Dress and another Dress (and another)

  It's been ages since I had cut out these scooped back dresses. I felt I need some more small sizes in my shop. Finally I got my sewing act together and they are now sitting in my Madeit shop ...pheeew. Sometimes life gets in the way of your intended projects, I usually loss energy towards something if I don't do it straight away. I guess that's why us crafters have so many UFO's sitting around

I just adore this scooped back feature. Its so pretty.

 

I love this material a customer bought me in. She wanted another dress made (her second). I only wish there was a tad more fabric, I would have loved to put a pocket in this one.

And I just had to include this picture of one of my favorite ladies putting on her new dress for the first time...I think shes pretty wrapped ...hee hee. This style is great, it will fit anyone from a 12 to a 16. Brilliant. I need to find more multi-sized patterns to make, they make my life easy.

Mxo

Nanna Goes to Town

I'm terrible at secrets...terrible. 

Especially when i am excited about something. 

On Sunday Sarah and I spent many hours (5 plus!!) photographing our vintage clothes collections.

Why would we spend that long just photographing clothes?? Well I would love to announce that we are going into business - of the vintage variety.

Our shop "Nanna goes to town" will be only on facebook to begin with - to test the waters as such. Perhaps in the future there will be fancy websites but right now we are keeping it simple.

Sarah has moved to Hobart and will be scouting and uploading from down there while I will maintain the North-West Tassie branch. Let be honest, its best that we don't op shop together - tis a great way to end a beautiful friendship. Although after washing (and washing and washing) our collections I have noticed Sarah and I have two very different styles. This is great for us and great for the shopper.

You can now sign up to our facebook page to be the very first to know when the shops officially open but right now all you will see is an empty shop and a logo that is not our logo (it's still in development stage).

This is something I have wanted for so long now - it's finally coming together.

Mxo

Marjorie Bligh

/Pearsall/Blackwell/Cooper

Have you heard of this lady? Have you read the new book Housewife Superstar.  The Very Best of Marjorie Bligh by Danielle Wood? This book was given to me at the launch of my exhibition - a very fitting gift given the nature of the exhibition.

Marjorie is Tasmanian born and bred. She is most famous for her writing career and thrifty ways. She wrote about recipes, home hints, sewing, knitting, gardening and poetry. As her knowledge and personal situation improved so did the context of her writing.

Personally I had heard of her in whispers and rumors - "Isn't she the lady that crochet things out of stocking and plastic bags?" why yes she is... - "Isn't she the lady that went through three husbands?" why yes she did...but good on her I think, she did what needed doing! "Wasn't she the lady that Barry Humphries based Dame Edna Average on? - Read the book and you will get as close to the answer as possible.

She was a lady of passion - of not wasting a minute of this precious life. Her busy-ness reminded me on my own never ending passion for creating. She was shunned from crafty circles and then rose again to conquer all the tall poppie poo-poo-ers. I actually feel that she will never see the height of her popularity, in a way she is still being discovered.  Her life's battles with family and society are typical of those that tend to go out of their way to be active in every aspect of their life without waiting for approval from others. You go girl friend - don't let the bastards get you down. I am not painting Marjorie as a Saint, I am sure she "pissed" people off - I imagine that most of the time it was without even knowing she was. She is a strong woman and we all know that sometimes this can make ones life hard.

Marjorie is my new hero. She is brave - thrifty - creative - ingenious with materials - passionate and got "out there". I think she would be proud to see the girls at our market and stitch n bitch. We are the new generation of Marjorie's, we should be proud that yet again the roles of traditional housewife's and their outputs are again re-invented but still carrying on and keeping inline with traditions.

I have never had a hero before - I have never found someone that creates ALL the time like I do. When someone asks me in the future (and they will, they always do) "where do you get the time?" - "How can you be bothered?" I can now know with pride that it is not just me that feels this passionate - thank goodness. I know what I have endured from friends (mostly lost ones) and the public for being so active - it's something that must be accepted - I guess - when you put yourself out there. Unfortunately going on Marjorie's life I feel there is far more to come, now I can stand firm in my passions and think of her.

After reading about her in this book I remembered a pile of old cooking books I had gotten from my mother-in-law. I knew there were spiral bound ones - I went looking and there it was -  Marjorie Blackwells "At Home". I did squeal. The first book written by Marjorie, written at the end of her life at her beloved home Climar. There were only 1000 copies of this book and I HAVE one..in fantastic condition. Now one of my most prized possessions.

I will leave you with a quote from Marjorie - I have always thought this way but I could never express it as well as she does:

Time is the greatest gift there is. When time is gone, nothing else matters, so you must never waste it. You cant hoard it like money - you can only spend it. But once it's spent, you cant get it back. You must spend it wisely, the first time - for it is the greatest gift you have.

Thanks Marjorie xo

New Nanna - launch

Thankyou ALL so much for attending the opening of my exhibition last night. I was so touched by everyone that showed up and especially by the Marjorie Bligh book I received as a gift from the organisers (I am already half way through). For those that couldn't make it I thought I should post the exhibition interpretation with some of the images, kind of like an online version of the exhibition - beware the could take a bit of reading:

New Nanna - Exhibition interpretation by Josie Hurst

What is the role of a woman? Has the role changed over generations, and if so, has some things remained the same? Celebrating the 2012 International Women’s Day event New Nanna is a solo exhibition of works by Michelle Walker who investigates past traditions, styles and techniques but reappropriates them with her modern day influences and possibly nostalgic reflections of the past.

There’s no doubt looking at the works in this exhibition that the vintage styles of the 1950s through to the 1970s influences Walker’s practice, with vintage fabric patterns reoccurring in both the textile works and paintings. She explains ‘I just love the old styles; and finding old fabrics and re-using them is an important process in my work. For example the back of the work in The Love Quilt is an old quilt I found in an op shop but was falling apart. I had to unpick numerous patches to replace them but it was so difficult because whoever made it years ago hand sewed the work with tiny stitches and delicate care – it was obvious this blanket had a past life and was made with love, and now I’m taking that story and remaking it into something else special’. 

While Walker is hunting down old sewing patterns and finding something ‘new’ in the old, there are some modern day influences that reflect a change in generation. To start she isn’t fussed with perfection and purposefully leaves strands of threads hanging, making the mess stylistic rather than a flaw. Could this also reflect a willingness to buck the projected expectation of woman in the 1950s to maintain a tidy home and appearance? Additionally as a working mother living regionally Walker creates a cultural community for herself through the internet. As an active blogger she is finding new ideas, influences, exhibitions and friends through the online world, breaking away from some of the boundaries that come with being tied to the domestic space. 

Perhaps it is this notion of community that is the common thread throughout this exhibition, even though each generation finds its own way of creating it. The painting of the stacked teacups symbolises the custom of ‘come round for a cup of tea’, and quilting, like many traditionally feminine crafts such as basket weaving, has often been a group exercise that brings woman together. Today while many woman juggle the busy schedule of working and motherhood, online communities offers an accessible opportunity for connecting, inspiring, sharing and supporting each other.

Michelle Walker is a UTAS graduate with a Masters of Contemporary Art. Living in Wynyard she is an active member of the arts community and one of the founders and current committee member of Wynyard’s Artists Run Initiative ArtsCape, Stitch and Bitch, and arts market Made with Love.  To find out more about Michelle visit her blog, where you will also find links to her Madeit online store, Red Bubble profile, Pintrest board, Spoonflower profile, Burda profile and Made with Love blog at: http://www.rockmyroll.com/

Knit my heart

This week I have officially returned to the "Lady who Lunches" circles.

I forgot how time consuming staying at home is. Everything takes four times longer than when your working...why?? One thing I have noticed is that I feel like I can - sit - and spend time doing those crafts that are a lot more time consuming. This is usually crochet for me but this week I have picked up the knitting needles and had a go. I may actually be a knitter - well I never!

I have started on this cardigan for Miss G. I learned new skills, I ribbed - followed a pattern - colour blocked the heart designs and shaped the edges.  I have always proclaimed that I am NOT a knitter, my Nana is quite the pro and my Mum is good too. You think it would run in my genes...well now I can say that I may be a knitter - we will see. All this could go right out the door as soon as I get busy again.

Talk about busy - the opening for my exhibition is tonight - still haven't settled on the ideal outfit - best get cracking.

Playing along with Our Creative Spaces again

Mxo

Love in February

On the weekend we had our February Made with Love Market Bazaar.

Of course we had a ball - like every market - but it also marked the sad occasion of Sarah's last market. Sarah is moving down to Hobart but promises to be a surprise guest at future markets (YOU BETTER!). Now our committee is down to just two - Claire and I. If you are looking to get involved with arts admin or project management then we would love to have you on our team - it would look great on any CV looking to go into arts/tourism management in the future - we also promise to be nice and real fun.

Send me an email michellewalkerdesigns@gmail.com.

Sarah and Kirsty had fun playing with my Graeme's - a little too much fun me thinks...

The work above is from Kirsty Bennett (above holding Graeme). This is Kirsty's second market and I am loving having some art at the market, she does a great job. Her prints and canvas's are mostly found graffiti - oh it so rock n roll! I am torn! I love the grunge and the dirty bit of rock but I am also into floral's - uh-oh - what is a girl to do?

Do you see the canvas at the back? Well that is now gracing my walls along with another of her prints. We did a swapsies - hooray for no money spending - it keeps me in the good books at home. The dress that Kirstie scored in return was virtually made for her - love it when a plan comes together.

Don't you just love Disco Graeme - hes so funky. I have this feeling that I may have just hit a spot by creating Graeme (or Gavin if your Kristy). I do have this little fear that all my free time may go into making Graeme's. Let be honest - the characters of different Graeme's is a never ending list. There are not enough hours in the day.

So goodbye to our market till next month and see you later to Sarah. This is the last shot of our little committee together - sad face.

Pictures taken by Naomi as usual - Full Set Here - Thankyou Naomi. I am loving her new style, a bit more dirty and dark - Beautiful.

Mxo

Adorable

Pics by Naomi Fenton at Look-See

This week my greatest find was these two amazing stools. Aren't they just the sweetest. I adore, adore, ADORE them!!

The last major thing to be completed in my new studio was done yesterday. Now for all the finishing touches - then i get to MOVE IN - and never come back out. I can see these little cuties sitting next to my new sewing chair doing their adorable thing.

Playing along with Flea Market Finds again today

Mxo

Invitation...

I would love to extend the invitation to everyone to attend my up-coming solo exhibition. If your in the area then please feel free to join me on opening night.

The exhibition coordinator, Josie Hurst, has named the new exhibition New Nanna. The exhibition will be a mix of textiles and traditional 2D works. Josie has done an amazing job of getting it promoted and sorting out the themes and concepts. Sometimes its hard to put into words what you have created through art.

I will post up some more info when I have it at hand but the exhibition is running for two months and will be apart of women's week and a statewide arts conference.

There also was a great write up in the Advocate in Saturdays art section. I cant remember the last time that is was all about me, not the Art Center and not the Market.

How exciting...I'm looking forward to it.

Mxo

Just Call Me Ambassador

I would like to say a HUGE thankyou to everyone that voted and to announce that I have been selected to become one of the Garnier Ambassadors for this year.

The prize means that $1000 goes back to my grass roots project ArtsCape (our local community art centre) and I have to do some sort of photo shoot - the details are fuzzy but I am sure I will let you know when the time comes (mid next month).

So thankyou again for supporting my project and giving us some much need funding. Also don't forget to pop over (and follow) the centres website. We would love to have you as part of our local arts community.
Mxo

Love Quilt

Well it seems the saga of the Love Quilt is finally over. 

Woot!!

Its been a long process - from finding the poor wreaked thing at a second hand shop - spending many many hours replacing hexagons - to finding then making the right back to go on it.

Old posts on it -  here, here, here and here - what a saga it has been.

It sure has been a labor of Love. I have now declare that the Love Quilt is FINISHED, bound, backed and ready to go and hang in my upcoming solo exhibition.

There is nothing like a deadline to make you finish all those UFO's laying about the house.

On a side note my position at Tagari Publications has been wrapped up while the focus goes back to Bill Mollison while he recovers from another stroke. Thinking of you Bill xoxoox

Therefore officially I am again unemployed!! I am unsure if I should just be a stay at home Mum while I study my education degree or actually go job seeking, start my own shop or something along those lines. I'm not deciding yet...I'm going to get some reno's done around the house first - maybe Karma will work things out for me.

Mxo

Playing along with Our Creative Spaces again this week xx

Hippy Fest

 On the weekend I attended the Jackies Marsh Forest Festival. This is the second time I had been. It's a bloody good hippy fest, organised by hippies and set in the most ideal of locations over looking the Western Tiers near Deloraine, Tasmania.

The weather was amazing and the energy was fantastic. I took Miss G with me again and she had great fun in the circus tent and creating some puppets in the craft area.

They have awesome food, mostly "hippie" inspired and craft stalls down the side which are also "hippie" inspired. I guess thats why its affectionatly named "Hippie Fest".

I did a little video just before the nights music started on the completely solar panel run stage...have a look if you like... (app. used 8mm)

Forest Festival from Michelle Walker on Vimeo.

I do have a few little qualms - the music was certainly not as good as last time I went...I dont think they ever really got the crowd going - also the wait between acts was HUGE this year.

I saw a snake sliding through the camp site as soon as we came through the gate - that was nearly a pull the plug incident for me. I also did not go on the arts trail walk through the bush this  because I was still so scared after seeing that snake...I just couldn't do it.

Miss G was a lot harder to handle this year, last time she was only 1.5 yrs old. Now she is a 3.5 yr old she is well able to voice her dissatisfaction at staying at a late night music festival - as you can see from the picture below. She was not one happy camper.

Oh well - now to wait another two years till the next one - maybe she will be more co-operative at 5.5 yrs old.

Mxo

Oh Deer Me

 

You see I have this solo exhibition coming up and its been yonkers since I have painted for real. It takes me quite sometime to get my head back into painting. So rather than go to all the fuss of that (and the studio is half way through its renovation) I whipped up something on what is very familiar to me right now..my sewing machine. This is working out great for me as my exhibition is really heavily influenced with my sewing and blogland...hooray for having a theme!! I'm thinking - Nanas Rock or Grandma Gone Wild - type of title might suit.

I had the idea in my head for this work and with a little bit of my buddy Google I developed a picture.

I had heaps of fun drawing on the machine...think I might do it again sometime. The back is a fab table cloth that I cut up and reformed the pattern...a little bit of background, some found lace and TA - DA

I'm going to leave all the ends loose and not bind the edge or trim it in anyway...I'm going to embrace the messy side of me...screw it...it works.
Another work down... two weeks left

Mxo

Check out others at Our Creative Spaces here

Bloody Zucchinis

 

This is what happens when you go away for the weekend and don't pick your zucchinis for four days...four bloody days!!

After a while people stop saying yes when you ask if they would like one (some!!), therefore yesterday I spent the whole day processing the bloody things. Good thing I have the week off work!

I made zucchini pickles, zucchini slice, zucchini fritters and zucchini bread.

The bread was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!

So fantastic, in fact, I started to hate those bloody zucchinis a little less..so I had share this recipe for all those in the same zucchini glut that I am...

 

Zucchini Bread

• 3 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups grated Zucchini
• 3 cups plain flour
• 1 cup oil
• 1 tsp each of salt, bi-carb soda
• 2 tspns vanilla
• 3 tspns cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Beat eggs until light and fluffy.

Mix in sugar, zucchini, oil and vanilla.
Add dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Fold in walnuts.
Divide into two loaf tins.
Bake approx 1 hour at 200 deg.
Serve with butter if preferred. May be frozen.

Trust me its so moist you don't need the butter.

Lastly I think you better try the fritters recipe too...

Best Zucchini Fritters Ever

• 1 large zucchini, grated or finely chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 3 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup (60g) grated Romano cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 cup (250 ml) milk
• 2 cups (250g) plain flour
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

1. In a large bowl, mix together the zucchini, onion, garlic, eggs, cheese, parsley, milk, and flour. Season with salt and pepper. 
2.Heat about 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frypan over medium heat. Drop tablespoons of the batter into the frypan, and flatten slightly with the back of a spatula. Turn fritters over when the center appears cooked. Cook on the other side until golden brown. Set aside and keep warm. Add more oil to pan as needed, and continue with remaining batter. 

(I also added bacon, chilli and sweet chilli sauce..cause that how i roll!)

Sooo goood!! Also if anybody would like my zucchini bread and butter pickles recipe let me know and I'll pop it in another post. I would hate to overload others with my forced zucchini obsession.

Mxo