Next meeting of the Yarra Valley Rug Makers

What a busy time of the year it is. Everyone running to and fro, here and there. This is supposed to be a time of relaxing, but often it is not. It often tires us more than anything.
Let's make it a time to gather our thoughts, and truly relax.Take some time out to smell the roses, do a little trip and enjoy other people's talents.
As you have probably read in the previous post,  there is an exhibition of beautiful pieces of fibre art handcrafted by Isabel Foster: The Challenge of Colour. From 14 December 2013 – 16 March 2014, in Burrinja Gallery in Upwey. 
What fun it would be to have our next meeting there. At the same time we can wander around the gallery and admire Isobel's beautifully, bold and colourful textiles. 
It would also be an opportunity to promote the wonderful art of Rug Making to a public mostly ignorant of this interesting craft. 
If you have been thinking of attending a meeting why not make it on Saturday, 11th January, 10.30AM at Burrinja Gallery, Cnr Glenfern Road and Matson Drive, Upwey, at the Burrinja cafe.

See here for directions on how to get there. http://www.burrinja.org.au/contact
I truly hope you can come and join us. Please come and say hi if you're in the area. 

Isabel Foster Retrospective on Saturday December 14th at Upwey

Date

14 December 2013 – 16 March 2014

Venue

Burrinja Gallery in Upwey

Isabel Foster: The Challenge of Colour

Explore delightfully bright, bold and bizarre textiles created by 92-year old artist Isabel Foster.

Isabel’s extensive body of work shows her lifetime’s devotion to needle and thread, colour and the ingenious use of the finest materials.

As a child born between two world wars, Isabel was raised in a time where thrift was given and home furnishings were handmade. This upbringing planted the seeds of resilience, independence and creativity, which have become the hallmarks of this remarkable textile artist.

Isabel’s passionate works highlight the ability to break with conventions and push her creative boundaries.

The exhibition will feature signature pieces from Isabel’s long career spanning 45 years.

EXHIBITION OPENING | Saturday 14 December 2pm
For more information click here

Isabel is brilliant! Her rugs are a wonder to behold, from humble Proddy's to extraordinary crocheted, wild things. A must see.

December meeting of the Yarra Valley Rug Makers

Hi from Loch in beautiful South Gippsland. 

Even though there were only three of us the weather, as well as the conversation, was warm and cosy. We were indeed fortunate to be able to celebrate Anne's birthday with her on that very day. We even had an inpromptu birthday cake and candle and sang happy birthday.

Joy showed us her beautiful adaptation of a new rug she is working on, showing all the homes that are featured in the  'Anne of Green Gables' book series. She designed and drew the pattern, then transferred it onto a Monk's cloth backing. It will be gorgeous when finished.

 

By lunch time she had already hooked most of the fist house and by day's end had also completed some of the greenery around the house. 

Anne continued to work on her Santa rug which may or may not be finished before Christmas.

Even though Lis couldn't be with us on Saturday, due to another engagement, she left us a photo of her wonderful 'Healthy Tree' rug. Her explanation is that the branches and the fruits represent her  healthy lungs after her giving up smoking.

It is indeed a wonderful memory and reminder for her.




Chris has started on her new portrait rug of grandson number two, Jacob. The face is mostly finished but she is have difficulties dyeing for blond hair and finding enough contrast between the skin and his hair . She got stuck into the dye pots today, but is still not happy with the outcome. Using onion skins and dyeing over natural and pale yellow wool the results were less than ideal. The floaties in the water are a combination of onion skins, teabags and coffee bags. Here are the results

Since then she has overdyed them with a very weak brown which seems to be better.

In January we hope to have our meeting at  Burrinja Gallery, Upwey, which is showing an exhibition of Fibre Art works by the talented  92 year old artist, Isabel Foster. Please come and say hi if you are in the area. We would love to see you.