9 Comments

Thanks so much for providing the links, went to internet archive to see if I could borrow the book but they've removed everything. It's just not feasible to buy every book ever published for reference purposes and I really really wanted to read her musings on design given how much it resonated with you, very happy I can now!

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Oh I'm glad they were useful to you! It can be strangely difficult to access her writing so I was really pleased to find those articles on the Foundation's website.

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Your posts always enlighten and inspire me. I look forward to them and I thank you. The quilted jacket reminds me I too want to make one for myself this winter. I'm still sewing from my stash!

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Thank you Helen! I'm now planning to make myself a quilted jacket this winter too, also from stash fabrics. How fun, maybe we can keep track of each other's progress here!

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I'd love that. Right now I'm working on a lined velvet jacket. The fabric has been waiting three years, but the time is right!

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Thank you for writing about AA. A first attempt at reading the book had me too deep into too many ideas at once. I need to take a slower approach, I think, especially as I have no artistic training.

I am a weaver and a tapestry weaver.

I'm continually beset by the balance between 'utilitarian' and 'art'; does art have to be something that is displayable and therefore that gives it a function? Many weavers I know don't understand what it is to create something pleasing for oneself without the need to offer it out there. They must feel their time is being used usefully rather than mindfully.

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I am glad you enjoyed the post! As a stitcher in various disciplines, I personally struggle with the notion of making things that are 'useful' vs 'art' - I can always justify the time I spend sewing a garment, but it's hard for me to prioritize working on, for instance, a decorative embroidery. I love the way you've described this, as time being used usefully rather than mindfully, that's really interesting. Something for me to ponder.

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I’ve long wanted to read this. You always help me prioritize my TBR pile!

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If you do read it, I would love to hear your thoughts on it!

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