Creative Fibre Magazine June 2003, vol 6 no 1

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June 2003, vol 6 no 1

Highlights:

Did This Really Happen!

From Janice Jones, Wanaka.
jones.jpg - 20kb The Creative Fibre Festival is now a dream where I keep asking myself "Did this really happen, winning the Award for the most Outstanding Garment and First time Exhibitor?" But the dream is realized by the local Wanaka Community who are so supportive re my recent success and continue to remind me, by showering me with congratulations.

I would especially like to thank all the sponsors for their huge contribution for without them Festivals like this would not happen. I would like to congratulate all the winners and entrants to the Fashion Parade and Exhibition for their high standard of entries, it was very impressive and also to thank the Organizers for the hours of work put in.

The inspiration for my fibre creations come from my years of experience in the retail and fashion industry. I get these little ideas that pop into my head and having been in the retail trade for 25 years, it rubs off on you. I have been dabbling in clothing and reconstruction all my life, learning how to sew from my mother on her Singer treadle sewing machine at age 10. If you've got a creative mind then the bells just keep ringing, things just keep popping in. This year I thought I would like to do something with denim.

jones.jpg - 56kbThe denim garment is made from a combination of fibres, strips of fabric, denim, cotton, wool and polyester to create a rag-work effect. The fibres are laid down on a wash away solvy bag, top and bottom, pinned together, then stitched on the machine making sure all the lines are connected. The finished product is then plunged into near boiling water where the solvy disappears and you are left with your article. Finish off with a warm wash and spin out excess water in the washing machine. Lie flat to dry. I use anything I have to get the desired effect I want to achieve.

I have been an enthusiastic quilter and textiler for the past ten years. I keep exploring, all the time, anything and everything that I can to do with fibre, colour and thread. I particularly like lots of texture and the rustic look. I go through a careful process of selection and collection to achieve the design I imagine. I always have my eye out for different materials that I think I might want to use, collecting and gathering these. I sketch my ideas, think about colours and brainstorm. There's a lot of work that goes in before you actually start to make the garment or wall hanging. Finally I get to put it all together.

I am also a member of COOTS. - Central Otago Outside the Square. We want to do different things and not just stick to one particular style. We like to push the boundaries. It also helps you to improve on your work. I started using wool fibre about four years ago and I love the way it is so compatible with other fibres. The experience has left me feeling ready for new challenges, which will give me a chance to extend myself even further.

I leave you with this quote from Dr. Robert A Schuller. "Life is about chipping and chiselling at life's challenges with confidence and hope until beauty emerges".

All the best in your textile journey.