Basket weaving workshop with Maryann Talia Pau

I was pretty chuffed to spend a day learning traditional Samoan basket weaving techniques at Harvest Textiles yesterday. I've always wanted to turn my weaving into three dimensional objects, and here was my chance to learn from someone I have a bit of a art crush on - Maryann Talia Pau. She is totally humble, funny, enthusiastic, energetic and full of passion for what she does and the life she chooses to live. I've felt a little overwhelmed by work lately, so it was absolutely heartening to sit and talk textiles with other women in the workshop who love it as much as I do. Discussing cultures that pass on knowledge to children and how important it is to retain those links with our pass and draw them into the future with us. Using Harvest Textiles scraps and raffia, I ended the day with one small basket and the beginnings of another. My basket didn't quite sit flat enough, but I plan on practicing over the next few months and hopfully mixing things up a little. Check out Maryann's website and Plog (no typo) if you haven't yet. Her writing is just as inspiring and I walked away with renewed energy. I'm thankful for that.

 

Pop Craft

I've been trying to fit everything into my week since starting a new job. Let's just say there hasn't been much time for weaving. Pauline, a talented friend has opened a pop up store on Lygon Street East Brunswick called Pop Craft for which I was to supply scarves and jewellery. The jewellery is complete and hangs alongside work by label Stella Has Knits. The weaving however, will take me a few more weeks to finish. The store occupies a single shop front in the Harvest Textiles building and sells beautiful knitting yarns, along with work from emerging designers and installations by local artists. Gus Kemp's work features this fortnight. Also on offer are classes by amazing hand knitter, David Pearce and machine knitting classes by Leeana Edwards. If you're in the neighbourhood, it's worth a look. More photographs to come.