Gathering Moments III

After having a break for a few months next workshop is Sunday 28 June 10 to 12pm. $10 for the session and $25 for a kit. Just let me know as we are limited for space during winter at Unique State.

The start of the new clothes hamper

I have started the procrastination basket! Whohoo. Annnnnd I have finished all the procrastination poufs. They are stuffed with treasures that have been laying around and I almost need to make another one. The pattern I used was from Closet Core Patterns. I used Ink & Spindle and Femke fabrics on the light-coloured one. I cannot remember who designed the other fabric, but it was by an Australian artist who also creates wallpaper designs.

I have also started the basket made from microfibre sheets and rope. I am using window sash rope and the sheets are torn into 2½-inch strips. I am using inches as my standard unit for measuring fabric, as a lot of my fabric scraps are leftover from patchworking and already cut in inch increments.

I saved a sturdy cardboard box that I will work over to create the shape I want, and I also used the box to work out the size and shape of the base. I am using a wrap-and-knot stitch, which is surprisingly quick.

I will say that I started without ironing the fabric strips and there was frayed fabric everywhere. Since then, I have joined a number of strips and ironed them so the raw edges are enclosed, which has stopped threads dropping everywhere. When I add a new length, I leave enough at the end of the working fabric so that I can simply sew the next strip on and keep going. So far it feels like a great way to reuse materials that have been sitting around while turning them into something useful. I will post some more steps next time.

The final poufs with fabrics from Ink and Spindle and Femke and pattern from Closet Core. Great holders for all fabrics and scraps waiting to be used

Making Space

I took time out over the last few months. Especially coming into winter, it felt like the perfect time to take stock and pause. Stopping is a very valuable tool, although it has taken me a long time to acknowledge that I need it. There is this culture of constant busyness which I find sends me into an anxiety spiral. I cannot do busy for busy’s sake.

When people ask me what I have been doing, a lot of the answer is thinking, dreaming, and letting ideas bubble away. I no longer feel guilty for not getting to everything. I know that eventually I will get to things in my own time — and in their own time too. Making space has reminded me that rest is not the absence of doing; sometimes it is where the making begins.

Spotlight Artist: Tegan Bailey

Tegan Bailey at the launch of her exhibition Was Wasn't Won't Be at the Ambo Gallery until 5 July 2026

Tegan has been one of the Sunday basket makers interested in reclaiming fabric and diverting plastic by making plyed yarn turned into vessels. Tegan currently has an exhibition at the Ambo Gallery in Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga. Titled Was Wasn’t Wont Be it looks at her ongoing investigation of her personal story.  “An interrogation of the archetypal roles and moral ideals that take root inside the female body.” It made me question some of the remarks that people ask innocently (and lets be honest, some of is pointed) about women and their roles in society; especially childless women.

 The exhibition runs until 5 July. In association with this Tegan is presenting DIY Stamping: Lino Carving & Print Workshop on Saturday, 4 July, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Adults Only (18+) cost $20 https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1589630

Whilst there is no basketry in this exhibition it is worth while noting that basketry has had a history of being seen as lowly. Especially within the current tenants of the arts world. This effort to silence not only the skills of the artisan but also dismissing the role women have always held as custodians of culture, history and yes family is always concerning. I am the custodian of our families stories, genealogy and where everything is, especially the pavlova plates. These rituals and continuation of lived lives are important to hold and acknowledge in all its complexities and diversity. It is what makes us interesting and also human.

For more information go to Tegans website https://www.teganbailey.com/was-wasnt-wont-be-exhibition

Tegan's has patience and perceptiveness to see use in discarded material; such as single use plastic, and that we can all aspire too.

Dream Slow

After a few months of making space, slowing down, and letting ideas settle, it feels good to return with finished poufs, a new basket underway, and inspiration from artists who find value in materials and stories that might otherwise be overlooked. Our next workshop is Sunday 28 June, 10:00 am–12:00 pm — come along and join us for some basket making, conversation, and creative procrastination.