Otto and Spike

A while back now I emailed Otto and Spike to get a booklet off them that was only available to retailers.  I got a very prompt reply and an invitation to go to their factory in Brunswick East.  Ella and I went along yesterday! 

It was incredible to be weaving through the various knitting machines they had, many of them running and knitting piles of scarves, collars, blankets and beanies.  There were some new machines, and others were very old.  I asked if any of the older machines had punchcards, and Alasdair (who was showing us around) pointed out some steel punch-cards connected to each other with a chain processing through the machine.  Its a terrible description there, I know.... I wanted to take photos, but at the same time I felt like it would have been rude to pull out a camera.
It was mentioned that some of the  very old, out of use machines were simply there as collectors items and were going to be featured on the ABC program 'Collectors'.  I'll definately post a link to the video on this blog once it airs.


Otto and Spike have a lot of sustainable practices in their business, which I think is really important.  Alasdair made a really good point that designers should be able to make use with the resources we already have, rather than creating a need for more resource production; this is something that is visibly practiced in their business.
The following are some pictures of Otto and Spike products:

A very inspirational day!  Been a bit of  springboard for a developing project.  Once it has become more of a reality I will be able to talk about it!  Oh the mystery.

Screen printin'

Below are some hand printed- swatches I made for a new project I'm doing at uni (yes, I'm back there... Doing an elective because I'm a spock.)  Its based on the theme 'Graphica', in accordance with the Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2011 GRAPHICA exhibtion with RMIT fashion and textiles.

The final print will be put onto a garment from an op-shop; probably a jacket or a dress so I can wear it after the exhibition!  Looking forward to the Savers/Vinnies/Don Bosco rummaging that is to come!

While I was in a graphic, geometric mind frame I entered the Melbourne Myer bag design competition. Here's my entry on the website!  I think everyones designs got put up, so I'm not special. But enough riff-raff:

It is meant to look a little like Federation Square...

Qua

Music video 'Devil Eyes' from the Melbourne band Qua. Saw them play on Sunday night at The Corner in Richmond and thought they were pretty rad. They were actually the supporting band, but I liked them better than the headliner... Its always nice to find new music to love and listen to.



I've been working on my knitting machine heaps lately. I've just discovered how to do fair aisle knitting and am excited for new projects; socks balaclavas and leg warmers. Pretty timely now we are coming into summer. Ha.

Squids, peas, mash, pavs and so forth

Some pictures which were made during this period of house-boundness. Cabin fever is creeping upon me.

AMS and All for Everyone

Schools finally out for summer. What better way to start than to sprain a muscle around a disc in my back? No frolicking for me. Been doing plenty of Simpsons watching and searching the internet. Came across a few knitwear design companies which are amazing.
'A Minutes Silence' (AMS) are a UK knitwear label with an interesting approach. Below are some pictures and information from their website.


"A Minute Silence present their début capsule AW2010 unisex collection of knitted cardigans, jumpers, blankets and socks.
The silhouette remains classic throughout this premier collection, with a graphic clash of colour on AMS's signature geometric patterns. The striking colour palette remains specific to each garment rather than being trend led.
Produced by the British heritage knitwear company Corgi Hosiery Ltd, knitters to the Queen, the quality of the knits are top priority. Each item is hand knitted in Wales on traditional knit machines. Each piece is then lovingly finished by hand.
When you purchase one of these investment pieces, it comes wrapped with care in its own hand made Tyvek bag, along with an original piece of Sangra artwork."




Also.....

Annie Larson's knitwear label 'All For Everyone' is worth looking at. It's hard to look at this stuff and not want to buy it. Take a look

I'm also following her blog

Nightingale

Illustrations based on Hans Christian Andersen's tale 'The Nighitningale'. This was the first time I have made an illustration in photoshop and it was a lot of fun. Enjoyed making collage effects. I have something against little pretty birds in pictures....but I guess for this I'll justify their presence, as the story is about a bird after all!

Taking photos of peoples houses at 8am on a rainy morning isnt something I would typically do...however, this particular morning it was so pleasant to be outside because it was somewhat warm! after many months of cold and dreary days, spring has finally come along! We have started planting a garden at our house and I have dyed my hair. It now looks maroon which I am somewhat uncomfortable about.

Sick animal hospital

It's an anime kind of day.  I thought they ought to be hospitalised and fed some lemsip due to flu season.

go away messy desk.

Paper boats

This book had some amazing paper boat constructions. I love the cover design, and there is an origami unicorn on the back cover! At the low-low savers price of $1.99, I had little choice but to purchase.





Once I actually opened the book, I found it very difficult to make Robert Harbin's paper boats (above) and ended up making one using a youtube video...such skills.



Below are some of the repeat patterns I made with the photos of my paper boats.

Fractal Knits. Infinite Dimensions...

I havent made a post for ages!
just been very busy with school and looking at other peoples blogs....
Not a whole heap has been happening in life; winter, school, being cold...
but! I have moved house which has been interesting. Having a house warming this weekend and not very
organised for it at all. We have mulled wine recipe/plan, though. However, it called for brandy and I bought a
spicy sherry. Not sure if this is something worth experimenting with.
I've been working on some knit pieces that are based on fractal patterns, in particular, computer based fractal patterns made on the program 'Fractal Domains'. Its available on mac (probably on p.c too...)

Below: a fractal pattern generated from 'Fractal Domains'



A really fun program. Inspiring for constructing textile structures.
Below are some projects I'm currently working on based on these patterns.