THE GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE

The Great British Sewing Bee has just finished, and what a nail biter that was. No obvious winner until the very end. Although, Heather hadn't always shown the most original creations, her last couture dress was a stunner. So, well-done to her and let's the next series roll in! If you haven't seen the final, click here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b040rsjg

The Great British Sewing Bee has been an incredible and unexpected success. Made on the same principles as The Great British Bake Off, this series has attracted 3 million viewers for its first final. A third series has been commissioned for our greatest pleasure. Even Alison Graham, the editor-in-chief of Radio Times declared she preferred it to The Great British Bake Off which was quite a declaration to make. I much prefer it too.

What I like about it is the mixture of people who are competing, the surprising creations, the level of skills demonstrated, the variety of challenges, and the personalities of the two judges. Claudia Winkleman is a brilliant, lively and friendly presenter, and the space where the competition is filmed is a place wonder.

So, for all the fans out there, I have a sewing kit on sale which may either encourage you or a friend to take up sewing. It is printed on a 60's inspired sewing themed design and includes a sewing bag, a pin cushion and a needle book. The whole set costs £11, the items sold separately £4 each. You can buy them on-line here: https://beta.folksy.com/shops/vivelarepublique/collections/89741

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIGHT POLLUTION

We are all aware of this mostly urban phenomenon. Apparently it wastes £1 Billion a year in energy. Are you annoyed by bright street lights, neighbour’s drives or front door powerful lights, and wonder why shops and offices leave their lights on whilst not in use? I am.

Some Councils are starting to take the issue seriously and environmentalists are demanding action, both in cities, and in the countryside. The night sky is getting harder to observe and more worryingly, it has been blamed for disturbing the migration of birds and the breeding patterns of nocturnal creatures.

Personally, I am really unhappy and concerned about this excess of light. Some will argue that we need it for security reasons. First, light everywhere actually encourage burglars by enabling them to navigate more easily at night. Second, it disturbs sleep patterns to such an extent that it has grave consequences on health and quality of life. I am getting more and more annoyed by people, councils and corporations who think they can impose their 24 hours a day lights on everybody else. Because you can afford it, does it make it right? It is wasteful, therefore concerns all of us. Selfishness, paranoia and simple disregard rule. What’s your view? For more information and facts about light pollution, click here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16470744

In addition, with earlier, brighter mornings, occasional hospital stays, holiday accommodations, or on the move, I found myself wanting a simple and practical solution. I have created a collection of sleeping masks lined with light blocking material. They are perfect to catch forty winks and restful nights without worrying about not being able to fall asleep or being awakened by sunlight.

 

For a perfect gift for Mother’s Day, click here:

https://beta.folksy.com/shops/vivelarepublique/collections/89721

 

North Finchley Arts Depot Artist Competition

Here's my submission, Tracey Emin style.

 

This piece entitled “Dear John” plays on a double entendre of the week-end bag we pack for City Breaks to get away from it all versus social unrest. The cities we may visit have all experienced riots. The souvenir patches and other memorabilia we collect during such visits reflect the hidden side of tourism. The title “Dear John” may be heralding bad news rather than the usual postcard bearing a happy message.

“Baby In Babylon” was a title from a song by French singer Serge Gainsbourg. The visual pun is self-evident.

“City Breaks/Gastro-touritis” reveals through the use of colours the term “CS Gas”. It is also a cynical take on the tourist industry which promotes “foodie” tours, regardless of any political historical context.

Both sides bear patches. One of them is “Spring In Cairo”, the visual is a street graffiti found in Cairo during the Arab Spring. The other is an original poster of Jubilee the film by Derek Jarman, which has deeply influenced me. I added “God Save The People” in opposition to the Royal motto.

I collect badges in general and found that a few of them reflected the theme of social unrest.

The rosette is made out of newspaper headlines. The Police Line coupled with “Everything stops for (a cup of tea)” ribbon is an equivalent to the “Keep Calm & Carry On” propaganda posters. The centre of the rosette “Une Saison En Enfer” (A Season In Hell) is the title of French poet Rimbaud’s poem anthology. It’s a direct reference to Rimbaud’s rebel image and critical outlook on life. The rosette is also an allusion to electioneering by MPs who do not respect the will of the people who voted for them in the first place.

The handles and the “Dear John” title are made out of bandages, an inherent consequence of bloody urban conflicts.

The bag has been packed with newspapers instead of holiday clothes. A title pears through the opening (”Early Warning”) in prevision of more strife to come.

Textile, patches, felt and such sewn directly on an everyday object are a direct reminder of Tracey Emin’s art. However, as a textile artist and also a copywriter and political activist, the work is more of a reflection on past, recent and present social events and how they affect me personally.

 

 

ARE YOU MODERN?

Do you consider being modern important? I don’t own a smartphone, never bought a pair of trainers or downloaded music from the Internet. However, I consider myself thoroughly modern having been through Punk to supporting Occupy London and setting up an online shop. 

Georgians Revealed is a current exhibition at the British Library (see previous post). It shows how the Georgians invented modern life, from interior decorating, tea time, department stores to entertainment and sporting events. But it also shows that none would have been possible without the slave trade.

 

 

“One’s got to be completely modern” – Arthur Rimbaud

Do you own an apple phone? How do you feel about the workers assembling these phones committing suicide over their working conditions? Did you know that Steve Jobs was classified as a sociopath even by the FBI?

There is a dark side to modernity. What do you think about modernity these days? Is it all about technology and less about progressive ideas?

            

 

Inspired by my own interest in the Georgians, and Toile de Jouy invented at the end of the 18^th Century, I created a collection of rings for today. They bring the needle felting technique together with Toile de Jouy appliqué. I also designed Valentine’s Day cards with a Georgian themed collage. Modern is also recycling the old for a new life cycle.

You can purchase these through my online shop: https://beta.folksy.com/shops/vivelarepublique

GEORGIANS REVEALED

Georgians Revealed: Life, Style and the Making of Modern Britain is an exhibition at the British Library to celebrate the 300 years anniversary of the period, starting 1714. Mainly made up of printed material, it is worth visiting for the parallels it is possible to make with contemporary living, from the British obsession with tea to interior design, pantomimes and shopping. It feels all strangely very familiar.

Outdoor installation of a Georgian garden dedicated to George I

What caught my eye was the beautiful shop display. And more particularly the Toile de Jouy Georgian dress. Tea towels and aprons are on sale. Which is odd because Toiles Jouy were produced in France (see my page about the history of Toile Jouy) and became popular during The Regency period, Empire in France, the last part of the Georgian era. 

 

Check out my apron in Toile de Jouy below. It was selected as Favourite Finds by Folksy. 

 

  
They also sell cushions with Georgian prints. Again, I sell similar cushions. My shoe collage cards are inspired by the Georgians. Similar shoes are on display at the exhibition.

This exhibition is at the British Museum, King's Cross, and runs until the 11th March. It costs £10 or £5 concession.

JOYEUX NOËL ET BONNE ANNEE

I wish all my customers, followers and well-wishers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for your custom and encouragement.

Love,

Catherine

GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Did you watch it? It was nice to see all the semi-finalists and winner again. Good to hear they had been busy, especially Lauren who opened an haberdashery. How brilliant! Actually, she's the one who made the most attractive gift of them all with her doll house.

Lauren's shop in Moseley Village, Birmingham http://www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk/

Home-made gifts indeed are not for everyone. However, one Christmas I was so short of money I made Barbie dolls clothes for my daughter. Whole sets, packaged like the commercial ones, it was so attractive that she thought it came from the shop.

I think people appreciate that sort of gift only if they think you are exceptionally talented at what you're doing. If they think you're an artist and want a well-crafted, attractive item, they'll be pleased to get one you've made especially for them. Otherwise, it is more of an embarrassment  than anything else, especially for men. The gardening belt featured in the programme may cause some unwelcome reactions, as the Guardian TV columnist pointed out in today's G2. Poor bloke!

In contrast, I really like the bag Stuart made for his boyfriend. However, I got lost in his instructions, but the result was great. I hope his man will appreciate.

Contrary to Kirsty Allsopp on Channel 4 whose personality (that whinny voice) I cannot abide, I love the unfussy and matter-of-fact presentation, the skills on show, the tutors and the whole atmosphere of the programme. I am looking forward to hear from them again soon.

If you want to watch it again, or if you've missed it, click: http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b03mk8kb/
Hurry, only a few days left to watch.