Housecoats and memories

November 25, 2021

For today’s post I’m sharing one of the exhibitions at this year’s Knitting & Stitching Show which took place at Alexandra Palace in October. This month my credit card bill is in and thankfully it’s not too bad. I know I left with some absolute gems and I’m looking forward to using them. Though there’s only so much you need, or rather desire and can use, no really there is.

One of my favourite parts of the whole show was the exhibitions which were dotted around the space. These housecoats by Maria Thomas were enthralling, and each has so much detail. Every time I look at these photos, I see something new, though for me these are way more glamorous housecoats than in my mind’s eye.

The accompanying information by the housecoats explained that these motherhood jackets:

Preserving her glamour after returning home from work, my mother often wore

a housecoat to do her chores. Not only a comfortable ‘round the house’ garment

it gave her a sense of empowerment and calm in knowing her outfit wouldn’t fail to flatter

as she juggled the tea time routine.

I will continue to be enthralled by these and pore over the work within each. If like me you want to know more about them and how they’re made the information alongside the display gives a bit more detail:

Paper ephemera, reclaimed cloth and haberdashery

Hand and machine applique and quilted patchwork

Just imagine the memories that just one of these would evoke, it makes me wonder what mine would include.

Black and white geometric patterns

November 18, 2021

When I walked into this room at the Argentine Ambassador’s Residence my breath was almost taken away. It was the modern geometric patterns against the traditional greys of the room - there couldn’t have been a better setting. But would you believe it, the tablecloths and ceramics aren’t by the same artist - but how well do they go together?

The main event here for me really is the ceramic sculptures. They’re by Björk Haraldsdóttir and it’s not only the strong patterns but the shapes of the pieces which fascinate me. I’m not sure I could choose a favourite piece, though the pair on the left of the photo below would be high up on my list.

Yes, these two.

It’s a pipe dream though as they’re out of my price range, but a girl can dream right?

And those tablecloths? They’re by Colour Squatters, which if I’m honest look great with these but are also pricey for tablecloths. But such a great match, and an expensive dream!

After the taking of tea

November 9, 2021

Remember my visit to the Ambassador’s Office during London Craft Week, well today I’m sharing one of the exhibits, and it’s the most divine tea service. Made all the better I think for the way it was displayed - and what better way, than on a dining table?

The pieces are by Charlotte Hodes and they are hand cut enamel transfers on chinaware. What appeals to me is the pattern, how they’re different but clearly related. The informality of them, but the formality of tea - and the quotes around the edge.

The broken tea cup though admittedly has much less real use, but just look at how the design flows between the oblong plates below.

AT THE CENTRE OF AN UNCERTAIN AND POSSIBLY ILLUSIONARY UNIVERSE THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE TEA.

And can you imagine a world without tea? No, me neither. MOH declared this week that it’s too cold for water and has upped his already considerable and much appreciated tea making duties.

TEA TO THE ENGLISH IS REALLY A PICNIC INDOORS

And I love the quote on the piece above, do you think it is?