2010
In the previous year I’d pondered whether I was a bit over knitting. Still, I did plenty, including the ‘Bernardathon’ (three knitting patterns by Wendy Bernard). There was weaving, too. And some natural dyeing.
At the start of the year I set myself a challenge called ‘Projects of 2010’ in which I tackled a photo album, floor rug, mirror frames from pegs and chopsticks, tea towel pillows, painting a wall with bubble wrap and turning half of a shop mannequin into a plant stand.
I got into recycling in a big way. I wove cassette tape! I fused plastic bags together by ironing. Toward the end of the year, after a short stint hand sewing and mending clothes, I discovered refashioning in a big way. With Paul’s help I made a duct tape dress form.
Lots of bookbinding & book art was explored in the beginning. Later I dove into printing, first by cutting up foam mats into stamps, then trying printing with a pasta machine.
I did a lot of soul searching over art, making a scrapbook and continued Sketch Sunday. I made a ponchard box, and mini paint tins.
The range of creative ideas I pursued that year amazes me now. It was a big year for exploration and invention.
2011
I started the year with ‘Projects for 2011’, but I only got half of them done. Successes included reducing my silk painting supplies and making a certificate portfolio.
Sketch Sunday continued. I started life drawing classes. Later I participated in the Sketchbook Project (but was very disappointed the next year when they cancelled bringing it to Australia). I made an effort to sell some paintings.
We travelled to Europe for my work, and I bought only a little bit of yarn, keeping my suitcase as light as possible.
Lots of knitting, weaving and refashioning was done. Bookbinding seems to have dwindled, though. I tried more printing at the start of the year, but decided oil-based ink was too messy. I stuck with stamp carving and acrylic paints/inks, and made wrapping paper.
The year ended with the onset of RSI. My hands were so badly affected I couldn’t hold a tea cup. It turned my creative life upside down.
I’m astonished at the breadth of your artistic endeavours – and you are so good at all of them! I’ve just downloaded your pattern for the rib mitts. Thank you! I’m attempting a slow destash by knitting small items for KOGO and these look ideal for using up the stray ball or two.
Not all of them! There have been some terrible duds over the years. Enjoy the mitts!