Recycled Cotton yarn

 i purchased some DMC Nova Vita recycled cotton yarn from Woolybutt. It was a bit expensive, can't quite remember how much. I've decided to just knit some dishcloths with it as it feels quite strong and textured. A good combination for dishcloths as mine are showing severe signs of wear. That I've had my dishcloths for many years doesn't make me feel bad about replacing them. However, this yarn also includes 20% polyester and I'm not sure that the repercussions that might arise (ie. micro plastics) from using it as a dishcloth, makes me feel that this is a one-off attempt.

I am looking at recycling my pure cotton worn out dishcloths, but it's not going well so far, as I seem unable to unpull the yarn in sufficient lengths and I can't seem to find a way of shredding them. Another project.

Anyway, some new dishcloths for me.

PS Woolybutt is looking so good under new management.

Fibre and Clay

 Many years ago I had a joint exhibition at Bolin Bolin garden centre in their gallery and shared the space with a ceramicist. It was a great exhibition in a lovely space.

I've always wanted to combine textiles and ceramics and finally managed to find lessons in the right place and the right time. (Though I did have to give up Yoga for four weeks!) It was at Clay and Co in Cowes on Phillip Island. It was a course that did both an introduction to wheel-throwing and hand-building. Alot of fun and I learnt alot, though, as usual, you find out how much more you have to learn.

Wheel throwing was fun and I managed to produce some pieces, but it reinforced my idea that this is not what I wanted to do.

Hand building had been beckoning ever since I read an article in the British magazines 'Crafts' . The potter being interviewed was a hand builder and liked to do it because you were able to get more texture into the work. This spoke to me as how I would like to work and the class confirmed it.

These are little pinch pots that are just clear glazed, but they do show off the different clays that were available. I like the idea of using different clays to get different effects, rather than using glazes. It feels more organic. 

My first piece out of that class worked well but wasn't exactly as I had envisioned. 

I decided to work with it and continue my idea. Adding Weave-it loom fabrics attached with wire, I made it into a 'Tower'.

I'm very happy with it and long to get onto the next work. I should manage this Thursday, but I've been saying that for weeks....no clay, no clay delivery, space closed...it all adds up. Can't wait.