Brixton...

Just thought I'd put a bit about Brixton and the new project we've got. Its all about transition and the outcome is basically a fashion garment to be worn at our own fashion show at Brixton market!! I went to Brixton for the first time and although its not the fanciest of places, it will still be really exciting to have our work displayed there on models and there are some really lovely little shops and cafes in the market so hopefully it will attract a good crowd and be a good night- if they put all the fish away... (fingers crossed anyway!!)

Unexpected Knotting

Also I've been to a few workshops to help with the project and learn a few more skills- macrame and pom pom making. I had never even heard of macrame but someone said it was good for people interested in construction like weave and knit so I put my name down for it! As I had no idea what to expect I was really pleased when I turned up and saw all the examples the tutor had brought of lovely, what looked like hand woven pieces and structures hanging on loops and poles all made with lots of lovely yarns and different fibres. Macrame is actually knotting and is surprisingly easy even though in the diagrams on the help sheets it looks awful!! In the day I managed to make about 5 samples which I am really proud of and I think I will use the skill in some way the project as a final outcome because it gives a really interesting texture and it is possible to make little twists and holes, which resemble the lichen structures I am focusing on.

Pom pom making was also really fun and so relaxing, it reminded me of been 7 and sat on my grandmas sofa making them all night with my sister when we went to stop over! It was funny because we all spent hours making these big fluffy balls and then the tutor showed us an easy way to do it which takes about 10minutes!! Ah well, at least it bought back some good memories...

RIP McQueen

I have literally just been crying my eyes out after watching the Alexander McQueen Documentary on More4, it so so sad. He was such a genius and I had no idea how much pressure he was under constantly to produce not only his own line, but lines for Guicci and Versace, he was making 10 collections a year which is just so much hard work its no wonder he resorted to drugs to even stay awake at times. I couldn't believe some of the stuff the programme said about his collections though, and how people didn't like them because of the way they portrayed the female body and provoked too much of a reaction, but I thought isn't that what fashion is about? Making people rethink and look again at something, and really challenging what is right and wrong? His Highland rape collection was really criticised for been too 'out there' and been derogatory to women but the garments were so beautiful and amazingly crafted I found it hard to believe what the critics said- after all everyones entitled to their opinion I guess!! If you've not seen it I really recommend it, it shows a lot of his work and gives an insight into the industry which is normally behind closed doors.