Puzzled

For the past week, I have been more than puzzled. Every morning I look around when walking to my work which takes me some 30min through the park. I am not sure what happened this year but somehow I seem to have missed the lovely colours autumn should have brought to us...

I remember the same time last year, I could not keep my camera in its bag; it was constantly out helping me to capture the progress of the season. This year? Nothing. I simply could not spot anything as exciting as the colours on the picture on the left from last year. On the right is a branch from the same tree taken this year. Can you see the pastel shade of the red? This year seems to be more subtle.

It all just looked the same. I had the feeling that the trees had similarly green foliage when, suddenly, one day there was nothing. All was gone and now, all we have are the absolutely perfect structures of trees. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I love observing silhouettes of trees. I just would not mind to see the step in-between; the beautiful strong autumn colours we were presented with last year.

And so I decided to take a different approach. This time why not let the camera take over allowing challenging situations. If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain. I took pictures of leaves and plants in the evening, with only street light and without a tripod. The plan was to later use a computer and see what will come out of the blurry images. If nothing else, there are some strong colours. But I will let you judge for yourselves...

...Oh well, at least this makes me look for something else. For new challenges... K-)

Handmade in Britain

Another week, another fair. This time I went to 'Handmade in Britain' fair in 'Chelsea Old Town Hall'. And what a venue to host this fair. For those of you who are curious click on the Hall's link to see the splendour of the place. I was taken by surprise when I entered this place. And I had not even started with the actual fair...

As it goes with any fair, there is always so much to see and admire. From jewellery to textiles to ceramics to glass, even this event did not disappoint.

'Janet Cross Ceramics' is one name I have to mention. As seen on her business card, her ceramic pieces have somewhat laid-back look. The finish suggests a bandaged up vase and since the shape is rather slouch you could easily think it a textile piece. How wrong you would be though. These pieces are indeed ceramic.

Glazed inside I can imagine a bunch of flowers proudly taking its place in one of these.

Another ceramist with a completely different look also caught my eye. 'Jane White Ceramics' had these beautifully coloured pieces on her stand. What I also found interesting were four large photographs showing the process of achieving this look.

As Jane White explained (when she saw me staring at them), she uses 'pit-firing' process that the photographs described so well. Just visit her website to discover more on this technique.

This just shows the dedication and love given to each piece and its production. This is exactly why I enjoy visiting craft fairs. I get more out of it. I get the insight into processes that would make me appreciate each piece much more than bought from hight street.

'Swithbert & Louis' proved the notion of something 'as simple as that being so effective'. How many times have you found yourself arranging a scarf ever so beautifully only to get out and have it all blown away by the wind?

The answer to such frustration is in Swithbert & Louis design. Just fasten it with a button and decorative button hole. Simple...and effective...

Showing the strength in simplicity is the best way to describe design. At least in my view. Therefore, every time I come across this attitude I like to soak up everything about it. Such an indulgence...

Not a single fair would be complete without jewellery. Of course there were plenty stands dedicated to this craft at this fair as well. One name that stood out for me was 'Sarah Herriot Design'.

The play of silver with black in jewellery have always captured me and the craftsmanship shows the standard of work involved in each piece. The focus is on lines and curves and the combination of both makes me believe that one can create almost anything with just simple geometry. Again, this is a simple idea that has no limits.

As the name suggests, Handmade in Britain brings together designers based in Britain to celebrate the label - 'Made in Britain'. How nice to see that local craft can deliver and is still sought after by many. I mentioned it in my last post and am saying it again. I pride myself supporting craft in any form. I think craft as such and designers who dedicate hours of their time to production deserve it. K-)

Craft fairs

It is the time of a year when the weather turns cold, days turn to night too soon and wherever you turn you are exposed to the commercial side of Christmas. Yes, the 'C' word. I must say though, the older I get, the less patience I have to participate in this madness. Which is why this year I decided not to bother with any high street 'temptations' and visit craft fairs instead. I started with 'Wizardry in Wood' few weeks back, visited 'Made London' two weeks ago and conquered 'Selvedge Winter Fair' today.

This colourful facade smiled at me on my way to the 'Selvedge Winter Fair'. I am not sure what this building is all about, people were coming in and out all the time, I just had to stop for a little while and take this picture. The colours brought me closer to the spirit of the festive season.

Returning to the spirit of fairs, I have to say, I am impressed with the sheer variety of produce. So many designer-makers under one roof offering textile pieces, jewellery, wooden or woven pieces, all being ideas for gifts. I love going to these events. They are all filled with good natured individuals who are presenting their skill and that I have to admire. These are places that I find so inspiring. Inspiring enough that I have not purchased anything yet (even though I would like to support all the lovely people who exhibit at fairs). Instead, I remembered the three projects I have put on hold. I wonder if there is a gift idea hidden somewhere there... K-)

Fun Fur

What you are looking at is my latest project; rather time consuming but definitely fun to produce, hence the title. As the name also suggests, this blanket is rather furry, therefore soft and cuddly. All of a sudden, a title is born.

'Soft' and 'joyful' is exactly what I wanted to achieve here. The size and colour has it also written all over. This blanket is suitable for children; from babies onwards. Till it is too short to cover.

The front already says "Touch me. Run your fingers down my colourful face and enjoy me. I will keep you warm." And I have to admit, I have done so on many occasions. It was too hard to resist...

The back has also its charm. Suddenly, you can see clearly each shape. Such sharp distinction of each colour section adds it a form and reveals the structure of the design. Many times, I found myself placing a new colour based on the shapes already in place, relying on the reverse side. From a design point of view, this was the key to the process.

Just to give you a taster of the process itself, below are few pictures.

Starting with the base, I knotted two strings of yarn (in a given colour) to each chain.

Honestly, there was quite a few chains in each row and a considerate number of rows.


Below is the continuous progress. What you can see on the left is the original size (the middle coloured section that is). This to me looked rather small and so purposely, I made the base bigger. By doing so, I ended up filling the margins; slowly but gradually. This is when the reverse side became helpful.

 

And finally, here we have one little baby named Aisling in her smart pyjamas, the winner who will enjoy this blanket till the end...

Laying on top or being covered, Aisling can enjoy its softness and warmth. Wouldn't you be tempted? ;-)