Freeform Creating

Freeform knitting or crochet is a fascinating technique.

It can go in any direction and you are the boss of it. 

Create a circle with crochet, pick up some stitches and knit a few rows, cast off. Keep adding to your work, piece by piece,  colour by colour. Let it grow into an amoeba shape until you are happy with it. 

Make a bag , scarf, wrist warmers, or an outfit. 

It’s something you can just pick up and do. Make separate pieces and stitch together. Add embroidery, anything goes so get that imagination working. 

My latest garment is finished off with handmade buttons.

Junk Journal

What is the purpose of a junk journal?

It can be anything you turn it into. As I enjoy bookbinding I'm stitching my own book.

Over the years I have kept ephemera so have plenty of supplies for gluing in collage, old drawings, memorabilia, old books and photos.

I have often been told I can't draw so I’m using it to doodle and paint in. My skills are improving and I’ve found I like using a fine black ink pen. I'm on a junk journal journey so who knows what it will turn out like. I’ll keep you posted.

Start at the Second Page

Bookmaking has its challenges. After spending time cutting pages, stitching a cover and binding that bundle, the first page often poses fear and anxiety.

What if I make a mistake?

I don’t really know what to write?

Shall I just leave the book blank?

This blank page is daunting.

Start at the second page. A quote is always a good way to start as someones else's words can give you inspiration.

Randomly paint a few pages.

Colour on a page can give you objects or patterns that you can make out. It's called pareidolia. Just like we see the ‘man in the moon.’ In some dyed paper I saw a blue splodge as an eye and so embroidered a few stitches.
Give things a go. There are no mistakes.

Brooklyn Sketchbook Challenge

Progress has been achieved. The blank book as been dismantled and some colour and holes added. I’m planning on attaching a spine and binding the book. 

Poppies

In 2006 I created a textile artwork called ‘Poppy Parade’ 

The poppy is our national symbol of remembrance. Armistice Day this year was special as it marked the centenary of the end of the First World War. On November 11th we remembered those who served overseas, the many lives lost and the hope that peace continues.

My Grandfather Joseph McBride went to Gallipoli. He smuggled a forbidden camera inside his sock. My son Ryan and I have reproduced his photo album to share what he saw. 

The book is ‘Proof of War,’  and on the 12th of November we presented two books to Jeff Smith, Principal, Papanui High School in Christchurch. Joseph McBride was their first Principal in 1936.  

From time to time poppies pop up in my garden and I am reminded of the Canadian, John McCrae, who wrote the poem ‘In Flanders Field.’ The recent Wildflowers Exhibition held at the Russell's property in Hastings had a field of poppies.

Truly stunning.

https://www.amazon.com/Proof-War-Ryan-L-Jennings/dp/0473439115