Trees - Manchester School of Art

I've borrowed this image from the Manchester Metropolitan University website - I just hope it's ok. It's a selection of Christmas Trees made by Foundation Students at Manchester School of Art.  Aren't they wonderful?

Degree Show Time

Work committments meant that I didn't get to see any of the shows this year, though I'm pleased to say that Manchester Metropolitan University - my old stomping ground - has their work online already. The course is structured a lot differently to when I was there years ago - then you had to choose at an early stage which discipline you wanted to study. I went for print ... I was happy about the drawing aspects, which I loved, but I always had a hankering for working with threads and yarns too. That seems to happen now. The course is called 'Textiles in Practice' and has a multi-media approach from the very start. Three sets of work caught my eye from this year. I've borrowed some images and artist statements for criticism and review only, from the MMU website, and hope that this post encourages more visits to the website or to the actual shows.

Ruth Murray says: 'My work explores the relationship between the drawn, printed and stitched mark. Using a range of textile processes, I have created embellished fashion fabrics for a scarf collection. These evolve from drawings which were translated onto fabric using a combination of hand and digital print. Embroidery further enhances the surface with freely flowing marks sewn on the Cornelly machines. Abstract designs convey the energy of the coastal landscape through marks observed within the space. I was drawn to contrasting textures and the relentless motion of the waves and tide. My work involves an intriguing juxtaposition of inspiration: vibrant colours extracted from aquatic life reveal a hidden world of colour beneath the water’s surface. I also studied rocks and shells collected from the beach and the specimens at Manchester Museum. Extracting their intricate details and surface patterns, I sought to display a world of beauty, wonder and curiosity.'

I was attracted to the drawn qualities of Ruth's work on the delicate backing fabric, further enhanced by stitch. The colour combinations are striking too.


Emily Otchie says: 'I have long been influenced by a fusion of cultural influences, whose vibrancy is reflected in my work. As a result, my work is always one to stand out from the crowd, with my fearless use of bold and vibrant colour and eccentric style. With family from both Ghana and the U.K., I am drawn to contrasting themes which explore the range and diversity of cultures that live side-by-side in modern society. This has been the driving force throughout previous projects and has carried through to my graduate collection. My collection explores the juxtaposition between modern urban life and traditional tribal textiles, fusing bold colours, patterns and embellishment with urban garment silhouettes. I am most excited about exploring the range of possibilities that can be created by pushing the boundaries within knit techniques as well as traditional craft, giving knitwear a personality which exudes lots of energy and colour.'

The bold colour combinations and innovative use of knit make Emily's work a favourite with me.


Emma Ross says: 'I am a process led designer. By using a combination of hand-printed techniques, I produce contemporary print designs for fashion. Abstract shapes and ceramic sculpture have inspired my current collection. By constructing a collection out of ripped shaped templates each of my prints are unique. I use manual processes as a form of development. Inspired by my initial prints, I use the print room as my starting point, drawing from my prints and creating textural collages that reflect the same qualities. My work is mainly led by composition, colour proportion and texture, which is shown in my 3 dimensional drawings and playful sketchbook. I work with both translucent and opaque fabrics, showing innovation within a fashion context. The context of my work is varied; my prints work well in small-scale proportions suitable for underwear and swimwear, however my fabrics could work well as designer womenswear fashion fabrics.'

Emma's use of gold with sophisticated combinations of matt colours caught my eye, expecially as I've been experimenting myself with the use of gold leaf lately.

See more great work at http://degreeshow.mmu.ac.uk/

Happy Easter

I took these photos on my last trip to Manchester.  I'd never actually been in Manchester Cathedral before and was amazed at the stunning stained glass windows.  I always like to light a candle in churches - a symbol of hope.  Happy Easter everyone, whatever your beliefs.

Busy Bee ... But no sewing yet ... :-(

Well I haven't been idle, it's just that I don't have any sewing time ...  I completely forgot that I was going on a pattern cutting course at the end of March - thought it was later - which means that although I have the Burda Bomber lined up as my next project, I still haven't been able to do it yet.  I've also been 'home' to Manchester and started on the design work for my C&G Sweater assignment.  I'm completely enjoying being on the 'fringes' of sewing though.  I've done part of the pattern cutting course, which has been one of the best days I've spent lately and I'm also loving 'The Great British Sewing Bee' as Tuesday night's TV viewing.

I am a busy bee!  'Bees' are everywhere - did you know that it's the mascot on the Manchester coat of arms, as an industrial symbol?  Then there's Sewing Bee and finally, I've treated myself to a silver bee from Silver by Teresa.  It arrived a couple or so weeks ago but I haven't been able to blog about it because of my business ...  Anyway, as you can see, it's beautiful ...

Silver Bee by Teresa, Sewing Bee and a Manchester Bee!

    

The Northern Quarter - Street Art

I've been back to Manchester for a few days.  The Northern Quarter, just off Piccadilly, is a centre for arts and creativity.  Each time I go, I notice something different - especially the murals.  This one has been there since 2011 and I've now done a bit of research on it.  It seems that not all the 'street art' is exactly that and much of it has been done commercially, but that doesn't detract from its beauty.  This one was commissioned by Converse Trainers (you can see the 'star' logo on there).  It's enormous, taking up the whole gable end of a multi-storied red brick building.  I didn't notice the bird at first though, as I was too busy looking at the trailing plant up the right hand side - in fact I've found a couple of the photos of the bird in close up from elsewhere on the t'internet.  Sorry if I'm treading on anyone's toes with them ... I'm not sure where they came from, but this is for criticism and review only, in a very positive way!

    
The Northern Quarter has been likened to 'Old New York', because of it's features ... fire escapes and multi-storied buildings.  Many of the buildings have been and still are being used for clothing manufacture and wholesale retail - that's what I always used to know it for before it became trendy recently.  Several films have been made around here - I can often imagine car chases in detective films and tv series going on ...

Manchester Metropolitan University - Good News!

Just wanted to share the news from Manchester Metropolitan University: Our BA (Hons) Fashion course is officially one of the best in the country! Jo McCullagh, Head of Design, said: “I think it’s great to be accredited by an industry panel of real fashion experts such as this one. To have names such as Betty Jackson and Nicole Farhi recognize the quality, employability and focus on industry and creativity that the course has is a great achievement." Read the full story at: http://www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/news/item.php?id=548

More Manchester Flowers

I've always remembered this little flower stall on the corner of St Ann's church in St Ann's Square but this time, it seemed to have grown to twice it's size with flowers spilling out all over the pavement....

Nostalgiafest...

I've just been back to Manchester again, taking lots of photos as usual. I've been messing about with some colour effects in this collage. I've tried to make it look around 40 years old at least, not sure if it's worked ... This little bungalow is where I was brought up until the age of about 7. Underneath is a photo of where 'Butch' the dog used to live - I remember because he was very child friendly! The front garden of the bungalow is concreted over now, but my Dad used to grow dahlias and chrysanthemums. There just happened to be a Flower Show on while I was in the area - I think years ago, Dad must have been inspired by events like that ... It was great to wander round the displays ... brought back a lot of memories ...

Old Haunts ...

I took a bus up to Piccadilly from outside the Costume Museum - 2 came along at once straightaway!  Travelled the length of Oxford Road, past the University and the Polytechnic buildings - now known at Manchester Metropolitan University.

I used to cross All Saints Park several times a day to get to the School of Art  ... picture taken from the bus window ...

Past the library ... spent many happy hours in here searching with microfiche ... before computers!

Piccadilly was extremely busy, due to The Manchester Games.  A long jump and high jump in Albert Square I believe, as well as a sprint up Deansgate!

Love the trams, a great addition to the city.

There seem to be markets on a regular basis in the centre of Piccadilly these days.  Always on different themes ...

Didn't have much time to spare as I had spent too long in the Costume Museum this time, but I hope to be back soon.  Did manage to find Purl City Yarns on Port Street in the Northern Quarter though.  They seem to stock a large range of the more unusual brands - will investigate properly next time ...

'Knitted Elegance', Platt Hall Gallery of Costume, Manchester

I went a bit mad photographing exhibits here.  The Costume Gallery is newly refurbished and open every day of the week now, whereas 20-odd years ago, when I last visited, you could only go on certain afternoons of the week or by appointment. 

The redecoration is fabulous.  Galleries are clean and airy and the exhibits well chosen and placed.  The ground floor concentrates on 20th century fashion and represents a wide range of designers and includes hats, shoes and handbags.  Upstairs, the decor is Wedgwood blue, picked out in gold, to emphasize the stucco plasterwork, which is part of the original decor of the hall.  The exhibits here date as far back as the 1600's and include framed examples of textiles.  See www.manchestergalleries.org/.../platt-hall-gallery-of-costume for further information in a comprehensive website divided into collecton themes such as Designers, Clothes for Work, Recycled Fashion and Materials and Making for examples.

I'll write some further posts about the collection, but at the moment, I'm concentrating on 'Knitted Elegance', which is currently showing as a special exhibition but ends 2 June 2013.  There are pieces from most of the decades of the 20th-21st centuries on display with a mix of hand and machine knit, constructed in a broad range of materials, from synthetic through to natural fibres.  Featured designers include Missoni, Westwood, Hilfiger etc ....  I was so pleased that my photographs turned out well.  I've listed each exhibit below.


Peruvian Wool Dress. Rene Dmytrenko, 1976. Shetland wool, A-Line. Knitted on a domestic knitting machine by a craft knitter in Todmorden, Lancs. In horizontal bands - Llamas, dogs, birds and men. High waisted, wide skirt, labelled, 'An Original by Rene'. Worn by the textile conservator at Platt Hall in the 70's.

Green Handknit, 1954, eau de nil wool in stocking stitch.  Copying Dior's New Look.  A state registered nurse from Ashton-Under-Lyne knitted this herself and wore it for work.

Black wool cocktail mini.  Alice Temperley, mid 2000's.  Openwork large diamonds with wide boat neck.  For glamorous evening events.  Labelled, 'Alice Temperley, London'.  Company launched in 2000 when she was 25.  She often chooses to use knitting in her fashion collections.

Mondrian.  1980, Yves Saint Laurent.  Wool jersey in blocks of primary colours.  House of YSL re-issued the 60's look using machine knit instead of woven wool.  Labelled, 'Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche'.

Vivienne Westwood.  Mid 1990's.  Short cocktail dress, knitted in hairy mohair, brushed with gold in painterly splodges.  Deep 'V' shapes at front and back necklines.  Pink cotton jersey lining.

Missoni Trouser Suit.  Early 2000's.  Machine knitted rayon.  Open work with wide 'V' at front and back, with tiny cap sleeves.  Flared, scalloped hems on trousers.  Labelled, 'Missoni - Made in Italy'. Purchased at a Manchester Dress Agency.

Jane Sarkar.  1985.  Knitted on a domestic machine in horizontal panels of Fair Isle.  Right shoulder knotted, left twisted and fastened with silver coloured buttons.  Jane Sarkar is a north-west based designer, who started work in 1983.  This is an early creation acquired in 1986.

Black cocktail dress with perspex discs.  Sonia Rykiel, 2012.  Retro mini dress in machine knitted cotton.  Opaque black perspex discs.  Labelled, 'Sonia by Sonia Rykiel'.  She is known as, 'The Queen of Knitwear' and started out in the 60's.

Striped dress, Coast, late 2000's.  Machine knit.

Dark brown cocktail dress with cerise band.  Bitte Kai Rand, 2012.  Machine knit stocking stitch.  A Copenhagen, Danish company founded in 1981.  Now the premier Scandinavian fashion house with branches all over Europe.

Monsoon, 1986.  Jacquard design of flowers and stylized geometric motifs.  Bought for £55 by the gallery from Monsoon in Manchester.

Hilfiger denim.  2012, camel coloured wool/viscose fitted shift dress.  Machine knitted to resemble handknit.  Contrast at neck simulates an under vest.

Claret Top and Black Skirt.  2001.  Maria Grachvogel.  Knitted cashmere top, trimmed with ostrich feathers.  Black silk crepe skirt.  Labelled 'Maria Grachvogel'.  She launched the label in 1999 aged 21. Internationally known now since her catwalk show of 2001 when Victoria Beckham modelled.

Gold trim cocktail dress.  Early 60's.  Machine knitted with spotted allover bugle beads.  Gold interlocking bow reminiscent of Schiaparellis knitwear.  Figure hugging and fully lined.

Moschino.  Jumper dress, machine knit in pure new wool.  Labelled, 'Moschino Cheap and Chic', 1988.

Contemporary artists have provided their response in an upstairs room.

There's a hanging display of knitted nets and a sound installation plays chattering voices which conclude with,

                                               'We knit, we stitch, we unwind ...'

The continuous loop is effective.  A piece of knitting lies on a large wooden spool, ready for visitors to add their contribution and I couldn't help but leave a few rows of stocking stitch behind me ...

Rylands Hat - Finished!

Here it is, it all came together quite quickly at the end as I decreased for the crown.  I've been wearing it already and wouldn't be without it in the weather we're having at the moment.  Perfect for early starts and walking to railway stations!  Will try and get a photo of me wearing it at the weekend.

Rylands Hat - nearly there!

It's coming along nicely, only gone wrong once so far and not too painful to correct...

The Hidden Colour of Manchester

When I was a student, years ago at the Polytechnic (as it was known then), our first project on the printed textiles course was, 'The Hidden Colour of Manchester'.  That was quite a challenge in those days, (the mid 80's).  Now, since the rejuvenation of the city, I can spot stuff all over the place ...

Lovely old city brickwork

Jewelled umbrellas outside Oklahoma - cafe and quirky gift shop

Memories of The Hacienda days ...

Some legendary Coronation Street stars

Fred Aldous arts and crafts shop window - this store has been here since the 1800's but is now enjoying huge popularity since the crafting revolution, hence 'make something'

The Pop Cafe

Me in Manchester

Here's a few photographs of me that I've just been sent.  I'm in the new part of the city, outside Louis Vuitton (I can but dream ...) and The Shambles.  The Shambles was taken from its old situation in the city, lifted up and re-located here in the paved area.  I had lunch in Nicholson's here - I do recommend it - excellent food in a lovely historic building.

In historic Nicholson's 



Outside Louis Vuitton = maybe one day I'll have a handbag like that ...



Must be my favourite way of posing!  Here I am complete with shopping - I bought a Matthew Williamson butterfly collection cushion from Debenhams.  Matthew Williamson is a Manchester lad, all the best creative people come from here :-)))! 

Photo from the Debenhams website - I bought this one, like a modern version of an old style Toile de Jouy.  Like the city of Manchester, it mixes old and new ...