Textile Tours at Home: Highgrove House, Quilter Bisa Butler & Puppets from Moschino
Hello, Voyagers!
Here we are in October and I’ve got 10 days to fill that were originally going to be spent on the Grand Swedish Textile Tour. Sure, I won’t be gallivanting around Stockholm with fellow textile lovers, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be enjoying myself at home. I’ve got sewing projects lined up, a garden to put to bed, and this list of virtual textile visits to share with you. If you want to go on the Grand Swedish Textile Tour next year, we have dates! Join us October 12th – 22nd, 2021.
Experience: The Gardens at Highgrove
We’ve been so lucky to visit Prince Charles’ Highgrove House twice during our Grand British Textile Tours and it is always a highlight of the trip. Since my annual visit has been dashed by the pandemic, I was thrilled to find this virtual tour. It’s not the same as being there (where is my champagne lunch?), but it will do. Tour Highgrove Garden online ➔
Explore: Discover artist Bisa Butler
I was scrolling through Instagram recently when I saw an image that stopped me in my tracks – a portrait of a man in the most dazzling colors, made out of fabric! Artist Bisa Butler uses quilts as her chosen medium, creating vivid images of the African American story, inspired by Depression-era photographs. Read more about her process here ➔
Watch: A Stitch in Time
I’m not one for bingeing whole series, but then I found BBC’s A Stitch In Time on YouTube. Hosted by fashion historian Amber Butchart, each episode takes a look at a historical garment and attempts to recreate it using historical construction techniques. There are twelve episodes and – with a little digging on YouTube – you can watch them all. Here is a link to get you started. Watch A Stitch in Time ➔
Interact: Skylanding by Yoko Ono
Those of you near Chicago should visit Yoko Ono’s Skylanding installation in Jackson Park. The lotus-inspired sculpture sits in a wooded island where the Japanese Pavilion once stood during the Chicago World’s Fair. Inspired by the peaceful surrounding, Ono created Skylanding as a reflection of hope for the new world – “A world of peace among people of all nations.” She invites the public to send in their own wishes to connect with others. Leave your wish ➔
Virtual Visit: Moschino Fashion Show
Even during a pandemic the fashion shows must go on – albeit in a different way. One of the most creative Spring/Summer 2021 shows was Moschino’s puppet salon runway show. It’s a little piece of fun fantasy in a world turned upside down. Watch Moschino Spring/Summer 2021 ➔
Make: Softies from Posy Gets Cozy
I’ve followed Posy Gets Cozy for years and have always had a soft spot for her adorable softie patterns. Sewing a Ms. Maggie Rabbit or Ms. Juniper Kitty doll, complete with Liberty of London wardrobe, would just be the perfect project for fall. Shop Posy Gets Cosy softie patterns here ➔