perfectly imperfect
This time of year is always a time of reflection for me. The company has gone home, the leftovers still comprise a meal and the hours are open for quiet time. I am back at hooking my big rug, realizing just how long each of those paddles of coloured circles takes and how much time I still have to devote. There is little actually creative now, apart from combining the colours, but it is still a pleasure. And while hooking I am thinking about the past year. These photos and notes are the record of my perfectly imperfect life, the days and the creations. It was a big step for me, this public record, but overall, I think a good one. I would never have documented each product, each event, without it. And I would not have encountered so many lovely people through comments and notes. Thank you all so much for your support and interest.
Below is a poem about the beauty and necessity of imperfection by Molly Peacock and then a quotation from a recent blog entry by Danny Gregory, one of my favourite creators, reflecting on his son’s application to RISD. I hope you enjoy them and are encouraged to let your own red bird fly.
The Flaw
The best thing about a hand-made pattern
is the flaw.
Sooner or later in a hand-loomed rug,
among the squares and flattened triangles,
a little red nub might soar above a blue field,
or a purple cross might sneak in between
the neat ochre teeth of the border.
The flaw we live by, the wrong color floss,
now wreathes among the uniform strands
and, because it does not match,
makes a red bird fly,
turning blue field into sky.
It is almost, after long silence, a word
spoken aloud, a hand saying through the flaw,
I’m alive, discovered by your eye.
Molly Peacock © 2008
Used with permission of W.W. Norton and Company
“If a half-century of living on this sphere has taught me anything, it’s that regret is a waste of time, that one should seize every opportunity that comes one’s way, and that the fear of the unknown is just a one-way ticket into darkness. Fortunately, my son is braver than I am, less damaged, brighter, more confident in his abilities to change the world. He is my greatest work of art, of course I can’t claim all the credit.”
happy holiday
I want to wish everyone the very best of the holiday season. Thank you so much for visiting throughout the year and for leaving your lovely comments.
Christine
some endings and a beginning
I am winding down and ready for a break. Below is the last pile of mittens for 2011. Included in the pile is my first pair of men’s mittens (hidden in the back–dark, masculine tones, I assure you!) These are a special pair, lined with cashmere. Making these mittens is addictive–such fun to put the colours and patterns together. But ENOUGH!
And this is my final apron and my last piece of Marimekko fabric. I found some a couple of years ago in a store on Queen St. West in Toronto and of course, did not buy enough. And now the store is no longer there. Like Vera’s work, I have loved Marimekko since the 60’s when it was very available. This photo does not do justice to the wonderful designs on this coated fabric. If you click on Marimekko, you can view their fall fashion show–the fabrics are so inspiring. If you know where I can find some of this fabulous fabric, please let me know.
But on to new things. Below are two skirts I found in a thrift shop this week. They are both great quality leather, but the magenta is an amazing colour and not readily available in thrift stores. So…I am already planning a new bag. My inspiration is visiting on Christmas day, so we may have time to draft up a new design!
a couple of special bags
In a comment she made on yesterday’s post, Wendie talked about the joys of handmade gifts. I agree and am busy at this time of year trying to make all my ideas a reality. At left is a small pouch made for a special friend. I hope to do more silk screening with words in the new year.
Below is Carissa’s birthday Keller bag. It is made of a strong green leather, big enough for her laptop and with many pockets, including a small on one the back for her keys. The zippers are from the green Michael Kors suit–I used every inch of that leather and now the zippers. They are stronger than anything that I can buy on the market–hurray for upcycling.
hand made and reused
Over a year ago I made myself a promise that, as much as possible, I would buy hand made or second-hand, that I would avoid the imports which have inundated our lives. And I have been pretty true to the promise, except for my shoes which come from Spain–but I’ve allowed myself this loop-hole, rationalizing based on my comfort and support of a sagging economy! Otherwise my record is pretty good. It does help to have an amazing store in Picton, City Revival, where the ‘gently used’ clothing is beautiful and abundant.
However, it is the handmade that I want to write about. I am in such awe of the beautiful handmade items available and even more in awe of their creators. These artisans work all year to create and then stand for days and days at shows smiling and explaining as we handle their wares. It is not an easy life. Below are some of the beautiful things I bought for gift giving during my recent visit to Montreal.
The bowl on the left is made by Frédérique Bonmatin, the front bowl with the two marching birds and the two delightful houses are from Poterie Manu Reva on St-Laurent, a consignment store for potters.
And finally, a link to some other ceramics and so much more, a beautiful series of photos courtesy of Miss Moss. It’s worth the visit!
more from salons des metiers d’art
One of the displays was the Quilt of Belonging, ‘a stunning collaborative textile art project that shows there is a place for all in the fabric of society’. It is 120 feet long and has 263 blocks. We stayed for ages mesmerized by the rich variety and details of the blocks which moved around the colour wheel. The second last photo is the block made by Rosalie Yonaba-Bernier from butterfly wings. In her home in the Central African Republic the butterflies fill the sky and then die, leaving their colourful wings like petals on the ground.
Montreal
We are in Montreal for a few days. We went to the Salon des Metiers d’Art and a lovely cafe cum grocery store called Fuchsia. Here are some photos from the day. I am using an app for my ipad and it is not as flexible as the usual program (understatement!). First are two photos of the work of guest leather artisans from France, Cuir et Terre and Deux Filles en Fil, the pouch a purchase!
And then Fuchsia…for the perfect cup of cocoa and a lovely friend. Check out her new website.
owen’s work & Carissa’s surprise
My son, Owen, is an avid sailor and in his spare time he makes goods from recycled sails. Below are his toiletry bags–he cannot keep them in stock. These are made from a sail that survived the Olympics. I am delivering them this afternoon.
And…today is Carissa’s 28th birthday. We will not see her until the weekend, so I can’t show you her present. But here is a small hint. Sshhh..don’t tell her!
update
It feels like I have been away a long time. Back home now in the studio and ready for an update. But first, here is a beautiful shot of my older son, Colin, doing what he loves the most. This was taken on the St. Lawrence River at dawn last week.
I was in Toronto to see the Chagall exhibit (amazing), hear the Tallis Scholars (also amazing) and connect with old friends. I also managed to get some new leather–but that is for a surprise which will have to wait until post Christmas. Today I have been back at the machines filling orders for Bird in a Hurry totes. Here are a couple that are complete.
The apple green paint is actually a good match for the leather–not sure why the photo makes it look yellowish. At left is the interior zipper pocket.
Below is a second tote–this one ordered as a diaper bag! Tucked in the pocket is a matching pouch which clips inside, so the new mom will have everything she needs in one place.