by Kathleen Lyons
The Crysalis Moving Textiles series offered by the University for the Creative Arts in the UK features some of the world’s most exciting examples of textile innovation. An exhibition at the Herbert Read Gallery on the UCA Canterbury campus during June and July of 2014 brought forth some Jetson-like textile art projects that intrigued and even startled many hitherto-naive fiber lovers (c’est moi.) I had no idea that such a broad range of art students, faculty and professional fiber artists was exploring the interface between textiles and technology in so many amazing ways. No Luddite, I was a tad skeptical at the title: “Moving Textiles”, wondering if my long detour from London would only yield some self-indulgent fashion-school gimmickery. But no.
You had to be there, but the creative energy and out-of-the-box design sense in evidence were of the highest calibre. The thoughtful integration of technology in the design and function of textiles made attending this show both a delight and an education in textile modernity.
More photos and a better explanation of the aesthetic messages of the show are here.
by Kathleen Lyons
Nothing enhances the charm and beauty of Paris more than the floral finery of springtime.
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Burgeoning greenery in the gardens of the Musée Rodin surround and complement the array of August Rodin’s magnificent sculptures.
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Familiar, even clichéd street scenes take on a freshness that portends the coming warm season.
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The streets are beginning to stir with people and pets; new energy is found for walking, rain or shine, and for creating, perhaps a bright spring knit cardigan, or a new skirt in hemlock green.
Searching for just the right beautiful yarn, trendy fabric or distinctive buttons? There’s L’Atelier on Rue des Plantes — inspiring ribbons, buttons, yarn and more. The friendly staff are knowledgeable and not snobbish…one of many great haberdasheries in Paris.
Enjoy the Spring!
by Kathleen Lyons
A bright-to-mute transition of color heralds the start of the cooler season in New England.
While spending time apple picking, pumpkin-carving and canning the last of the tomatoes, we hardy inhabitants of the Northeast U.S. can view our autumn landscape as an inspirational palette for winter art and craft creativity.
The woodpile grows, windows are weather-proofed, bulbs planted, the gardens put to bed. Fall festivals and country fairs are in full swing; neighbors share mulled cider and quote the Old Farmer’s Almanac, speculating on the harshness of the coming winter.
We pull out our warm knits and refresh them in the autumn breeze, maybe finding that some hats are too small, some scarves too short, or a sweater riddled with moth holes — and then there’s the Christmas knitting.
Patterns are explored and plans take shape for fall knitting, crochet and quilt projects.
There’s a unique pleasure in choosing the right materials for the right purpose, considering the recipient’s age, coloring and tastes. Our surroundings yield ideas for colorways that we might not have imagined – Nature always surprises, even when ‘helped along’ by man! Native or hybridized, the final splash of autumn color is a welcome and inspiring sight.
by Kathleen Lyons
A major highlight of my spring London sojourn was visiting the Fashion and Textile Museum, Bermondsey Street, near London Bridge station.
Their featured exhibition was a heart-stopping retrospective of Kaffe Fassett’s incredibly versatile body of work, from his early needlepoint designs, through his prolific body of knitted work, and on to his current ‘quilt phase’.
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Let me know if you would like a custom-designed itinerary for your London Textile Sojourn! And, I will be leading several 3-day London Fiber Tours in 2014 – subscribe to our mailing list, and watch this space!
