Starting from scratch - a rare privilege

Priority #1 - Create

The new indoor studio and office is under construction. The whole build has been in the pipeline for 2+ years with delays due to everything from pandemics, to supply, to just because good things often take time. The beauty and curse of planning the new studio from scratch - I can take all the credit for the design, and it's only on me if something isn't right!

Recessed, sliding doors will open to reveal and 5m x 5m space divided by look-through Kalax shelving into two distinct areas. The practical creative space - for sewing, stitching, piecing, quilting and all things Bernina will take up about 60% of the floor space, while the office component will be used for ongoing paid employment, study and creative pursuits of the digital kind.

Along the north facing wall (sheeted) I'm planning shelving with enclosed containers for my textiles and art plus a couple of lounge chairs to relax, read and be still.

Steve Parcell Builders included a gorgeous recess / alcove in front of the east-facing window. It will be filled with greenery - a special area for inspired, quiet reflection.

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It's all in the background - designing substrate

Scaling up an image of the Brisbane River to develop the substrate for a new art quilt. Each square needs to be 6cm x 6cm to make a finished size of 5 cm square. I created a "to scale" model of the finished quilt on drafting paper. I printed an image of the river (attribution below) and then scaled it up to get a fairly accurate flow across the quilt. The substrate rightly tells the background story. It is the foundation on which the main elements or features reside. So it isn't the "hero" of the piece - it needs to be recognised and visible without overwhelming the piece. I can now easily identify which squares hold a section of the river and start to experiment on piecing, applique, fusing, printing, and painting to learn which gives the best outcome for the substrate. (Brisbane River original image: Magpie Shooter; edited version Paulguard at en.wikipedia https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/indix.php?curid=9724127) My foundation piece might well end u...

Book Review - The Untamed Thread by Fleur Woods

One of those books that almost needs no review or enthusiastic write up - it just is sumptuous, full of texture and inspirational stitch that's as good as chicken soup for the soul. The pages are thoughtful, intentional, about bringing meaning to mark-making and embracing where you find yourself, whereever that is. Fleaur's love of nature intersects with her strong encouragement to explore, experiment and above all be at one with stitching in the ways of needle, thread, a cup of tea and taking time. I found more than a 'how to' and more than the superbly photgraphed processes - this is a wonderful free-form meets the joy of being still. I have loved every page, some I pour over again and again to take in the rich, visual texture and find new perspectives every time I revisit. Koa Press is a New Zealand Publisher, and the book can be purchased through Can Do Books .

Ali George Artist

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