TextileArts news and re:views

James Hare add to their collections of distinctive fabrics in preparation for the Decorex exhibition held in London this year. The leading silk specialists will be offering designers an innovative and moving colour palette along with new enticing textures and patterns.

Decorex International displays everything from floor coverings to high fashion fabrics, highlighting the latest collections from renowned suppliers from all around the world. The exhibition brings together a mix of professionals, including designers, retailers and architects all looking to absorb new creations and inspirational talent. The artistic prints and designer fabrics displayed at the exhibition are sure to impress and encourage creative thinking.

The show takes place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, UK, and runs between the 26th and 29th of September 2010.

James Hare provide an array of designer and fashion silks that have been artistically created to express unique style and sophistication. Bright colours and unusual textures are amongst some of the most beautiful pieces of fabric, perfect for the most eye catching fashion creations. Embroidery and embellishment is prominent within the collection of fashion fabrics available from the range.

James Hare has developed ‘Savoy’, a heavyweight silk satin with a unique curl-free finish that has been created in 33 colours, from simple neutrals to energetic shades. Simila Silks are linen look matka silks in various neutral shades. This year’s range includes stripes and embroidery in nine different colour-ways.

James Hare is based in Leeds, UK. Visit the James Hare web site to see more and find stockists worldwide.

A new concept in textile kits has been launched by "Squidgy stuff" called ‘course in a box’.

They sell a series of beginners' kits in patchwork, embroidery and appliqué, which contain four separate projects and a whole wealth of techniques. The ‘course in a box’ is aimed at beginners from teenage to pensioners and each one comes in two different colourways. To complement the new range of kits, “Squidgy stuff” has also launched a range of ‘kits in a bag’ suitable for 8 years old and upwards so the aim is to inspire young and old to get started and learn a new skill.

To celebrate the launch of the new site during February and March 2009 there is a special buy 2 get 1 free offer - buy any 2 kits (adults' or children's) and they will despatch a 3rd children's kit to you for free. The free kit will be a lucky dip from the children's kits range.

Squidgy stuff also sell a range of country living inspired home accessories and gifts designed by textile artists and handcrafted along with a selection of vintage, shabby and chic gifts.

The Manchester Craft Mafia are holding a Christmas Market at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, on 13th and 14th December 2008, where you can "peruse a delectable range of contemporary textile and paper based handmade gifts".

More info on their web site.

morsbags are a great, subversive idea to fight the damage plastic bags cause to the environment, by replacing them with cloth bags made by 'pods' of people and given away to shoppers.

let's do something positive to reduce the hideous number of plastic bags being used - 1 million are consumed per minute globally - of which hundreds of thousands end up in the oceans.

the idea is to get together with people in your local community, drink wine and make reusable cloth bags (from old duvet covers, curtains from charity shops etc) and hand them out to the unsuspecting public for free on specified dates outside different supermarkets.

meet new people, do something marvellous for the planet and beat other pods (groups) of baggers with your morsbag tally.

go to www.morsbags.com to be a part of a wonderful thing!

p.s. non-commercial/ non-profitable - just full of beneficial things for everyone, especially whales!

There's a list of existing 'pods' on the morsbags web site - or you could start your own!

A new venture by artists Linda Kemshall, Laura Kemshall and Catherine Nicholls, thr3fold is subtitled 'the journal of creative vision'. Issue 1 of the journal will be launched at Ironbridge on Sunday 3 June 2007 - admission by advance ticket only. Linda, Laura and Catherine will be exhibiting nine new quilts and other works, demonstrating techniques featured in the first journal and giving a lecture.

Filled with inspirational articles, projects and information the journals cover a broad spectrum of creative subjects including quilting, drawing, painting, printing, embroidery, knitting and collage. Each journal consists of a 52 page book gloriously illustrated in full colour and a CD packed with further information including printable patterns, copyright free images and video demonstrations.

You can preorder Issue 1 on the thr3fold website, or from the DesignMatters store, where there's a preview of another exciting goodie from Linda and Laura Kemshall, their new book The Painted Quilt, due out in August.

Fine Cell Work, the charity that teaches needlework to prison inmates and sells their products, is holding its annual sale of cushions, quilts, Christmas decorations and rugs at Chelsea Old Town Hall on 16 and 17 November 2006. This could be an ideal opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, and if you don't find what you want among the designs on sale, Fine Cell Work will be available to discuss and take commissions.

For those can't get to Chelsea for the sale, a wide range of products including cushions, rugs, quilts, bags and kits can be ordered online from the Fine Cell Work web site.

Fine Cell Work online shop
Chelsea Old Town Hall