Plot 61a Preserves

I have been busy making my first batch of chutney from Plot 61a - a scrummy concoction loosely based on Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall's "Glutney" recipe using the first crop of courgettes from my allotment. Should be ready to eat in a couple of months, so in plenty of time for Christmas. I have designed a jam pot style cover as I am using recycled jars from my kind neighbours.

Juliana Sissons at the V and A

The talented and inspiration Ms Sissons

Juliana's knit design

If you live fashion and you adore knit you will absolutely LOVE this: Knitwear designer Juliana Sissons has an artist residency at the V & A with open workshops and drop in sessions: Check it out: Juliana will have special access to the Medieval Renaissance Collection for inspiration, study and research - July to December.

Oh! And I forgot to mention her book! Part of the Basics series: Basics in Fashion Design - Knitwear - available at Amazon

Poppy seed heads

I have been rather remiss lately and not updated by blog. I have, though, been very busy on the allotment (it has come on in leaps and bounds) and have also started doing some fabric experiments and drawings for my return to Northbrook in September.

I have been gathering seeds which I am sharing with friends and family. I could not resist scanning the "crop" of poppy seed heads - they might just creep into my textile project! The blue one is evidence of my using it for printing - as you do!

Sneak preview - upcycled fashionista scarecrow

As this project is taking a lot longer than anticipated to complete and given that I am working more or less from the feet up, here is a sneak preview of the silvery flowery shoes that the fashionista scarecrow will be wearing on her amazingly skinny and lumpy-bumpy blue legs! (Upcycle techniques: spray paint old shoes with silver, make "flowers" from machine embroidered back-to-back yogurt pot tops adorned with vintage button.)

Keepsake Cameo Pin Cushions

Back - machine embroidered vintage fabric.

Front: digital print on fabric appliqued onto vintage fabric with vintage trim.

I made these cameo pin cushions for the Northbrook College BA surface textile design class of 2010 as graduation presents - I wanted them to have a practical momento. The pin cushions combine digital photography onto cotton fabric, vintage finds and machine embroidery. (Pins not included) I am happy to take commissions - all I need is a digital photo. POA kimba.designs @ btinternet.com

New Designers 2010

I am off to the Design Centre in London today to see the best of British design talent - Part One features textile designs for fashion and interiors, accessories and gift ware. Don't miss it if you are interested in innovative and creative design. In particular look out the the Class of 2010 BA Graduate show from Northbrook College ! Congratuations to all the Northbrook graduates and very well done for the stunning work on show. This very popular and exciting course is led by Tom Embleton and delivered by his very talented team - for details contact Northbrook College direct.

Magical by day, enchanting by moonlight

The view from the cottage weas ever changing in daylight with the ebb and flow of the tide, but by moonlight it was absolutely magical.

Beautiful North Wales

Just got back from a week or so in beautiful North Wales. Stayed in an amazing cottage near Porthmadog overlooking this fabulous view. Really inspirational trip - have gathered lots of material for future design ideas. AND it didn't even rain for the whole trip - something of a novelty when I go on holiday and especially in Wales!