We have started our holiday – we are now in Sydney at a brand new hotel on Darling Harbour which I booked on the internet. It’s fairly basic and they charge for Internet access, but it is less than 5 minutes walk to the terminal from which the cruise will leave tomorrow.
We went for a walk to look around and had a very pleasant and cheap meal at a bistro round the corner. Then we walked down to the waterfront. Very pleasant, lots of alfresco bars and restaurants, mostly pricey, but mostly quite well patronised, especially for a Tuesday night. The advantages of a large population – Fremantle can’t match the ambience.
Tomorrow morning I plan to visit the Yinka Shonibare exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Kevin is going to the Maritime Museum. We should both have a good time.
This time tomorrow night we will be at sea.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
3D prints
I have been playing with this technique for a while, using photographs of paperbarks (Melaleuca) that I took at Piney Lakes.
I really liked the piece I made for the Designing Women exhibition in November, but I have been toying with some other ideas.
What if I stitched on the organza as well as the base piece? So I did. Here are pics of the stitched base image (yes, the printer ran out of one of the ink colours half way through, but what the ? - this is an experiment)
Then I stitched on the organza as well.
I have completed the assembly, but don't have a picture as yet. Kevin doesn't like it as much as the original piece. I am not sure as yet.
I really liked the piece I made for the Designing Women exhibition in November, but I have been toying with some other ideas.
What if I stitched on the organza as well as the base piece? So I did. Here are pics of the stitched base image (yes, the printer ran out of one of the ink colours half way through, but what the ? - this is an experiment)
Then I stitched on the organza as well.
I have completed the assembly, but don't have a picture as yet. Kevin doesn't like it as much as the original piece. I am not sure as yet.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Been so busy
Blogging has fallen by the wayside.
I have almost finished the dressmaking I planned for the cruise we are taking at the end of the month - pity I keep thinking of more pieces to make. I will have to be very selective in packing. So far the tally is 3 slacks and 5 tops. One top to go - though I just bought some more fabric for slacks . . .
I have nearly completed the commission I was given just after Christmas. While working on it I was struck by an idea - what if? I have made a sample which I will post to the blog after I have delivered the pieces which inspired it. Doesn't make much sense at the moment, does it?
I have almost finished the dressmaking I planned for the cruise we are taking at the end of the month - pity I keep thinking of more pieces to make. I will have to be very selective in packing. So far the tally is 3 slacks and 5 tops. One top to go - though I just bought some more fabric for slacks . . .
I have nearly completed the commission I was given just after Christmas. While working on it I was struck by an idea - what if? I have made a sample which I will post to the blog after I have delivered the pieces which inspired it. Doesn't make much sense at the moment, does it?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wedding Anniversary
We were married 43 years ago today.
I remember it was a hot day - just like it was today. Wesley Church in Perth was not airconditioned in the 60's. There were fans, but they weren't able to be turned on for some reason. Waiting to walk down the aisle, hot and bothered, I remember my makeup melting.
The reception was at an open air venue - Alfresco Gardens in Kenwick - now long gone. I think everyone was happy that they weren't confined to an indoor hall. I have just looked through the photos and there were lots of smiles.
Here is a pic of the bride and groom leaving the church. We look so young. Wish we knew then what we know now!
I remember it was a hot day - just like it was today. Wesley Church in Perth was not airconditioned in the 60's. There were fans, but they weren't able to be turned on for some reason. Waiting to walk down the aisle, hot and bothered, I remember my makeup melting.
The reception was at an open air venue - Alfresco Gardens in Kenwick - now long gone. I think everyone was happy that they weren't confined to an indoor hall. I have just looked through the photos and there were lots of smiles.
Here is a pic of the bride and groom leaving the church. We look so young. Wish we knew then what we know now!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Lists
I am always making them: shopping lists (I have a whiteboard inside the pantry door to help with that), things to do before a specific deadline, things to try that I see in books, magazines and on the internet (those lists are getting ginormous!)
What they all have in common is that they are things I am going to do/have to do in the future.
But I have had a road to Damascus moment (figuratively - you wouldn't want to be there literally at the moment), and am overwhelmed by a great light of understanding.
I saw somewhere (probably on one of the blogs I read, and I am sorry that I didn't note exactly where) that lists like the ones I list above are energy draining. All you need to list are those things you have actually done/accomplished.
Our daughter Helen is presenting her CV to a company for possible employment, and she sent it to me for editing (a minor task). In reading it I was impressed by all the accomplishments she could list.
So I will start listing all mine as well. BUT, I think, only what I have finished this year.
The dressmaking is going well - 3 pairs of trousers and three tops. Two tops to go - oops, I am making a list of things TO DO.
I have prepared the silk organza ready for printing for the commission I have, and prepared the digital images. Now I need to . . . oh dear, back to a TO DO list.
It is a nice idea to only list what has been done - but I don't think I am able to survive without my lists of things TO DO - and I can always cross things off!
What they all have in common is that they are things I am going to do/have to do in the future.
But I have had a road to Damascus moment (figuratively - you wouldn't want to be there literally at the moment), and am overwhelmed by a great light of understanding.
I saw somewhere (probably on one of the blogs I read, and I am sorry that I didn't note exactly where) that lists like the ones I list above are energy draining. All you need to list are those things you have actually done/accomplished.
Our daughter Helen is presenting her CV to a company for possible employment, and she sent it to me for editing (a minor task). In reading it I was impressed by all the accomplishments she could list.
So I will start listing all mine as well. BUT, I think, only what I have finished this year.
The dressmaking is going well - 3 pairs of trousers and three tops. Two tops to go - oops, I am making a list of things TO DO.
I have prepared the silk organza ready for printing for the commission I have, and prepared the digital images. Now I need to . . . oh dear, back to a TO DO list.
It is a nice idea to only list what has been done - but I don't think I am able to survive without my lists of things TO DO - and I can always cross things off!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Hot
Last year (2008) we used the air conditioner maybe a dozen times over summer. This house is quite cool, but when you have several days in a row over 30 degrees (Celsius, which means hot) it heats up and retains the heat.
Today is the third day in a row that we have turned on the cooler. And the forecast is for more.
But it is lovely to be able to sit and sew without dripping with sweat. I just hope the power bill won't cause us to blow up.
Today is the third day in a row that we have turned on the cooler. And the forecast is for more.
But it is lovely to be able to sit and sew without dripping with sweat. I just hope the power bill won't cause us to blow up.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009 Predictors
I read on one of the blogs I follow with Google Reader that whatever you do on New Year's Day will be an indicator of that year's activities.
In that case I can look forward to a year filled with textile activities.
I finished off two of the new garments I am making. I used the 4D software to modify and combine designs for a white on black embroidery I am planning to use to embellish a purchased Tshirt. I played with some images in Photoshop, cropping and enhancing in preparation for printing on fabric for a commission. And I tidied up the laundry after a painting session a couple of days ago.
In that case I can look forward to a year filled with textile activities.
I finished off two of the new garments I am making. I used the 4D software to modify and combine designs for a white on black embroidery I am planning to use to embellish a purchased Tshirt. I played with some images in Photoshop, cropping and enhancing in preparation for printing on fabric for a commission. And I tidied up the laundry after a painting session a couple of days ago.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Dressmaking
I used to make all my clothes, especially in the days when knit fabrics were all the go. Now I usually only make slacks - I can never buy any that fit properly and I have tweaked two patterns that work really well.
However, I have a pile of patterns (quite a few never used) and somehow I keep on buying dress fabric.
Boxing Day I went through my dressmaking stash. We are going on a cruise in February and I feel the need for some new clothes. I found so much that could be used that I doubt I will have time to make it all - OR the luggage allowance to get it to Sydney from where the cruise leaves.
Today I have cut out 3 lots of trousers using both my old faithful patterns and pinned the pattern for a top on a silk sarong I bought in Bali about 6 years ago. Everything fits - phew!
Tomorrow I plan to cut out a silk chiffon big shirt, a black devore velvet jacket and a black silk camisole to go under it.
I think I should sew these before I undertake any other garments. Wish me luck!
However, I have a pile of patterns (quite a few never used) and somehow I keep on buying dress fabric.
Boxing Day I went through my dressmaking stash. We are going on a cruise in February and I feel the need for some new clothes. I found so much that could be used that I doubt I will have time to make it all - OR the luggage allowance to get it to Sydney from where the cruise leaves.
Today I have cut out 3 lots of trousers using both my old faithful patterns and pinned the pattern for a top on a silk sarong I bought in Bali about 6 years ago. Everything fits - phew!
Tomorrow I plan to cut out a silk chiffon big shirt, a black devore velvet jacket and a black silk camisole to go under it.
I think I should sew these before I undertake any other garments. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Beating the Sales
Since I had the Christmas stuff all organised and I didn't feel inspired to do anything textiley today, I decided to go to Garden City shopping centre and buy myself a pair of really comfortable shoes to wear tomorrow.
I had expected the place to be really really crowded. First piece of good news - easily found a parking spot. Second bit of good news - while there were lots of people about, it wasn't jampacked and it was easy to move about.
But the really exciting bit was that Myer was getting ready for the after Christmas Stocktake Sale (looked like 20 -50% plus off most things) and because the sale stickers were already in place those prices applied. So I examined shoes at my leisure, tried several pairs on and finally bought a pair at almost half price.
But buying them involved quite a drama.
I had tried on a pair which fitted well in a bronze colour which I didn't really like, so I asked if they came in another colour. The sales girl found one box in the right size out the back with the left shoe in black. The right shoe was somewhere on the sales tables. We went looking for it - couldn't find it anywhere. More sales personnel became involved. No sign of it. Even more sales people now looking. I felt quite embarrassed, but they assured me that there were no more pressing tasks at the moment. Eventually the shoe was found in a big box of markdowns and I paid for them - I could hardly not have after all the fuss, but I did want them.
Imagine all this happening when the sale was actually on. I think I would have got short shrift on Saturday when the sale starts, apart from probably having to fight with other wouldbe purchasers.
I don't think I will be going to the after Christmas sales. I got my bargains today.
I had expected the place to be really really crowded. First piece of good news - easily found a parking spot. Second bit of good news - while there were lots of people about, it wasn't jampacked and it was easy to move about.
But the really exciting bit was that Myer was getting ready for the after Christmas Stocktake Sale (looked like 20 -50% plus off most things) and because the sale stickers were already in place those prices applied. So I examined shoes at my leisure, tried several pairs on and finally bought a pair at almost half price.
But buying them involved quite a drama.
I had tried on a pair which fitted well in a bronze colour which I didn't really like, so I asked if they came in another colour. The sales girl found one box in the right size out the back with the left shoe in black. The right shoe was somewhere on the sales tables. We went looking for it - couldn't find it anywhere. More sales personnel became involved. No sign of it. Even more sales people now looking. I felt quite embarrassed, but they assured me that there were no more pressing tasks at the moment. Eventually the shoe was found in a big box of markdowns and I paid for them - I could hardly not have after all the fuss, but I did want them.
Imagine all this happening when the sale was actually on. I think I would have got short shrift on Saturday when the sale starts, apart from probably having to fight with other wouldbe purchasers.
I don't think I will be going to the after Christmas sales. I got my bargains today.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Angels and an organised workspace
Designing Women had their Christmas party on Saturday. Venue was Helen B's new house in Wembley - fabulous, especially the art on the walls.
We made our angel swap. This is the collection laid out on a table - I hope I got it all.
Kevin and I got a Christmas present from the government last week - $2100 for the two of us, being holders of the Seniors Health Card. The government says SPEND, SPEND so we did - a bit of it.
I have wanted shelves in the laundry almost since we moved into this house. The laundry is very large and was obviously designed to be a sewing room for someone who did not have all the stash I have, or do the the multi media stuff that I do. There is a L-shaped bench that runs under a large window and then along a blank wall.
No longer blank. We bought an Elfa hanging system yesterday and installed it today. We had to go back to the store to exchange components - the shelves I chose were too wide - but I am very happy with the finished setup.
I wish I had taken a photo of the bench before I cleared it. Imagine a pile of shopping bags on the left, and assorted piles of stuff on the right, with the embellisher surrounded. How long will this present neatness prevail?
Today I have also decorated the (fake) Christmas tree and put out the various Christmas decorations all over the house. I admit to being a bit surprised at how much hand made stuff I have (and how old some of it is). I was planning to make a lace Nativity scene which will probably not be done this year. At least I made a couple of lace snowflakes - see below.
We made our angel swap. This is the collection laid out on a table - I hope I got it all.
Kevin and I got a Christmas present from the government last week - $2100 for the two of us, being holders of the Seniors Health Card. The government says SPEND, SPEND so we did - a bit of it.
I have wanted shelves in the laundry almost since we moved into this house. The laundry is very large and was obviously designed to be a sewing room for someone who did not have all the stash I have, or do the the multi media stuff that I do. There is a L-shaped bench that runs under a large window and then along a blank wall.
No longer blank. We bought an Elfa hanging system yesterday and installed it today. We had to go back to the store to exchange components - the shelves I chose were too wide - but I am very happy with the finished setup.
I wish I had taken a photo of the bench before I cleared it. Imagine a pile of shopping bags on the left, and assorted piles of stuff on the right, with the embellisher surrounded. How long will this present neatness prevail?
Today I have also decorated the (fake) Christmas tree and put out the various Christmas decorations all over the house. I admit to being a bit surprised at how much hand made stuff I have (and how old some of it is). I was planning to make a lace Nativity scene which will probably not be done this year. At least I made a couple of lace snowflakes - see below.
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