Marlene King

We are very honoured to have you as a member of Fibres and Fabrics! For our readers can you define yourself – art/craft wise?

I would define myself as a textile artist/quilter. Over the years I have tried many crafts. The main ones of these would be potting and spinning and weaving. I have a Diploma in Hand weaving, from Launceston TAFE. After gaining this I had my studio open to the public for over 10 years, during which time I wove the fabric and made garments up, and these were sold to many overseas countries.

Are you more comfortable working in one particular medium than most others?

My medium is textiles, be it fibre or fabric, either cotton, wool or silk.

Are there any artists or crafters who, more than any others, have influenced you in your creative life and why?

In my time as a quilter, Gloria Loughman has influenced me more than anyone else. Before I started quilting I had seen Gloria’s work and was entranced by it.

Describe your workspace.

In one word a shambles! My work space is small now, the smallest room in the house, as opposed to a purpose built studio when I was weaving.

What 3 tools could you not live without?

My sewing machine... I get withdrawal symptoms if I spend more than a few days without using it. Also the rotary cutter and scissors. The iron is also an important part of my working life.

Do you keep a sketchbook or journal?

Yes, but I contribute to it and also use it in fits and starts.

We all share our knowledge at Fibres and Fabrics and you have been very generous in this area. Do you extend this in any way by teaching other workshops?

Over the past years I have done many workshops in both QLD and Tas, but now it is only the occasional fun day to help others in their creativity.

How do you inspire your creativity when you’re stuck?
I put the article on the design wall, and go on with something else, and usually an idea comes within a week and I think why didn’t I think of that before!

If cost wasn’t an issue, what avenues would you choose to explore?

I would like to explore textile art further, but place of abode as well as a diminishing memory is a problem.

How do you balance your life?

The balance in my life is heavily unbalanced by the time I spend in the sewing room, but I like to read and also garden.

Your work has appeared in more displays or exhibitions than it’s possible to list. Do you have any work coming up for exhibition in the near future? If so where and when?

I have cut competition work down to a minimum, and this year a lot of time will be spent on a Wedding Quilt for my granddaughter, and also making her bridal gown, but I have an exhibition booked for Oct-Nov 2012 at a local gallery.

What does your work mean to you?

A sense of fulfilment. I like to set myself a challenge, and accomplish it the best I am able.

What a talented lady! Wonderful to get to know a bit more about you. Thank you.

Farewell Farmhouse

Wednesday 27th July 2011 marked the last meeting of Fibres and Fabrics at the Historical Farmhouse.

Suzanne, Pam and their band of stalwart workers have sorted and packed, cleaned the old and the new, organised the removalists and ..... hey presto! Well done ladies! You've done so well.

The next meeting will begin an interim era in a shed at the Showgrounds. Watch this space for pictures of the new location.

Margaret Wretham

As a long time member of Fibres and Fabrics you are recognised to be talented and creative. How do you define yourself – art/craft wise? A mixed media textile artist with a passion for silk painting and recycled wearable art.

Are you more comfortable working in one particular medium than most others? Love playing with silk exploring arashi shibori, recycling found objects.

Are there any artists or crafters who, more than any others, have influenced you in your creative life and why? Ken Smith started my love of silk, Patricia Black with her arashi shibori silk techniques.

Describe your workspace. Work from my garage generally where my steamer frames and dyes live.

What 3 tools could you not live without? Silk steamer, scissors, hot glue gun.

Do you keep a sketchbook or journal? From time to time.

We all share our knowledge at Fibres and Fabrics. Do you extend this in any way by participating in or teaching workshops? Have given various workshops in silk painting and art books.

How do you inspire your creativity when you’re stuck? Talk to Jackie Elmore on the tablelands or go walking on a beach collecting things.

If cost wasn’t an issue, what avenues would you choose to explore to expand your skills? I would fly to Italy and spend two weeks with Patricia Black playing with silk.

How do you balance your life? Family, friends, swimming, beach, baking cup cakes for Ronald McDonald House.

I know we can expect an amazing piece of creativity from you in the coming Alba Leucos exhibition at Umbrella Studio in August. Has any of your other work appeared, or is it going to appear, in a display or exhibition either collaboratively or alone? If so where and when? Wearable art pieces at Hobart Art on Legs in July, Pieces in an exhibition at Perc Tucker Gallery with 12 artists choosing to paint portrait of seniors.

What does your work mean to you?  My work is the expression of my creative imagination that has to emerge . My work is my relaxation, comes from my spirit, and is my love of life.

End of an Era.

An era of Fibres and Fabrics is being packed up into boxes for the move to temporary accommodation in a shed at the Show grounds.  Mixed feelings abound! The Farmhouse in Castling Street, one of the Historic buildings, has been home to Fibres and Fabrics for nearly a quarter of a century and holds lots of memories for members. But the future looks exciting with the City Council having allocated the group land on which to build as soon as sufficient funds have been raised. This is a huge challenge facing Fiberians, which they will no doubt meet head on.

Let the Show Begin!

The Craft and Sewing Show was thoroughly enjoyed by our members. To see a slideshow of our participation please click this link.

The winner of the quilt raffle, drawn at the Craft and Sewing Fair, Townsville Entertainment Centre, on Sunday 17 July was L. Doring, Townsville, ticket No. 913580.

Judy Hunter in Brief.

You’ve been a valued member of Fibres and Fabrics since it was founded which indicates that you have always been a creative person. Can you define yourself – art/craft wise? I am not really creative. I am much more of a technician but very interested in a wide range of arts and crafts.

Are you more comfortable working in one particular medium than most others? Yes probably patchwork and cross stitch.

Are there any artists or crafters who, more than any others, have influenced you in your creative life and why? No one individual who stands out. I have learned from many tutors. Maybe Pauling Roberts from Toowoomba.

Describe your workspace. Cluttered. The back bedroom which needs to be cleared if we have too many people come to stay.

What 3 tools could you not live without? Probably scissors a needle and some thread.

Do you keep a sketchbook or journal? No, I take photos of projects when completed.

We all share our knowledge at Fibres and Fabrics. Do you extend this in any way by participating in or teaching workshops? I participate.

How do you inspire your creativity when you’re stuck?  Usually by starting a new project and leaving another UFO.

If cost wasn’t an issue, what avenues would you choose to explore to expand your skills? I see it rather as time as an issue. It is so easy to become overloaded when you are retired.

How do you balance your life? Badly. Always too much to do and too little time.

Has any of your work appeared, or is it going to appear, in a display or exhibition either collaboratively or alone? If so where and when? Only in Fibres exhibitions.

What does your work mean to you? I feel a sense of achievement when I complete a project.

All Set Up!

Well, Fibres and Fabrics is all set up and ready for the Craft and Sewing Show 2011!

Under Barb's guidance the members have the setting up of the display down pat and it's looking good. There's a really gorgeous quilt being raffled this year. The proceeds will be added to our funds for  relocating, something which is imminent. The knitting table where those attending the show can rest their legs and sit and knit, or learn to knit if they don't know how, is ready and waiting. Their efforts will contribute to the teddies being made for Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids project. Fibres and Fabrics love to be involved in charity work.

The display this year is really vibrant and interesting. The various skills of our members have been artistically combined to showcase the group's diverseness.Hope you'll come along!