Friday night was Party Night in Birmingham and I had decided to join in, not knowing quite what to expect. The theme of the party was Fashion Sans Frontieres, a light-hearted but equally serious tussle between Russian and British designers and textile artists to design outfits within four criteria: Day Wear, Evening Wear, Accessories and Wearable Art. I only snapped a few of the outfits as Sandra and I were sitting quite a long way back but you should be able to see the very high standard of the clothes. Ferret had designed and made some fantastic outfits and the star of the evening was Tec (?) in a suit of armour, the bravest man in a sea of women!
After some rather complicated marking which appeared to say that Britain won but ended up with Russia in front (I think!) all the participants received a beautiful bouquet and a box of Coats threads. It was good to see some very talented young designers taking part and they made very expert models too.
The following morning all the outfits were on display at the Festival and I grabbed a few quick photos as I was about to leave. I now wish I had captured more!
One of the Russian designs, a felted waistcoat.
I loved this Russian woven dress and hat which I think is based on a traditional style.
I love the waistcoat on the right. I think the bloomers in the middle were sported by Jennie Rayment! Along with 8" heels! What a girl!
Helen Deighan made and modelled this amazing coiled dress above and had a nest of baskets to match (a play on the Russian Babooshka Dolls).
Lastly but decidedly not least is this unbelievable leather coat designed, made and modelled by Ferret which you can see in progress on her blog. The phoenix comes from her astonishing quilt 'Phoenix Rising' which was also in the Show. (You will need to look in Ferret's art gallery as I couldn't get a direct link).
Returning to the show, here's a few more images and links (hopefully!).
Beth Wheeler's 'Whisper on the Wind' for rust-Tex.
Jane F Ogren 'Rusted Geometry' for Rust-Tex.
Jean Cheszek 'Moonstruck' also for Rust-Tex.
Grietje Van Der Veen's beautiful quilt.
'Say Yes to Carrots' by Linda Robinson which gave me a big lift!
The fabulous Kemshall Chair. This was the closest I got to Linda and Laura Kemshall's stand so I didn't manage to get their latest 'thr3fold' magazine.
As well as enjoying the Show I did a three hour workshop with Janice Gunner which I enjoyed and I'll show you that next time.
(I apologise for the quality of some of the images. I am a bit disappointed that my new camera did not cope as well as I had anticipated with low light and no flash. Maybe I expected too much).
(I apologise for the quality of some of the images. I am a bit disappointed that my new camera did not cope as well as I had anticipated with low light and no flash. Maybe I expected too much).
18 comments:
Oh my goodness Julie !!! Waht an amazing show!! i am so glad that your friend is better so you ahd a chance to go!!! allo fhte images that you ahve shared with us are wonderful and so inspiring!! Thank you for all fot he links as well- so amny links so LITTLE time!!! i loved seeing a full size image of your fabulous piece and gettting an idea of the scale of it!!! Fabulous job my friend!!! I so wish that we had more quilt festivals here in the states. They never are as inspiring as this display! Soemtime I might just have to pop over!!!!!
I'm beginning to realise that I missed more than I thought!
Must try to go next year!
Thankyou for all those lovely pics Julie - you might be disappointed by them but I wasn't. Stunning pieces of work - I love Whisper on the Wind and that amazing chair. Hope you are feeling restored and that your friend is continuing to make good progress.
Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by earlier. Don't be disappointed with your photo's, they were great. There is a world of talent out there that through your blog, I am only just beginning to appreciate.
It's great to see photos of the clothes. I saw a few items after the fashion event but couldn't get up close and personal with them (or see them moving!).
Thank you Heather :) My friend is comfortable and itching to get on her feet again. I still haven't been to see her as the cold is still with me but I'm sure I'll get there in the next day or so.
Great photos. Unfortunatley I wasnt able to go this year. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Julie, it'll be lovely to see you at Oakham.
Hi Julie, Janice said that she had met you, glad that you were able to get there. Great wasn't it. loved the Kemshall chair but too many oeople looking at it to get a photo. I loved Ferrets quilt, such wonderful stitching and as I was waiting for Nickie to get her quilts at the end of the show, I saw Ferret wearing her stunning coat.
I hope you soon get over our cold.
It was so great to see you. I love you fashion show photos. Have you seen Ferret's blog? She would like any photos of her sending from the fashion show. How is your cold now? Unfortunately I have come down with one as well so little in the way of stitching done since my return. I hope G continues to make good progress, let me know how see is once you can manage to visit. Hugs
What an amazing selection of work and all so different, fantastic.
Hi have just read your last two blogs together - sounds like you had a great time dispite the rotten cold. I am so pleased that your friend has had her operation and is now hopefully starting to recover. We went on Sunday and saw your quilt it was fabulous - we had a great day, exhausting but well worth it.
so glad to have met you - your quilt was fantastic - hope your friend is making good progress
Hi JP, good to have met you too :) I've been to see my friend today and she is looking well and the hospital are pleased with her progress so far.
Glad you got to the show and nice to see your selection of photo's.x
Absolutely beautiful quilts. Think I love "moon struck" the best and the chair is amazing!
Oh Julie ,what an array ,of ....well!! just the most wonderful creations I am so thankfull you were able to go after all ,and to share this entry with us ..love Jan xx
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