This past weekend at a local living history farm museum, they ran a program called Just the Flax. It was a one display, short program concerning the processing of flax fibres. In just 45 minutes I learned so much! I could not get over how quickly the flax can be processed into fibre, it was like magic. I was able to spin a bit of it too...first time sitting at a wheel, I only have every spun from a drop spindle. I was so easy, I cannot stress to you how easy it was!
So after some serious thinky thoughts since Saturday, I am wondering if I could have gotten a tighter weave structure on my shirt linen if I had gone with a finer weft thread. This is something I am going to have to experiment with once I get my loom set up.
I am also left wondering why we as a province producing more flax and linen. We have the perfect growing conditions, it really should be a crop that we produce...more thinky thoughts...
here is a link to the living history farm http://rossfarm.novascotia.ca/
Monday, 24 February 2014
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
back at the computer...
The thumb drive I uploaded my presentation to would not speak to the computers at school, so I had to fly by the seat of my pants and do my presentation old school. Thank god I brought my sketch book. I felt pretty shitty about the whole thing, but I know that it was a test run for my thesis presentation coming up. I may bring the laptop for that one, and a mood board, and hopefully three of my outfits. It'll happen mid March now, I suspect.
Why so late you ask? Well, I have one last rewrite to do, stating the obvious in my opening paragraph what my thesis is. I am sitting at the computer to do that today. Then I will send it off in all directions and set up the meeting of the committee. I will be ready for that!
I am well on my way of having two outfits finished by the end of reading week next week, and hope to have the third patterned out and cut in good cloth. I will wear one of the outfits in the presentation, and have the other two on manikins. I also will put together a mood board of the women of Punk that I'll be referencing in my thesis.
I am excited to finally be working on the project. It's been a rough year but I made it through. Dr Randi talks about the project to everyone she can. I hope that with this thesis project, we can open up the space for a broader conversation, and we can, as a discipline, stop trying to put people into boxes they don't need or belong in. In other good news, Dr Randi has not just been voted Best Professor in Halifax, but it's looking like she'll be Chair for the Cultural Studies department for the next couple of years. This is exciting news! I may be in a women's and gender studies program at another University, but my thesis advisor is the Chair of a department that I would have rather been in, if they had a Master's Program. Here's hoping that my project can open that door as well.
Well, I should go write...I have someone sitting on my shoulder, piss nooshing me in the ear...
Why so late you ask? Well, I have one last rewrite to do, stating the obvious in my opening paragraph what my thesis is. I am sitting at the computer to do that today. Then I will send it off in all directions and set up the meeting of the committee. I will be ready for that!
I am well on my way of having two outfits finished by the end of reading week next week, and hope to have the third patterned out and cut in good cloth. I will wear one of the outfits in the presentation, and have the other two on manikins. I also will put together a mood board of the women of Punk that I'll be referencing in my thesis.
I am excited to finally be working on the project. It's been a rough year but I made it through. Dr Randi talks about the project to everyone she can. I hope that with this thesis project, we can open up the space for a broader conversation, and we can, as a discipline, stop trying to put people into boxes they don't need or belong in. In other good news, Dr Randi has not just been voted Best Professor in Halifax, but it's looking like she'll be Chair for the Cultural Studies department for the next couple of years. This is exciting news! I may be in a women's and gender studies program at another University, but my thesis advisor is the Chair of a department that I would have rather been in, if they had a Master's Program. Here's hoping that my project can open that door as well.
Well, I should go write...I have someone sitting on my shoulder, piss nooshing me in the ear...
Monday, 3 February 2014
Oh look, there went January!
Well, things are progressing, even if at times it doesn't feel like it. I started cutting my collection last week, made the first piece, did some refining of outfits, added a couple. I really need to sit down and tidy things up and refine my design sketches. I also have a presentation on Thursday to do, so I will try to sit here at the computer over the next couple of days, do that and create a proper blog entry for you all.
Maybe I'll upload my presentation...
I picked up my loom that weekend. It is beautiful, but we moved it right into storage so I wouldn't be tempted with even more projects. It will stay there until we move again and I have a studio. I have more than enough projects on the go right now that need to be finished...apart from the thesis and collection. Yeah, I'm feeling a little scattered.
Well, I'm off to bed, I promise I will do something up proper for you all this week!
Maybe I'll upload my presentation...
I picked up my loom that weekend. It is beautiful, but we moved it right into storage so I wouldn't be tempted with even more projects. It will stay there until we move again and I have a studio. I have more than enough projects on the go right now that need to be finished...apart from the thesis and collection. Yeah, I'm feeling a little scattered.
Well, I'm off to bed, I promise I will do something up proper for you all this week!
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Plugging away
I have been writing a bit, working through subculture theory. Ill have to spend quite a bit of time writing this weekend to have something to hand in next week to Dr Randi. I haven't heard back from Dr Jayne yet, I'm hoping that's a good sign that she likes my proposal. I hate to nag.
In collection news, I've been working on refining design sketches. Last night I went out and bought a lot of the fabrics I'll be using, today it will be organization, laundering the needed fabrics and possibly starting the knitting on the first outfit. I'm going to do some swatch tests for sure, and maybe work out the neckline of the sweater. I won't be following a pattern for the sweater, rather working it out on my own...we'll see how that goes.
In weaving news, I have a loom waiting for me to pick up. It is a Colonial box loom. I'm excited! The lady selling it to me was one of my visitors this summer who sat and chatted with me for a while. No, I have no idea where we'll put it...we'll cross that bridge when we get it home. It may have to live in the lock-up for a while, but I'll have a loom.
Anyway, today I am knitting and laundry...
In collection news, I've been working on refining design sketches. Last night I went out and bought a lot of the fabrics I'll be using, today it will be organization, laundering the needed fabrics and possibly starting the knitting on the first outfit. I'm going to do some swatch tests for sure, and maybe work out the neckline of the sweater. I won't be following a pattern for the sweater, rather working it out on my own...we'll see how that goes.
In weaving news, I have a loom waiting for me to pick up. It is a Colonial box loom. I'm excited! The lady selling it to me was one of my visitors this summer who sat and chatted with me for a while. No, I have no idea where we'll put it...we'll cross that bridge when we get it home. It may have to live in the lock-up for a while, but I'll have a loom.
Anyway, today I am knitting and laundry...
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
wow, it's been a while...
It is now Christmas day.
I got my beautiful winter coat made, it is in lightweight red melton with a red kasha lining. I used http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1083-products-9203.php?page_id=850 from 1953, so lovely! I ended up not doing the top stitching, as the melton proved to be fussy. I also added more buttons and buttonholes because we're having a really cold winter here and it is only the beginning! I made bound buttonholes, which normally are easy peasy for me, this time around though, because of numerous factors, each buttonhole took two or three attempts to make happen. I was so pissed by the end of that day!
In the end, I figure it took a week to make, from start to finish. I may also have to take the shoulders up just a bit, as my own shoulders are so narrow, the off the shoulder look is a bit too extreme.
Christmas Eve is actually where it's at for this family. Our party is on that day, we have all of our friends and family over for a big casual afternoon. This year's count was around 40 people. Then once everyone went home, we had a simple supper of fried eggs on toast (I have to think ahead better next year and make a casserole I can pop in the oven or something) and gave our gifts to each other. I can't even say we opened them, because none of us felt like wrapping them, so we each handed each other shopping bags and boxes. I must say, it was funny, but also really relaxed because nobody felt like they didn't get enough presents for anyone. We were all just keen on what we received. I got a lovely merino sweater and two pashminas from Pierre, then Mum handed me the giant box of heavy and I knew it must be books! She's been so excited for the time to arrive. So yes, several large, heavy on the words books on Punk, written by really great authors. She also indulged my love of colonial periods and bought me two books on early history, both in Europe and here in North America. And!!! A new bookbag, actually two, with the choice of which one I'd keep, and one for Pierre. Luckily, we all agreed that the elongated messenger bag worked better for him, and I would keep the traditional style shoulder bag. My mum, always buying gifts in the middle of the night and not remembering until they arrive what she's bought...it makes for a fun Christmas!
Pierre got a waxed watch coat for the 18thC to keep him dry. The bag. And the giant pile of long sleeved T shirts. I think I got him 8 of them this year! He's a happy guy. Mum got the traditional nightgowns, a sweater and my brother got her an iPad. Pierre also bought us all new leather slippers.
Our kids had a new family photo taken and framed for us, which is something that money just can't buy and is cherished. The younger members of our 18thC family did the same...it was a fabulous gift from both.
Today has been a whole lot of relaxing. I cooked a turkey, we ate it, there is lots left over for my favourite part of Christmas...leftovers...tomorrow we go to my brother's for leftovers, then home for more relaxing.
This coming week I will be creating mood boards and design sketches for the collection that is accompanying my thesis. I'll be doing a lot of pinning, so check me out on pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/esteladufrayse/
I got my beautiful winter coat made, it is in lightweight red melton with a red kasha lining. I used http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1083-products-9203.php?page_id=850 from 1953, so lovely! I ended up not doing the top stitching, as the melton proved to be fussy. I also added more buttons and buttonholes because we're having a really cold winter here and it is only the beginning! I made bound buttonholes, which normally are easy peasy for me, this time around though, because of numerous factors, each buttonhole took two or three attempts to make happen. I was so pissed by the end of that day!
In the end, I figure it took a week to make, from start to finish. I may also have to take the shoulders up just a bit, as my own shoulders are so narrow, the off the shoulder look is a bit too extreme.
Christmas Eve is actually where it's at for this family. Our party is on that day, we have all of our friends and family over for a big casual afternoon. This year's count was around 40 people. Then once everyone went home, we had a simple supper of fried eggs on toast (I have to think ahead better next year and make a casserole I can pop in the oven or something) and gave our gifts to each other. I can't even say we opened them, because none of us felt like wrapping them, so we each handed each other shopping bags and boxes. I must say, it was funny, but also really relaxed because nobody felt like they didn't get enough presents for anyone. We were all just keen on what we received. I got a lovely merino sweater and two pashminas from Pierre, then Mum handed me the giant box of heavy and I knew it must be books! She's been so excited for the time to arrive. So yes, several large, heavy on the words books on Punk, written by really great authors. She also indulged my love of colonial periods and bought me two books on early history, both in Europe and here in North America. And!!! A new bookbag, actually two, with the choice of which one I'd keep, and one for Pierre. Luckily, we all agreed that the elongated messenger bag worked better for him, and I would keep the traditional style shoulder bag. My mum, always buying gifts in the middle of the night and not remembering until they arrive what she's bought...it makes for a fun Christmas!
Pierre got a waxed watch coat for the 18thC to keep him dry. The bag. And the giant pile of long sleeved T shirts. I think I got him 8 of them this year! He's a happy guy. Mum got the traditional nightgowns, a sweater and my brother got her an iPad. Pierre also bought us all new leather slippers.
Our kids had a new family photo taken and framed for us, which is something that money just can't buy and is cherished. The younger members of our 18thC family did the same...it was a fabulous gift from both.
Today has been a whole lot of relaxing. I cooked a turkey, we ate it, there is lots left over for my favourite part of Christmas...leftovers...tomorrow we go to my brother's for leftovers, then home for more relaxing.
This coming week I will be creating mood boards and design sketches for the collection that is accompanying my thesis. I'll be doing a lot of pinning, so check me out on pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/esteladufrayse/
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
feeling like things are coming together.
I just printed off my paper for Dr David Howard on the philosophy of Punk. I am feeling really good about my writing, it seems to be getting better with each kick at the can. I think I have made a case for why Westwood was just as important to British Punk as McLaren was, maybe even more-so.
I learned this past week that there will be a new book out of her life, with some 'startling new details' now that McLaren is gone. It will be interesting to read it.
I also feel that my personal style is following the concepts that Westwood laid the early groundwork for, I have always felt Punk, and have gone through many 'looks' of Punk and have been looking at the retro wearing grrls of today as being very much Punk. This paper, I think, tidies that up nicely, talking about the things Westwood wore early on as being both Teddy-boy and very Punk. My thoughts for my own fashion collection are coalescing as well. I can't wait to get started on it!
but first, finishing up my dress for Thursday evening, and getting a winter coat made. I bought the fabric for the latter project Sunday afternoon. It will be red wool melton, with a kasha lining, interlined in both hair canvas and cotton flannel for warmth. Red! Dr Randi will be pleased ;-) she loves it when I wear colour. I know Pierre is happy, he was as emphatic about the red wool as he was when we bought my red Fluevogs.
Right now though, don't look at me...I am looking very much like the Grad student I've become. I really should go put some proper clothes on.
In the meantime, check out the World's End Blog by Westwood's son Ben
http://worldsendshop.co.uk/
I learned this past week that there will be a new book out of her life, with some 'startling new details' now that McLaren is gone. It will be interesting to read it.
I also feel that my personal style is following the concepts that Westwood laid the early groundwork for, I have always felt Punk, and have gone through many 'looks' of Punk and have been looking at the retro wearing grrls of today as being very much Punk. This paper, I think, tidies that up nicely, talking about the things Westwood wore early on as being both Teddy-boy and very Punk. My thoughts for my own fashion collection are coalescing as well. I can't wait to get started on it!
but first, finishing up my dress for Thursday evening, and getting a winter coat made. I bought the fabric for the latter project Sunday afternoon. It will be red wool melton, with a kasha lining, interlined in both hair canvas and cotton flannel for warmth. Red! Dr Randi will be pleased ;-) she loves it when I wear colour. I know Pierre is happy, he was as emphatic about the red wool as he was when we bought my red Fluevogs.
Right now though, don't look at me...I am looking very much like the Grad student I've become. I really should go put some proper clothes on.
In the meantime, check out the World's End Blog by Westwood's son Ben
http://worldsendshop.co.uk/
Friday, 29 November 2013
the proposal is done and handed in...
final revisions were made this past Monday and yesterday evening I handed the last copy to the Grad co-ordinator. Now I wait.
In craft related things, I've been making a new dress to wear to the Christmas party this Thursday. Silk chiffon, oh. my. goodness. but it is fluffy! Big skirt to wear over a big crinoline. It needs the lining stitched down to the waist and a zip put in and maybe a belt of some kind.
Next up is a winter coat. I've been making do with a very nice raincoat with a polar fleece sweater underneath, but I'm getting tired of being cold all the time, and this winter is already a cold one. Early for here in Nova Scotia. So this weekend I'm heading to the fabric store to get the things I need to make that happen starting this week.
We are almost done Christmas shopping, I just need to pick up some gifts for Pierre. He needs to pick up the kids gifts and something for me. I also have one more gift for Mum to go out and get. Christmas will explode Sunday evening here, once we get home from our living heritage AGM. Christmas tunes will blare and lights will go up. I need to find some Christmas spirit, I am feeling a little overwhelmed with life right now.
I am looking forward to some serious quiet time over the holidays. The collection work will get started then, with a mood board, design sketches, flats and a look-book. I have two outfits already in my head wanting out, my advisor on this part of the project, Gary Markle, thinks just one more after that and I should be fine. I need to get forms filled out this week too, to bring both Gary and my second reader Dr Jayne Wark on board officially.
Lots to do this week, but first, cleaning the house, because we have company coming for the weekend!
In craft related things, I've been making a new dress to wear to the Christmas party this Thursday. Silk chiffon, oh. my. goodness. but it is fluffy! Big skirt to wear over a big crinoline. It needs the lining stitched down to the waist and a zip put in and maybe a belt of some kind.
Next up is a winter coat. I've been making do with a very nice raincoat with a polar fleece sweater underneath, but I'm getting tired of being cold all the time, and this winter is already a cold one. Early for here in Nova Scotia. So this weekend I'm heading to the fabric store to get the things I need to make that happen starting this week.
We are almost done Christmas shopping, I just need to pick up some gifts for Pierre. He needs to pick up the kids gifts and something for me. I also have one more gift for Mum to go out and get. Christmas will explode Sunday evening here, once we get home from our living heritage AGM. Christmas tunes will blare and lights will go up. I need to find some Christmas spirit, I am feeling a little overwhelmed with life right now.
I am looking forward to some serious quiet time over the holidays. The collection work will get started then, with a mood board, design sketches, flats and a look-book. I have two outfits already in my head wanting out, my advisor on this part of the project, Gary Markle, thinks just one more after that and I should be fine. I need to get forms filled out this week too, to bring both Gary and my second reader Dr Jayne Wark on board officially.
Lots to do this week, but first, cleaning the house, because we have company coming for the weekend!
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