try and hopefully it will lead to another element of my work.

TM: What were your impressions of the Knotty Ladies group?

A: I was thrilled when I heard of the Knotty Ladies group. Meeting other crafters is so inspiring! The conversations range from our craft at hand to parenting and everything in between. I hope it will become a space to share and inspire, a place to unwind with a glass of wine and take our talents from our homes to the wider community.

Thanks Tamara for giving me the opportunity to write down some of my thoughts about my craft and I look forward to many more "Knotties"

Knotty Ladies stall at THE SQUARE

2010-12-19T01:52:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic stall on the weekend at Bendigo's first handmade market The Square.

Featuring the work of some great Bendigo' creatives - including Lorraine, Anita, Kristen, Judith, Kelly, Jane, Tamara, Verity and Linda.

Our stall just looked gorgeous thanks to the wonderful styling work of Antia!

It was a fantastic day with huge crowds coming through Bendigo's Town Hall to support local handmakers. Knotties raised just on $420 for the day to donate to KIVA.

KIVA is all about giving loans to change lives - which is what the Knotties is all about - although this group has only been going since July of this year it has had a wonderful positive impact on my life and I have made lots of new friends. Not to mention new stitching skills and creative ways to bring sustainability into my life.

We are on a break now - getting together again on Wednesday the 23rd of February 7.30pm - venue to be announced.

Happy stitching this Christmas and summer.

LOVELY SOFTIES

2010-11-30T17:18:00.000-08:00

Aren't these sweet - they are by the wonderful stitcher Kristen. Drop over and say Hi to her new blog. Who wouldn't love a handmade Christmas treasure this Christmas, especially these cuties. Kristen was inspired to make these fabric cats from the Meet Me at Mikes book.

Kristen is donating them to the Knotty Ladies stall taking place at Bendigo's first Handmade Market The Square on Saturday the 18th of December.

All funds raised are to be donated to KIVA who give loans to change lives.

Knotty Ladies is all about changing lives too - meeting new crafty people here in Bendigo, exchanging skills and rethinking materials to be more sustainable in our making.

Introducing Knotty Lady Anita Lowe

2010-11-22T02:26:00.000-08:00

Introducing Anita Lowe, a dedicated Knotty Lady, interview with Tamara Marwood.

TM: Knotty ladies is very fortunate to have you coming along as you are new to Bendigo and it was just by chance you heard me speaking about the group on local ABC radio. Who inspired you to first start sewing and what are your all time favorite projects?

AL: My mother sewed clothes for herself and for my sister and me, and she was interested in other crafts as well. I suppose my interest in sewing was nurtured at an early age through Mum’s interests and efforts, though I’m not a competent seamstress. Mum had a beautiful old box which was full of half-finished embroidery projects and skeins of colourful threads that my sister and I used to get out regularly, to admire the hand work and choose favourite colours of the threads and, all these years later, I’m attempting some embroidery myself. I have also been encouraged in my sewing endeavours over the years by a long time friend who is an accomplished seamstress and embroiderer and who has given me lots of lovely gifts with a sewing theme.

I’m not able to choose an all time favourite project but one I’m particularly proud of is a rag book (aprox 20x20cm) I made from calico and fabric scraps for our first grandchild. It was certainly a labour of love and a “one off” project.

TM: I think each time you have come along to Knotty Ladies you have come along with fabric to share with other Knotty Ladies - where do you find these treasures?

AL: Much of the fabric I have has been acquired since I took up patchwork about 5 years ago, though, I do have a collection of fabric that I keep meaning to make in to garments for myself. Somehow, I’m more drawn to making soft furnishings, gifts for friends or quilts and toys for my grandchildren. As well as fabric I have bought for particular projects, I usually buy a small piece of fabric if there is a patchwork shop in towns I visit when I’m on holidays so various pieces remind me of those visits. I’m a fossicker and always on the lookout for interesting fabric, some of which has a story to tell from a previous use such as a curtain or a tablecloth or a would-be dress, perhaps. Op Shops, fetes, markets and the like are good sources for this fabric.

TM: I have had a sneak preview at your lovely sewing you are working on for the Knotty Ladies stall - I will be placing an order - is there a story about some of the fabrics you are using from your stash?

AL: I’m using quite a few pieces of fabric from my patchwork stash. It’s good to have an opportunity to reduce my supply and I enjoy reminiscing about where I bought the material and what other projects the fabric was used for. I recently bought, for $5.00, a bundle of off-cuts of lovely fabric at an interior decorators shop and I hope to have time to turn these pieces into items for the stall. The coat hanger cover is made from an old curtain (image of work at top of blog)

Introducing Knotty Lady Lorraine Marwood

2010-11-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

Introducing Lorraine Marwood another Knotty Ladym with Tamara Marwood.

TM : I know that you have been making some cute little dolls with snuggy rugs for Knotty Ladies fund raising stall at Bendigos' first Handmade Market in December. Share with us the story of fabric for these little treasures are made from.

Fabric is always special and although I've always tried to reuse and recycle, I'd never really done a lot about re-using fabric from other areas like dresses- most clothes in my childhood were passed down through four sisters and most in my own children's life time were passed from sibling to sibling. So clothes were nearly always worn out!

I've always sewn- although there was a period in my life when the sewing machine lay dormant- my children were teenagers and not interested in clothes made by mum.

But my grandmother always had fingers busy knitting, crocheting, even when she was sitting watching TV. She turned used envelopes inside out and sent them again- adding a motif from a piece of writing paper( again used). Because I loved her so much I followed her example( although I've never been that desperate to reuse envelopes)

So I've always believed in making the best use of whatever I have and saving money and resources at the same time.

The fabric for the dolls' bodies comes from another writing/crafting friend, Janeen whose friend had stockpiled old family linen and really didn't want it in her garage any more. So Janeen thought of me and the Knotty lady project. So the doll's body is made from cloth table napkins!

I've even tried to capture some of the embroidery on the back of the doll.

TM : As well as crafting you have other amazing creative talents in writing for younger readers, What have been your recent achievements and what are you working on at the moment?

LM : I love writing and detailing in poetry and prose scraps of life. My latest book is 'A Ute picnic and other Australian poems.”

And my verse novel, Star Jumps, set on a dairy farm has been short-listed in the Prime Minister's literary awards in Children's fiction for 2010.

TM: What is the source of your inspiration?

LM: My love of creativity, my Christian beliefs, my need to invent in writing and craft.

I love to share and this is one way I can do this with family and friends.

Introducing Verity Lougoon

2010-11-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

Introducing Knotty Lady Verity Lougoon, an interview with Tamara Marwood.

Verity Lougoon began her sustainable textile career in 2000 when she sought recycled clothing from op shops to sell at the local craft market. From there she went on to complete a Diploma of Studio Textiles and Design at RMIT University. She now uses hand screenprinting and experimental process to create designs inspired by the Australian landscape.

TM: When I attended your first workshop on sustainable textiles my mind nearly exploded with the depth of processes, chemicals, water and waste used in the textile industry! My heart sunk shocked at the environmental impact and where to start to make changes. Sustainability is core to your work - can you share how you make sustainability happen for you and your work as a textile artist?

VL: When creating any new product I look at the lifecycle of the product. Where the materials come from, what processes I use to where the product ends up at the end of it's life.

I source environmentally friendly materials such as hemp, bamboo and organic cotton. When screen printing I use non-toxic water based print pastes and also limit the number of colours in my designs to limit the amount of water wasted washing off screens.

In constructing a product I also make sure there is limited use of unnecessary trims or embellishments and try to use shapes such as circles, squares or rectangles for sewing. These shapes can be more easily recycled at the end of the products life, unless it is biodegradable.

Any packaging I use is also created from recycled paper which is handmade locally at Watermark Papermill.

When people begin to realise the environmental implications of their crafts practise they often become overwhelmed and find the problem too big to deal with. My advice to anyone wanting to "green" their crafts practise is too start just by making one small change on your next project, whether it be changing the material you use or the technique and then just keep making changes one project at a time and eventually you will get there.

TM: What is it about Knotties that can complement your artistic practice?

VL: I love Knotty Ladies, not only is it a great place to find inspiration for projects and learn from other's it's a great way to make new friends. I love that Knotty Ladies encourages eco crafts and making things for charity makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

TM: What projects are you working on right now?

VL: Currently I am working on some tote bags made from vintage tea towels. I am also about to commence work for a new exhibition with a fellow Knotty Lady exploring different ways to recycle denim.

You can visit Verity's website here and blog here

Introducing Jane Maxfield

2010-10-16T03:29:00.000-07:00

The Knotties are meeting lots of wonderful and creative women of Bendigo, this post introduces Jane Maxfield. She creates art, craft and creative writing. Jane writes; "I am slowly getting time where I can do all those things. I need two lives to get through it all!"

At our last get together Jane made a fabric book - here are some images of this handmade treasure.

Jane writes about her stitched book: "I like making books, so with what scraps I had at home I shoved them all in a sewing basket and went. No title as yet, though there will be limited editions."

You can check out more of Jane's work at her web and blog sites

http://artistsbrigade.net

http://entrepotpress.wordpress.com

‘Knotty Ladies’ I thought, that is something I would like to adventure into. I want to be a Knotty Lady, don’t you? I liked the sound and the idea that we would be making craft at a market and all for a charity and it’s not about me making the profit it’s about making a difference in someone else’s life.

Cloth, paper, words and pages all create happiness… JM

Knotty Ladies are having a stall at The Square : Bendigo's Handmade Market

2010-10-06T02:36:00.000-07:00

Image by Heather Moore sourced from Skinny Laminx

Excitingly last Wednesday get-to-together we have decided to sell our crafting items at Bendigo's new handmade market The Square

The first market is taking place on the 18th of December 2010.

At the moment we are putting together a behind the scenes team to organise putting the market items together - we are seeking hand made items from reclaimed or sustainable materials to sell at our Knotty Lady stall. Funds raised at the stall will be donated to KIVA

Please contact us if you would like to help organise and/or donate some hand made goodies.

Meet a Knotty Lady

2010-09-23T22:40:00.001-07:00

Knotty Ladies is all about enjoying getting crafty and meeting other people. Sometimes a month is along time between stitches, so to stay in touch we are postings regular Knotty profiles.

For our first post we are introducing Kristen Beever. Not only is she a stunning hand stitcher (specialising in quilts) she is a successful business woman managing the Business Card Company with her Husband.

You can have a sticky beak of Kristen and myself (TJ) in the last blog post - we were featured in the local newspaper!

TJ : What project are you going to bring to Knotty Ladies this month?
KB:Probably the pink & browns again. I’ve almost finished the main 18 and have only the 12 halves and 4 quarters to go before I start to assemble the quilt top. I want to show Antia (another Knotty Lady) how I’ve used that fabric she kindly gave me last time.

TJ:What is it about hand stitching that you love?
KB:Perfect points and portability.

TJ:Who or what inspires you and your stitching project choices?
KB:Depends; sometimes it’s a block or a pattern that I need to try, other times it’s a fabric that I must use and seek a pattern for. Sometimes it’s a quilter or a quilt. Inspiration comes from everywhere!

Here are two recent quilts. Made for two of Kristen's close friends (who are in turn, close friends) there’s a fair few fabrics that appear in both these quilts.

The Knotties were in the Headlines

2010-09-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Join us for our first SPRING stitch - love to see you there at the GPO, next Wednesday the 29th September at 7.30pm

Pick up your Craft Swap Bag

2010-08-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

Here is Verity Lougoon packing her craft bag ready for the Craft Swap on the 20th of August. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Sustainable Craft SWAP right here in darling Bendigo

2010-08-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

Bendigo EcoLiving and the Bendigo Sustainability Group, with the support of La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre, and the City of Greater Bendigo are pleased to present Conversations for Change: Sustainable Craft Remaking Culture and inaugural Craft Swap.

This will be an evening of inspirational craft & its role in our sustainable future. Friday 20th August 7.30pm – 9.00pm La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre, 121 View Street, Bendigo.

The Inaugural Bendigo Sustainability Group Craft SWAP invites people to collect together their craft items that they no longer have a use for. The Craft Swap premise is to promote the reuse / recycling of items and promote sustainable craft, as well as having FUN.

How does it work? Collect a “Craft Swap Bag” from Make your House a Home 67 Williamson Street Bendigo – available NOW or alternatively contact Janine 54 100 585 janine@bendigosustainability.org.au to reserve your bag for the night.
Fill your bag up with the same type of crafting items (such as wool, fabric, paper etc) and bring along to the event Friday the 20th of August.

This is a free community event supporting local craft activity that is considerate of the environment, minimising waste and maximising fun.

Conversationalists for the night will evoke inspirational reinvestigation of traditional skills and how craft can replace our need for consumption and reduce our carbon foot print.

For more information:
Tamara Marwood Bendigo EcoLiving 0428 304 544 info@bendigoecoliving.com.au

Want to come along to Knotty Ladies - but just not sure what to do?

2010-07-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

Heaps of free fun sewing tutorials are available online to get the juices going as well as whiling away your precious time when you really should be washing the dishes, making beds, cooking tea etc...

Check out:

WHIP IT UP

CRAFTZINE

or what about these amazing slippers - very little stitching required!

Pattern and instructions can be found here at Purl Bee.

Make your own Yarn Demonstration at Bendigo Community Farmers Market

2010-07-08T00:11:00.000-07:00

Bendigo Community Farmers Market
Saturday 10 July 10.30am

Join Annie May, who has been spinning for nearly 30 years, and learn about making your own yarn for knitting. Nanna technology is leading the revolution brush up on your Nanna skills this Saturday!

For a couple of years back in the 80's she was the spinner and knitter at a craft co-operative in Fremantle WA and taught spinning throughout country WA under the Arts Access scheme.
She then stopped doing both and went back to 'real work' and only began again 6 years ago. She moved to Bendigo at the end of last year and is a member of Bendigo Spinners, Weavers and Handcraft Group.

So what is this eco, reclaimed, recycled materials thing?

2010-07-06T04:14:00.000-07:00

Op Shops are the answer - here you can shop shop shop cheap cheap cheap and remake some things from other things - it is called extending life cycle of a produced good or reducing waste. Reducing waste, extending a life of something that was something else once is really good for our environment because in this world there is far too much stuff - think about all the supermarkets just in Bendigo with their full shelves of a range of the same products just too mind boggling - where does all that stuff go? where does it end up? (But best of all buying nothing is very good for our environment)

I also think about the extreme wealth we have as a nation and the extreme poverty that other people just like us endure - it really doesn't make sense.

However - at Knotty Ladies you can start reclaiming some of that stuff and transform it into something else.

Places that you might source your materials from include:

Bendigo op shops (warning opshopping can become an addiction)

Your mum's or family friends craft stash that they haven't touched in a while & are happy to part with

Check out your wardrobe - is there something in there that you adore but just dont wear any more and are Ok with chopping up - it even could be a table cloth, sheets, tea towl, towl, a jumper that has shrunk in the wash - the list is endless and completely exciting.