Volume 4 2009

Feltmakers of Western Australia www.feltwest.org.au

FeltWEST

content

editor

all wrapped up 2 toss n tell 4 events 2009 9 workshops 10 billboard 19

reports

president’s 2 treasurer’s 2 agm minutes 3

reviews 13 articles 18 convergence 18

cover photo - FeltWEST Felt Exchange Project 2009

FeltWEST inc newsletter ISSN 1834-9994

This newsletter is published quarterly. Deadline dates for material to be submitted are as follows: olume 1 V Volume 2 Volume 3 Volume 4

15th February 15th May 15th August 15th November

We will endeavour to have it distributed by the first week of the following month. Correspondence should be sent to the editor, Virginia Campbell, 62 Goldsmith Rd, Dalkieth WA 6009 [email protected] FeltWEST ABN 20395651770 Notice of exhibitions by members that involve felt will be advertised free of charge (subject to availability of space). Advertising inquiries are welcome, contact editor for details. FeltWEST Inc reserves the rights to accept, alter, reserve for later use or decline any advertisement or article. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of individual contributors and are not necessarily those of FeltWEST Inc. Content of this newsletter may not be reproduced with out permission. www.feltwest.org.au

all wrapped up

regulars

Merry Christmas to all our wonderful members! This issue of the newsletter has so much information about the last busy couple of months in felting and this organization’s past and planned activities that it is difficult to find a spare space! However, I have just returned from the best attended Feltwest Christmas party to date with a request from a number of the members who attended that Christmas party to be sure to include in this newsletter (and in time for the Christmas party period), Ginevra Bird’s fantastic salsa recipe! Although felters, first and foremost, a lot of us like to eat and entertain too so it appeared suitable to include this much- acclaimed recipe for members’ use over summer (and when it’s sometimes a little hot for felting anyway)! If any members have any fab recipes they would like to share or would like to request of other members, let us know. Ginevra’s recipe is on page 19. Food aside, do have a good look at our 2010 felting programme and start thinking of the workshops you might like to sign up for…especially the ones for which registration forms are included in this newsletter. Remember these workshops fill up quickly so to avoid disappointment, lodge the application form and your cheque with our Treasurer now.

This newsletter is full of marvelous photos of our members ‘ work but also of felting news we want you to know about. For example, do you know that the next Southern Hemisphere Felting Convergence (in 2011) will be held in Bunbury? How exciting is that!! Congratulations to the Bunbury felters. Further information will be available from the Bunbury Felters in good time – meantime read their review of the last Convergence in New Zealand in this newsletter. Those who missed that Convergence may be interested to know that at the NZ Convergence there were 185 participants with 60 from Australia, there were 8 workshops to choose from each morning over the 4 days and at least 3 in the afternoons followed by a general session for all to attend. Tutors included Raewyn Penrose, Lorraine McArthur, Jill Gunn, Jackie Collins, Anita Larkin and Helen Vonow. Finally may I wish you and your families a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a wonderful year to follow. Thank you to all who have generously contributed to this newsletter – Jo Saunt, Sue Eslick, Heather Davis, Val Hornibrook, Lindy Frayne, Judith Shaw, Vianne Sleypen, Lucy Bourne, Katrina Virgona, Karen Wood, Lyn Lukich, Helen Climas, Louise Nidorf, Jenny Tate, Lorraine Mc Arthur, Helen O’Neil, Nancy Ballesteros, and of course, Soosie Jobson. Happy felting and look forward to seeing you in 2010 Virginia Campbell

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FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

report

president 2009

2008/2009 has been a positive period for FeltWest, with an increase in membership and participation. The monthly beginners’ class has been a great way to encourage quality felt making and knowledge as well as inviting new members to our group. The felt exchange has been thrilling and inspiring to see each month as each piece develops and brings all our know-how, style and skill together. I would like to thank every member who participated in this, therefore making it possible. All our local workshops filled quickly and easily, with a repeat of Liz Odds rug workshop, and jam packed classes for Tanya’s sculpture, as well as Sue Eslick’s hat/tea cosy workshops. It has been rewarding to see you all keen to keep learning and supporting the group. The Mundaring Arts Centre exhibition Earth, was very successful and full of outstanding work that represents the best of our diverse group. The outcome was very positive with two thirds of all the felt work being sold.

The Freo Arts bazaar again another great performance by Feltwest. A good number of you using the opportunity to show and sell your work. This cost was covered by FeltWest as a means to encourage involvement and to promote us and our quality felt to the community. Many customers took our contact information and have since become involved. As our budget changes it is expected that for this upcoming bazaar members will include a small commission fee of 2.5% to their felt works, to go towards the cost of the stall. In this way you only pay a percentage of your sales to participate, and you can put in as many or as little pieces as you wish. The winter retreat this year was an affordable and enjoyable time at Camp Simons. The casual programme and wonderful guest speaker Trudi Pollard worked well, the venue was spacious and warm, and we have booked in for the same time again next year. Hope to see you there! We already have Karin Kortenhorst and India Flint to look forward to this month and next, as well as Vianne Sleypen, Helen Jones, Lee Anne Davis and Lindy Frayne who are all teaching. Not to forget the FeltWest Christmas party and Freo bazaar. I hope to bring you another great line up of tutors and events in 2010. Thank you for another great year! Heather Davis

Treasurer’s Report

Feltwest commenced the 2008/09 financial year with $15,983 in the bank. At the last AGM it was agreed to reduce our assets by around $2,000 over the year. An increase in membership fees was also proposed. The Committee developed a budget for the year to keep our finances on track, and this was presented to the General Meeting in December 2008. Workshop and Toss and Tell fees were increased from $30 to $45 and from $1 to $2 respectively from 1 January 2009, and the annual membership fee was increased by $5 to $30 from 1 July 2009. At the end of the 2008/09 financial year, Feltwest had $21,760 in the bank. Approximately $7,400 of this was workshop fees for 2009/10 workshops that had been paid in advance, including $6,400 for international workshops. Adjusting for just the international workshop fees, we are left with $15,360 in cash - $600 less than in the previous year. Income Our income was higher than anticipated due to an increase in new members, strong enrolments in our workshops and a pleasing increase in numbers of people attending Toss and Tell. On the other hand, bank interest was substantially less than we anticipated at the beginning of the year. We also had disappointing enrolments for the wonderful Alexander Pilin workshop, and as a result lost money. Expenditure We spent approximately $400 on the Fremantle Bazaar and $550 on slide show evenings. The annual retreat was substantially cheaper than in the previous year, meaning that we were able to keep the fees very low. We spend $2,100 on honorariums at $100 per committee member per annum. Of this $800 for

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the previous financial year but paid in July 2008. The newsletter costs have been maintained at around $4,000, with a further $500 for the website. This is great value for these high quality products. Membership At the end of June 2009, Feltwest had 175 members (including two Life Members), up from 112 in the previous year. 2009/10 Budget The budget for 2009/10 financial year has been developed on the basis of current information, and indicates a balance of income and expenditure. This will be revised later in the year, following the planning for the Feltwest 2010 programme of events. The anticipated income is conservative, and payments brought forward are just those for the international workshops. Fremantle bazaar income is not shown as this is paid immediately back to those participants whose work was sold. Sue Eslick. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Saturday August 15 2009 Craft House, Alexander Park, Menora. Members attending: Karen Wood (Chair), Lindy Frayne, Jyah Gage, Tanya Peters, Joyce John, Liz Odd, Shirley Maher, Sue Eslick, Linda Riccio, Judi Barkla, Dawn Nicholson, Sue Harrington, Pat Kendall, Chris Godfrey, Lynn Lukich, Jennifer Blair, Teresa O’Malley, Sally Holdrich, Chris Harnby, Susan Swain, Heather Davis, Julie Devereux, Marylin Gittos, Virginia Campbell, Marie Marshall, Soosie Jobson, Lucy Bourne, Beth Klokeid, Louise Nidorf, Judy Calderwood, Helen Climas, Marie McNeil, Marion Joy, Karla Branch, Nancy Ballesteros, Lee-Ann Davis, Robin Groom, Maureen Hill, Brittany MacWhirter-Branch, Sally Moldrich, Jan Stroud. Non – members: Darriel Palfry, Kerrie Wakefield Apologies: Jo-Anne Saunt, Shana Davies, Judith Newman and Lorraine MacArthur. Meeting opened at 11.30am. Minutes of the previous AGM Lucy Bourne read the minutes of the AGM of August 15 2008. There were no matters arising. Motion: Karen Wood moved that the minutes be accepted. Voted Sue Swain, seconded Judi Barkla. President’s Report: by Heather Davis Treasurer’s Report: by Sue Eslick Motion: That the Treasurer’s report be accepted. Voted: Lindy Frayne, seconded Lucy Bourne. Accepted. Election of Office Bearers: All committee positions were declared vacant. President: Heather has agreed to maintain the role of President. No nominations. Agreed unanimously. Vice President: Nancy has advised that she will step down as Vice-President. Tanya Peters has agreed to take on this role. Motion carried unopposed. Secretary: Lucy Bourne – carried unopposed. Treasurer: Sue Eslick – carried unopposed. Members: Nancy agreed to remain on the committee. In the absence of any other nominations following were declared reelected to the committee: Judith Shaw, Soosie Jobson, Lindy Frayne, Nancy Ballesteros, Louise Nidorf, Virginia Campbell, Jennifer Blair, Lynn Lukich, and Jo-Anne Saunt. Other Business: 1 Teacups Beth raised the matter of teacups. Heather advised that the shortage was partly because sometimes people did not wash and return their cup to the kitchen. However she has resolved the matter by donating a box of white cups to the association. 2 Washing and cleaning up Motion: Dawn Nicholson moved that the committee consider drawing up a roster whereby members would be assigned the task of cleaning up after meetings. Seconded: Judy Calderwood. 3 Postage and email: Gwenda asked about FeltWest’s use of electronic mail and slow mail. Soosie Jobson explained that the newsletter was mailed out, as it was for members only and anyway a lovely product to read in hard copy. All other correspondence was emailed, except to those members without email. Sue Eslick added that when payments were posted, a receipt was emailed unless the member provided a stamped addressed envelope. 4

Judi Barkla thanked the committee for doing such a wonderful job and said how much she enjoyed being part of the group.

There was no other business. The meeting closed at 11.50am.

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FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

toss n tell

members activity

15 August 2009

Today was our AGM. There were 41 members present. Earlier in the morning we had a Trash n Treasure, while Toss n Tell followed the AGM. Heather Davis brought along a very cute fish purse made by Soosie Jobson, Sue Eslick had made a true Austalian tea cosy which featured May Gibb’s famous cuddle pot and cuddle pie and the big bad banksia man and Marie Marshall showed us her new brightly coloured scarf. Shirley Maher told us she was busy making lots of big lattice scarves, which she was finding were a real hit with gay guys – she took time out from the production line to model one for us. Sue Swain brought along her beautiful black and white rug which she had made at Liz Odd’s rug workshop and a versatile knitted and felted shrug. Judy Calderwood showed us some interesting samples she was experimenting with – felt incorporating knitted segments in the shape of flowers. Pat Kendall has been combining needle felted embellishments with machine knitting and showed us some fine scarves and shawls she has recently made. She had recently returned from a machine knitting conference in New Zealand. Gwenda Upton told us she had attended a felting workshop at Curtin Uni and become hooked on felting. Her first attempt was a round green vessel, then a white scarf with lace embellishment and finally some green and white cushions. Nancy Ballesteros impressed us with her enormous and very beautiful double sided rug which she made at the FeltWest retreat and which is comprised of needlefelted wool batts, tissue silk and wool tops. She said she ended up steam pressing it on the floor to get rid of any waviness. She also brought along a felt book cover she had made for her journal and which featured hand stitching.

Clockwise from top left: AGM, Fish purse by Soosie Jobson, Judith Calderwood’s sample, Sue Swain with her rug, Sue Eslick’s tea cosy, Gwenda Upton’s vessle & cushion, Pat Kendall with one of her shawls, Nancy Ballesteros with her rug and Sue Swain models her shrug.

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toss n tell continued Karen Wood showed us some delightful hand made silk and cotton papers, embellishments and sequined motifs. They are imported and currently being sold at shows and markets. Anyone interested in these should contact Halcyon Steppe on 97322149 or [email protected]. Also see www. halcyonsteppe.com.au Lucy Bourne displayed a lovely scarf she had made by laying mohair yarn on dyed cotton and felting it. She said she would not recommend using mohair as it took a lot of work to get it to felt. Tanya Peters was busy creating fruit pin cushions which she plans to sell at the Fremantle Bazaar. LeeAnn Davis had been visiting UK recently and was pleased that she had been able to attend an inspiring textile exhibition from the 62 Group in Lincoln at The Hub – the National Centre for Craft and Design. For more information see www.thehubcentre.info Lindy Frayne wrapped up the day with a most interesting talk about Vikasana and the project she had attended in India. Vikasana is a leading Development Organization, working in more than 400 villages in several districts of Karnataka. Since it began in 1984 it has worked to assist marginalized sections of society. Lindy was part of a group who were involved in teaching groups of women a variety of useful skills, for example string making for the making of string bags, and doll making. She said she found them to be natural artists who picked up skills quickly. They worked on various materials such as banana leaves and also silk waste, stripping huge bags of the latter into pieces which they then twisted into fine cord/string/twine and used to make all manner of things including beautiful rugs. The proceeds of whatever is sold is returned to the community and further income generating programs.

19 September 2009

Members who attended the recent workshop “Felt Bind Metal” with Karin Kortenhorst brought along the pieces they had made and shared some of the experiences of the workshop. Heather Davis, Lee Anne Davis, Vianne Sleypen, Teresa O’Malley, Beth Klokeid, Katrina Virgona, Shirley Maher and Soosie Jobson all gave a glowing report of the marvelous things they had learned, the fun they had had and showed us some of the lovely pieces they had made. Soosie Jobson also showed us a whimsical pink seahorse she had felted. She said she had used a template combined with Judit Pocs technique and that it had taken her 6 hours to make. Judith Shaw produced some attractive and serviceable mats she had made, Alison Gomes had created a delicate and beautiful cotton and silk wall hanging,and Judy Hebiton had been very productive and showed us her alpaca table runner , a silk and green alpaca scarf, and a brown alpaca scarf with fabric insert. Other members spoke with great enthusiasm about the workshop by India Flint they had recently attended. Beautiful pieces were displayed and discussed by Sue Eslick, Lee Anne Davis, Nicole Lawrence, and Judy Barkla. Sue Eslick shared with us her piece she has been working on at Michelle Eastwood’s workshop to commemorate her son and future daughter –in-law’s wedding in their family orchard in 3 weeks time. From the top: Lucy Bourne models her scarf, as does Shirley Maher and Pat Kendall, Marie Marshall’s scarves.

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FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

toss n tell continued Lindy Frayne demonstrated working with wet and dry pre felts to the meeting and then modeled the fabulous naturally dyed and stitched felted garment which India Flint had made and given to her – a glorious example of wearable art!

17 October 2009

This was the meeting quite a number of us had been looking forward to – all the exchange felted pieces we have been working on and swopping about were finally handed in to be collated into banners with the letters comprising “FeltWest” cut out of different pieces of felt, embellished and incorporated with the sample pieces into those banners which will be displayed at our FeltWest stall at the Fremantle Arts Centre Christmas Bazaar. So much beautiful and inspired, imaginative work over several months! Heather Davis and Nancy Ballesteros had recently returned from Geelong Fibre Forum. Heather showed us a beautiful pink piece from the Forum which she thought was a good illustration of interesting stitching on felt. She also brought along some gorgeous egg cosies she’d made some friends for a wedding gift – also featuring stitching on felt. Nancy said she had attended a complex cloth printing workshop which she had enjoyed .She had gone with her own stencils precut already and had used print paste, perma set acqua, which is non toxic and not cakey and which you iron to set. She thought it was available from Jacksons. She printed on silk chiffon which she thought she may nuno felt later but also printed on felt and found the felt a very good surface to work on. She brought along a number of interesting samples to show us. Dawn Nicholson had bought an op shop floral scarf and nuno felted it so that it featured an attractive ruffle on the edge. Lee Anne Davis and Karen Wood had both attended the Chunghi Lee workshop organized by WAFTA and showed us two very fine pieces they had made there. Karen advised that Fiona Wright is leading a textile tour to Damascus in May 2010 and Philomena Rice is leading a textile trip to outer islands of Indonesia. If anyone is interested they are welcome to contact Karen for more details on woodka@iinet. net.au (and see Karen’s notes about this further in this newsletter) . Marie Marshall brought along two vibrantly coloured table mats, an equally bright nuno felted scarf and a gorgeous doll she had recently made. Sue Swain told us she had enjoyed Karin Kortenhorst’s workshop and had made some amazing felt and wire “liquorice” jewellery and a striking white wool and wire necklace which she modeled and which looked beautiful on her. Judy Calderwood, Louise Nidorf and Alison Gomes had attended Lee Anne Davis’ workshop on “Surface exploration – movement”. They all said how inspiring they had found the workshop. Alison brought along some orange prefelt pieces which she had shaped and stitched and felted. She has plans to use these attractive pieces to embellish a bag. Louise showed us a marvellous green prefelt sample piece she had been working on with different handstitching. From the top: Sea horse by Soosie Jobson, Alison Gomes holds her wall hanging, Judith Shaw’s mats, a busy Toss n Tell day, Lindy Frayne modelling her India Flint wrap, scarves from India Flint workshop.

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toss n tell continued Patricia Kendall had embellished a fine machine knitted shawl with needlefelted pieces. Maureen Hill had attended Vianne Sleypen’s workshop and had by hand and machine dry needlefelted a scarf. She had not yet wet felted the piece, but we would like to see it when she does! Sue Harrington said she had been felting only about two years and she brought along a lovely nuno felted shawl comprising blue and taupe wool circles on silk chiffon which she had made. The meeting ended with an interesting discussion by Heather Davis and Judith Shaw on how to work with difficult fabrics and an examination of many illustrative sample pieces.

Right top down: Book cover and printed felt sample by Nancy Ballesteros, Egg covers by Heather Davis and sample from Geelong. Above: Sue Harrington in her wrap. Left: Heather Davis wearing a wrap by Vianne Sleypen. Bottom row left to right Sue Swain and her necklace/collar and Louise Nidorf’s LeeAnne Davis workshop sample, Marie Marshall’s mats and scarf

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FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

events

2010 Calendar

We’re looking forward to a fabulous programme next year with lots of new ideas and inspiration. You’ll find the 2010 Calendar printed on an insert sheet in this newsletter. Pin it up on your bulletin board or magnet it to your refrigerator for easy reference throughout the year! The FeltWest Committee details are printed on the same sheet. The newsletters in 2010 will continue to include the 3 monthly calendar for each quarter for those who lose unattached sheets of paper (and in case any updates and changes need to be included). You’ll notice the insert 2010 calendar contains details of what is planned for workshops, Toss n Tell demos and the Retreat which is to be held 3 - 6 June 2010.

A few workshops last year which were so popular that they were quickly booked out with long waiting lists, are going to be run again so those members who missed out will have another opportunity to attend in 2010. Workshops are scheduled for the first Saturday of each month between February and November and are held at Craft House, Menora, unless indicated otherwise. Included in this newsletter are the registration forms for Helen Jones’ February workshop and Lee Anne Davis’ March workshop. As always, Toss n Tell will be held on the third Saturday of each month February – November at Craft House, Menora. The only months we don’t meet are December and January.

Beginners’ Workshops

As you will recall, this year we commenced holding beginners’ workshops at every Toss n Tell meeting. It’s been a great success and we have been delighted to welcome many keen new felters into our membership. This programme will continue next year and we thank our beginners’ class tutors for their continuing support. For those of you who have recently rejoined FeltWest and don’t know about this programme or for those who have friends who may be interested in learning how to felt, we hold beginners and refresher classes for up to 6 students in conjunction with Toss n Tell meetings at Craft House on the third Saturday of every month (excluding the meeting of the AGM, the November Christmas party meeting and December and January, when we do not meet at all).Cost is $45 per student. Wool packs are available on the day to purchase at a cost of $10 per pack. The packs contain beautiful quality merino wool and are highly recommended, especially for members who have not felted before or who haven’t felted for quite some time.

Library

Our FeltWest library is working well and our librarian, Lyn Lukic, is doing a sterling job, keeping everything organized and readily available to members. However please remember, if you borrow a magazine or book, please return it the following meeting so everyone has an opportunity to share the materials we have. Borrowing and returning is through Lyn.

Bring Out your Duds!

Do you have a felting disaster – or maybe just a felting disappointment? Don’t leave it smouldering away in the bottom of the cupboard…bring it to Toss n Tell to discuss what happened! Share the experience! We see lots of wonderful pieces at Toss n Tell and we learn a lot from them but sometimes it can be a great learning opportunity to see and hear about something that didn’t work out as planned – and there’s always the possibility that amongst all that experience, creativity and wisdom in the Toss n Tell audience there will be a number of suggestions forthcoming as to how to rectify your problem piece.

Recent Resolution

The Committee has resolved that non members may attend one Toss n Tell meeting as a visitor. If they wish to attend any further Toss n Tell meetings they must first become a member. This rule is necessary for insurance purposes and we regret any inconvenience it may cause. However membership fees are deliberately kept low to enable all who are interested in benefitting from the many advantages of membership of FeltWest to do so. Attending Toss n Tell meetings is one of those benefits.

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workshops

Fancywork your felt

Hand stitching for felters workshop with Helen Jones

The workshop is not traditional hand embroidery, but one which will give you a foundation of simple hand stitches that you can then embellish and extend the surface decoration of your felted pieces. These stitches will add texture and layering to your work (and it is also great for sitting quietly ignoring TV while you do this satisfying “lap work”.) The morning will be spent exploring the main categories of stitch on a felt sampler with lots of different threads and thicknesses. In the afternoon you can then decorate one of your already felted pieces with the stitches and threads of your choice. Helen is not a traditional embroiderer, although “fancyworked” from ten years old. She was a lecturer in Art and Design Diploma at TAFE and has worked in many art forms including painting, clay and currently textiles. More recently her textiles have included machine and hand embroidery with collage combined to create surface texture and interesting effects. She is Chairperson of the Education Sub-committee of the Embroiderers’ Guild of West Australia and a member of “Innovative Stitches” Group which encourages creative and contemporary embroidery works for exhibitions. Date: Sunday 7 February 2010 Time: Doors open at 9am for 9.30am start – 3pm Where: Craft House, Alexander Park, Clyde Street, Menora Cost: $45

Surface exploration in felt with LeeAnne Davis.

In this workshop we will combined the old with the new. We will draw upon techniques from previous ‘surface exploration’ classes, plus look at adding movement with stitch. Using pre-felts as a basis, we will manipulate and stitch to obtain a finished felted piece. The main object of the workshop is to create small pieces that explore the different methods with a variety of recycled/new materials. A day to motivate a surge of ideas to help your creative flow, with lots of inspiration, information, examples and demo’s to help along the way. All are welcome (old & new) with basic felting the only requirement. Date: Saturday 6 March 2010 Time: Doors open at 9am for 9.30 start – 3pm Where: Craft House, Alexander Park, Clyde Street, Menora Cost: $45

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FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

events

felt exchange

2010 Felt Exchange Project

Following the success of this year’s felt exchange the committee has come up with a new challenge for 2010. We would like you to make a basic felt “doll”, or your interpretation of one. It can be any design, size and colour you wish and then it will be exchanged at each Toss’n’Tell so it can be embellished with hair, face, clothes, jewellery, tattoos etc. The exchange will start at the February Toss’n’Tell however you can join in March or later if you wish. We will have some patterns available at the February Toss’n’Tell so you can make one on the day or take one away with you to complete and bring in later. Once complete, the dolls will be put on sale at the Fremantle Arts Xmas Bazaar next year and all proceeds will be donated to a charity. We will approach the Fremantle Arts Centre committee to ask them to waive their normal fees for these items so that all money raised can be donated.

If you have any suggestions of a worthy charity please let our committee know – we will make a final decision later in the year. Please all get on board, it was great fun this year and we ended up with some wonderful pieces.

a reminder... FeltWest Labels

report

If you are putting some of your felt pieces into a private outlet for sale, please ensure our FeltWest labels are not attached to those goods. FeltWest labels are only to be placed on goods which are being displayed at FeltWest functions eg the FeltWest stall at the Fremantle Arts Centre Christmas Bazaar. If in doubt, please ask any Committee member for clarification.

from the library Lyn Lukich

The Library is now set up and has been working well for just over a year. However I would like to remind members that all books/magazines/tapes are only to be borrowed for one month (where humanly possible). If you are not attending the next meeting, please try and get your loaned items to another Feltwest member for return; or, if you wish to extend the time of your loan, please contact me on 937 11562

I wish all members a Happy and Healthy Festive Season and look forward to seeing you borrowing from the Library next year.

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travel

Karen Wood’s Recommended Textile Holidays

Many members have enjoyed the opportunity of hearing Karen Wood talk about one of her recent exciting textile trips and seen the beautiful textiles and interesting photos she has brought back from those experiences. Following popular demand for more information on such holidays, Karen has kindly put this short list together:

The following are textile trips I’ve tried and found well worth the dosh. 1.Wrapt in Rocky This was my favorite forum by a long shot. You don’t have to take your thermals for a start, and the accomodation is arranged in such a way that it’s very easy to meet people. Laid back country and great fun. Happens - 25th June-1st July 2010 Contact - Nanette Balchin Email [email protected]

2.Ombak Putih Sailing Textiles with Filomena Reiss Filomena is a real explorer who loves nothing better than discovering out of the way villages in Indonesia where the people enjoy demonstrating wonderful textile techniques - dying. spinning, weaving - combined with some of their cultural traditions, which can be as diverse as having a traditional “Christening” for a child, preparing betel nut for chewing, drinking palm wine from coconut cups in a meeting house or joining in a dance with the women while waving red handkerchiefs (naturally dyed, naturally!). Sailing in the Ombak Putih (White Wave) is an experience in itself. Altogether the very best of holidays for the textile enthusiast. Happens 20th April-3rd May 2010 Contact - Filomena Reiss Email [email protected] 3.Creative Arts Safaris with Fiona Wright Check on all Fiona’s trips at www.creative-arts-safaris.com I’m off on the Syria/Damascus trip next year because I had such a great time in India with Fiona a few years ago. This is one delightful lady with a nose for fascinating textile practices, and a patient and pleasant way of dealing with situations in strange (to us, anyway) countries. This makes travelling in places you always wanted to see but don’t have the energy to organise the way you might have done thirty years ago, both easy and fun. Happens - check website. The Syrian trip is in May. Contact - Fiona Wright Email [email protected] Happy Holidays! Karen Wood.

Review of Geelong Fibre Forum By Nancy Ballesteros

Every year during the 3rd term school holidays in October TAFTA (The Australian Forum for Textile Arts, www.ggcreations.com.au/tafta/) holds a fabulous week long textile conference at the Geelong Grammar School. There is also another Forum around Easter time in Orange, NSW. It is something all textile enthusiasts should attend at least once in their life! There is a huge variety of classes - everything from basketry, print making, felting, surface design techniques, etc, etc…. you pick one class for a week long intensive learning experience. The Forum strives to host a large variety of international tutors who are also asked to present a slide presentation of their work at various times during the week. This in itself is hugely inspiring. The schedule for the week is filled with various parties ( in which you may or may not choose to participate) and other serious frivolity. The ability to cloister yourself away for a week with a group of like- minded textile lovers is just such a privilege. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your skills and have a GREAT time!

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FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

review

india flint

By Sue Eslisk

‘Brilliant’, ‘inspiring’, ‘fun’, ‘exciting’, ‘aromatic’. ‘India Flint is a living treasure!’ These are some of the words that participants used to describe India Flint’s Landskins workshop in September. People who expected a dyeing workshop were surprised – we learned about natural dyeing, but so much more. India led participants through a three day creative and mediative exercise that relaxed and inspired us. Using India’s innovative technique for creating a felt strip in the round we made a scarf sandwiching fabric scraps, threads and felt between layers of fine wool and muslin and stitching it all together. It felt very indulgent to spend a whole day in random stitching through all of the layers to make sure that all the pieces were secure.

We felted the scarf, then the alchemy began. We collected and shared leaves, flowers, rusty nails, onion skins and bottle tops and laid them out on the scarf. The scarf was rolled into a tight bundle then simmered in the dye pot. We unrolled the bundles to find an exciting range of shades, textures and shapes imprinted on the scarf as wool, silk and cotton all absorbed the dyes in different ways and the leaves and metal in the bundle reacted in surprising ways.India freely shared her extensive knowledge of natural dying and created an absorbing workshop that left participants both relaxed and inspired.

new & renewing members

Arnold Jan Baker Bethne James Elizabeth Devenish Nora Martin Karen Platte Karen Tuia-Yildirim Lyndal Cox Sara Chen-Van Leeuwen Ail-in Patterson Kym Gibson Jacqueline Melsom Jill Wake Sherron Speak Debra Speak Sybil Ford Margaret Carrier Janice White Alison Taylor Ann Wolter Marion La Macchia Connie

SORRENTO WEST PERTH WUNDOWIE EAST VICTORIA PARK KINGSLEY STELLENBOSCH EAST VICTORIA PARK WEMBLEY DAGLISH PERTH LESCHENAULT KENTDALE HILLARYS SOUTH GUILDFORD COOBINIA BEDFORD BOORAGOON SOUTH FREMANTLE YORK BIBRA LAKE SOUTH FREMANTLE

Felting Tips by Judith Shaw

Try a little patting! As your feltwork develops, change muscles .With the flat of both hands, pattercake all over, paying particular attention to the centre where fibres need to pull in from all directions. Patting is also useful when felting over a 3D object which is to remain in place - like a rock paper weight. Since shrinkage is blocked by the enclosed object, a firm finish must be achieved by rubbing and patting the outside surface.”

FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

August Toss n Tell

Members working on incorporating the felt exchange pieces into our banner

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karin kortenhorst by Katrina Virgona

Anyone who tells us we are going to break some rules has me revving the engine straight away. Karin Kortenhorst was intent on pointing out this rulebreaking imperative as soon as we met her. She is a Dutch designer renowned for creating unique jewellery for various parts of the body. Lately she has begun incorporating felt into her artworks. Feltwest brought Karin to Perth to conduct a weekend workshop in September. Day one revolved around wire and only wire. We were only “allowed” to use wire. This included wire of all gauges and all colours. Many felters suffered withdrawal symptoms from the lack of felting but we seemed to survive to tell the tale! Anyway, back to the wire…we were drawing with it, bending it, twisting it, coiling it and also joining it to other bits of wire or combining it with other objects. We learnt how to construct jewellery findings including clasps, pins and jump rings as well as a range of options for flexible connections. Karin’s grasp of English is superb but there were times when some words were just out of reach and so Vianne was immediately promoted to be chief translator. This became a source of great hilarity as Karin would turn to Vianne for assistance and Vianne would offer “the Australian” counterpart. There was some mischief where Vianne would lead Karin astray with alternative words and alternative meanings. On the second day of the workshop Karin showed us her range of work in which she had combined felt with wire. And on this day we were “allowed” to use felt if we wished. Soosie Jobson created a playful neckpiece combing her pre-prepared felt strips and balls with wire. Tanya Peters came up with some zany wire pieces with loads of personality! Sue Swain took to the whole weekend like a duck to water. She fashioned oodles of wearable work with the various techniques taught. Leeanne Davis also created some inspired pieces…as did we all of course!! Between us, we produced rings, necklets, armwear, brooches and quite a few UFWOs (Unidentified Felted & Wired Objects). And then in late October Sue Swain brought a further series of innovative jewellery (made with wire and felt) inspired by the same workshop to the TossnTell. It was great to see the development and extension of ideas triggered from Karin’s workshop. Stay tuned for the range to follow at the next TnT!

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FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

vianne sleypen By Judith Shaw

Vianne brought a large proportion of her own work so that we might see an exciting variety of needle felt. We learned how felting needles and embellishing machines could punch wool fibres into a pre-felt base so that a design element is attached ready for final wet felting. Class members shared information about local needle felting supplies. Some who had had previous trouble with needles breaking were advised to punch into foam which is thicker than the full length of the needles ie about 12cm. There were no dull moments as we went from the simple information that fine needles suit fine wool and strong needles suit coarser fibre, to how to create our own chunky novelty yarn by needle punching wool yarn with non-felting fabric fragments. We truly appreciated all the time and effort Vianne employed to guarantee our knowledge of yet another direction in the felt making process. Visitors from the Craft displays in the adjoining hall, were intrigued, admiring and somewhat envious of our obviously amiable situation. Vianne presented us with pieces of challenging bright yellow nylon organza which offered an on the spot opportunity to see that wool can be attached to the most difficult of fabrics, its possibilities and exceptions. PS Dear Vianne, The chocolate cake was excellent! Class members agreed to write a paragraph for the Newsletter and Helen Climas excelled by handing her notes in at the end of the day….. “With the Fibre Open Day in the main hall we were relegated to the back room! We soon realized that on a freezing day, we had the cosiest spot. Vianne brought an enthusiasm of colour and creativity as she showed her work and how to accomplish a masterpiece of our own. We learnt lots of new ideas and everyone was soon creating.”

Lyn Lukich wrote:

“All thoughts of the cold morning were left behind as we were treated to the spectacular display of Vianne Sleypen’s needle felting work. This very simple technique proved that it wasn’t all hard work and rolling that could create stunning felt. It was a most enjoyable day and we learnt a great new skill to add to our repertoire.”

Katrina Virgona wrote:

It was August 30th. It was City to Surf and it was Open Day at Craft House. There were traffic jams and artistic jams! It was all action as we needlefelters were banished to the back room. Small spaces sure make lively bedfellows!! We were all able to have a good look at each other’s supplies and projects. Vianne had some incredibly inspiring samples of needlework to show us. And she was generous in sharing lots of tips with us all. She also brought in her embellishing machine (for anyone to use) and many hints were swapped regarding these machines. I can honestly say I’d never thought about the size of my needling sponge until I saw Vianne’s foam mattress ‘sponge’. Talk about sponge envy! There were lots of laughs and not too many needle injuries over the day. Some of us needled wool tops into organza, commercial felt and prefelts. Some of us needled wool over polystyrene balls onto a base fabric. Some of us constructed unique yarns by needling muslin into commercially prepared woollen threads and some of us used the embellishing machine to do the work!! Between us, we created quite a range of interesting work and produced some samples to develop further when we get that spare time we all think is coming one day soon!

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helen jones

By Karen Wood

Doing Battle with the Fishbone Helen Jones wouldn’t describe herself as a purist but as far as the band of felters gathered for her workshop at Craft House were concerned she certainly could be described as an enthusiast. And plenty of enthusiasm was needed to goad those of us unfamiliar (and sometimes unhappy) with the needle and thread. Embroidery is, after all, not everyone’s jolly way to spend a fine Saturday. We first had a crack at a few different running stitches. With Helen urging us on and full of determination we tackled Seed stitch and Straight stitch and Back stitch, Long/Short stitches and Stem stitch. These are a sample of overheard remarks. Yes, in the pin-dropping quiet of intense concentration remarks could really be overheard, unlike the usual din of felting days. “If this is supposed to be straight stitch, then why is mine curling round?” “Helen, is this right?” “I’m doing my back stitch from left to right. Why are you going the other way?” “Helen, is this right?” “I don’t think this is stem stitch at all. Have I made something up?” “Helen, is this right?” “I feel a great sense of achievement.” (Beth on threading a needle.) “Helen, is this right?” This was all good fun and not long after there was the odd cry of joy as needles became more obedient, Satin Stitch easy and Romanian Stitch interesting. “I’m going to use that one”, said Lindy Frayne, no doubt imagining a felt bodice that any self respecting Romanian would be willing to kill for. But then came the cursed Fishbone. Now this, for the uninitiated is a tricky little variation on a straight stitch where a triangular shape is marked out and then kind of followed down the sides and into a point. Under Helen’s needle this became a beautiful, even fishbone or leaf where the crossing over of the thread creates a lovely central line. Well, if anyone in the class got it first time, please contact the editor or myself with a photograph and accompanying witness signature, because all around me there was struggle. My sophisticated black felt sampler with it’s perfect, well nearly, straight stitches suddenly had a row of nasty little scrunched up knotty things, too entangled even to undo. It was hard, that Fishbone, and took a lot of persistence and cunning to complete. It was no good even trying to cheat from neighbours because they all had a hard time as well. You could tell by the muttered naughty words. “I will get this right if it takes till next weekend” hissed someone with great determination, after yet another demonstration by the ever patient Helen. It would be interesting to know if anyone in the class has become proficient at this stitch because I haven’t. I eventually sewed one perfect example, then fell back suffering from extreme exhaustion. Once that little obstacle passed we went on to Herringbone, (which someone swore she’d never done before! What kind of smarty pants school did she go to?) Cross stitch and the Chain stitches with variations.

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FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

The mood lightened heaps as we recognized the Lazy Daisies and had fun with Feather stitch, which is, let’s face it, a doddle after the frightening Fishbone. Then we tackled Knots in several different ways. All ended up knotty, if nothing else. This was followed by lots of excellent Blanket stitch. Be warned, Heather! Helen urged us all to use all these different stitches for fun and for emphasis in our felting work and not to aim for the perfect, but rather for enjoyment of the extra dimension and personal stamp that hand embroidery can give to our work. “The embroidery police will not visit” she warned, “unless you invite them”. This was, of course, exactly the news we most wanted to hear! I have had a go at lots we were taught on a felted piece that has been crying out for a little something special and have enjoyed the experience immensely. The piece is better for it and so am I, even though some had to be undone because it went wrong during a particularly harrowing “Four Corners” on the tele. It’s all grist to the mill, and I thank Helen gratefully for her encouraging, breezy attitude to a skill which is often a bit daunting and leads us into the “Running stitch or nothing” state of mind. Cheers, Helen and thanks again!

leeanne davis

by Louise Nidorf

LeeAnn began by talking about different images and how they may inspire us. She included colour, movement and rhythm in the thought process of changing a picture into a design for felt. There were examples showing the use of prefelts, textiles and stitching to help create the effect that was desired. It is a very useful way of attaching those difficult or tricky fabrics onto prefelts using woollen yarns. When the pieces are then felted the fabric, of course, stays in place . As there were some newer members in the class, LeeAnne talked about prefelts both wet and dry and the advantages of each. Whilst some in the class began their samples, she showed others how to make each sort of prefelt . Once we were underway we started to design our sample. It always amazes me in workshops how we all come out with such different pieces of work. We used tapestry wools and embroidery stitches to create different effects in attaching materials and decorating the pieces. Speaking for myself I found it an interesting experiment and a very relaxing day.

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convergence 2009

article

10th Southern Hemisphere Convergence in New Zealand By Val Hornibrook Yes it was a great trip to New Zealand. I had a week in Wellington and went to the World of Wearable Art which is held in September every year. Everyone should make that journey. The Convergence at Masterton was surrounded by a snow capped mountain range. There were lots of workshops - you could attend 4 each day with talks in the evening. I took notes and lots of pictures. There were 185 felters all with wonderful felt they brought to have on display and on show at the fabulous fashion parade.. After the convergence three of us traveled around the north island for 6 days, enjoying beautiful country, very friendly people and very unseasonal snow falls. At the convergence the New Zealand Committee accepted the offer of the Bunbury Felters group to host the next convergence in the southwest in 2011.

By Jenny Tate

On arrival we were met in the foyer, by Harry a larger than life felted character. We then registered, and went onto the [not too bad] accommodation. Dotted around were the brightly coloured, purpose made felt banners, which instilled in us what we had come for.It was sometimes difficult to decide which workshop to attend: shibori, needle felting, dyeing with Earth Palette dyes, slippers, Quality fibres- Quality felt, the list goes on. There was the usual exchange of ideas and picking up of new ones, It was a great friendly atmosphere, and some very hilarious moments with the talk by a personal groomer,( what a way to finish the week off!). I came away with new ideas, and a few kilos heavier, (glorious food) but very glad I went.

By Lorraine McArthur

The highlight for me was our exciting bus drive over the mountain to Wellington and the huge crowd that attended the WOW parade. Throughout the audience there were various acts dancing, cajoling and generally being hilarious before the parade began. The bra examples we saw as we went in and the comedic dancers all set the scene for a fantastic night .The children’s section with a praying mantis and group of children as dandelions enthralled us .The black light exhibits were outstanding with bumble bees and butterflies flitting around the stage. The outright winner of the $20,000 was a crinoline type dress made in wood mahogany and lacewood with 52 strips of maple and cedar for the skirt and a wig made of wood shavings by David Walker from Alaska. The convergence was well organised and we had superior accommodation and fab meals. Lectures were interesting and all will have learnt something new. The foyer of the hotel housed a huge gnome- like figure felted and needle felted, and other points displayed beautiful felted hats scarves and garments. The parade of garments was outstanding with entries from all states, Hong Kong and England. We laughed till we cried at a wonderful comedian, Lesley, whose premise was that you all must put the makeup on early, throw out the trackpants and wear cycle tights underneath because you never know when you’ll be hit by a bus. Above all tell your husband what you want to be buried in. Felt has come on a huge journey and is well received in the fashion world. Let’s keep it there or the Chinese will take that too!

By Helen O’Neill

We were greeted by snow capped mountains at Copthorne Hotel, Masterton, along with felt banners, garments, scarves, bags, hats, bootie tree, needle felted ornaments people wearing felt in some way everywhere. .Every day people wore something different in felt and were only too pleased to tell you about it, explaining the how, when and why of it to you. Their felt is thicker than ours but they have a much colder climate too. It was interesting to hear they use mostly roving, instead of tops, (which made lovely felt), and a few use alpaca.. Overall it was a great convergence. Highlight of trip was Award night of WOW in Wellington, a must do before one dies. We also got snowed in for 2 days, further north.

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FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

billboard

December 11 2009 – January 22 2010 Geraldton Exhibition: Momentum – 18th Tamworth Fibre, Textile Biennial Gallery 30 January – 20 February 2010 Vancouver Arts Centre , Albany: Nada Searles “Drifting in My Own Land” and thereafter 7 – 21 March 2010 at Katanning Gallery. Grampians Texture 20 -25 February 2010 includes felting workshops. See for full details [email protected] and www. visitallsgap.com.au 12 – 28 March 2010 Embroidery with Wool Exhibition. Contact [email protected] or www.embroiderersguildvic.org.au

28th Stirling Range Fibre Weekend & Porongurup Spin-In Fibre arts including spinning, weaving, basketry, natural dyes, held in two beautiful locations adjoining National Parks. Porongurup spin-in Thursday 25th March, 2010 at Porongurup Hall, Porongurup Rd, east of Mt Barker. Stirling Range Fibre Weekend Friday 26th March - Sunday 28th March 2010 at Stirling Range Retreat, Chester Pass Road, Borden www.denmarkwa.biz/fibre ~or ‘phone (08) 98481293 for mail-out, including information about accommodation. Opportunity to sell: a store showcasing Australian hand made and recycled wares wishes to add some fine felt scarves to its offerings. Send images of your work and prices to info@redfeathersanda hulaskirt.com.au

or call into Red Feathers and a Hula Skirt at 360 Marmion Street, Melville WA phone number is 93308866.

entries: 2 separate and distinct layers which are held together by stitching throughout the piece.

Keep an eye out for latest info on Fibre Art Calls entry details. See www.fibreartcalls.blogspot.com

Ginevra’s recipe, generously provided to our members is:

Fibres Geelong (Vic) and Fibres Stanthorpe (Qld) September 26 – October 2 2010 Geelong – note a ballot will be held on 7 January 2010 October 4 – 10 2010 Stanthorpe (no ballot) Co ordinator is Glenys Mann, contact her on [email protected] See www.glenysmann.viviti.com or www.fibresballarat.viviti.com Invitation to FeltWest members to enter “Stitch and Bound 2010”, an Exhibition of Western Australian Contemporary Quilts, Heathcote Museum and Gallery, Duncraig Road, Applecross, 2 September 2010 – 3 October 2010. Entry forms and more details available from www.waquilters.org.au. Entries close 30 April 2010. Note definition of quilt which applies to

FeltWEST 2009 Volume 4

thickened. When cooled add chopped fresh coriander or chives and enjoy as a sauce or a dip. Too easy...

Tomato Salsa olive oil 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 1/2 capsicum 400g tin roma tomatoes taco seasoning ground pepper coriander

This recipe is so easy but if cooked low and slow for about an hour or so will reward with a much richer flavour. Cook chopped onion in oil on low until caramelized (20-30 mins). Add crushed garlic and capsicum and cook further 10 mins, then add 1 or 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning or to your taste. Cook 2-3 mins till fragrant then add pepper and crushed tomatoes and simmer 30 mins till

Above: Heather Davis wears Alison Gomes’ pieces.

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FeltWEST Felt Exchange Project 2009