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a day in the city…

September 8, 2013 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

a day in TO 1

I love this view of the backside of the Art Gallery of Ontario.

mayan rug 1

rug 3

rug 2I went to the city on Saturday for two main reasons. First I wanted to to see Ancestry and Aristry, the display of Mayan textiles from Guatemala and secondly I knew of a good quality leather remnant sale.

Toronto was in the midst of a deluge, and of course crowded to the hilt with Film Festival goers–Brad Pitt arrived just after I walked along King St–(no I didn’t see him!) But my umbrella and I were able to get to both of my venues with ease. The display at the Textile Museum was wonderful. I especially was interested in the three hooked rugs from the Thirteen Threads Cooperative where Mary Anne Wise has been teaching rug hooking. Jenn Manuell was there this year and posted great photos on her blog. The colours and vitality of all the work, mostly embroidery and weaving, were outstanding–and the women have carried these qualities into their rug hooking. Of course I am interested in how their techniques of using traditional motifs and patterns can apply to hooking in Kenya. And interested too in the fabrics they used which seemed to be pretty much what they could lay their hands on.

I was thrilled to get this 4 kg pile of good quality leather remnants. I find that a small piece spurs my imagination and I come up with new designs which would not occur to me if I had lots of leather. The red piece in particular beckons.

I also got a new punch for hammering out circles, so am thinking about a series of polka dot pouches. Stay tuned…leather remnants

Filed Under: Hooking, inspiration, recycled leather

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sheri "Missouri"

    September 9, 2013 at 1:57 am

    Do I see a royal blue or cornflower blue???? That burgundy is goreous! Can’t wait to see your new designs!
    Missouri

    Reply
  2. Birdbrain

    September 9, 2013 at 11:20 am

    Good morning!
    The blue is a small piece, but there is actually enough of the burgundy (3 pieces) to make a bag if I am careful. And it is beautiful leather.

    But right now I am working on some polka dot pouches and small bags. Having fun mixing colours.

    thanks so much for your interest–it means a lot

    xine

    Reply

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