ebay makes me poor

I have been busy doing work for uni. My holidays are dwindling and my brain is rotting away with educational theory. I did buy a beautiful vintage kimono though yesterday from ebay to make up for all my hard work. Obviously I couldn't stop there and I bought a Honey Bunny dress and a playsuit as well. Nice to see that I am oblivious to this credit crunch that is going on.

A beautiful piece of artwork...

I think this speaks for itself!

Wicked Witch bolero

Using McCalls 3033 pattern. Easiest pattern I have used to date and my first attempt at making sleeves. I adjusted the sleeves to make them shorter (plus my fabric was running out) and added a lining, the pattern is designed for using with scalloped lace to produce the bolero but worked reasonably well with fabric with little stretch or movement.

Wicked Witch Skirt

Today I have been...

SEWING!
My back is very sore after 12 hours on my trusty sewing machine (left) and lying on the floor cutting patterns and fabric. 1 am and that's me just finished. However a very productive day, 1 completed circle skirt and 1 finished bolero jacket.
Tomorrow i must do some uni work!

Dressmaking

Work on the Wicked Witch skirt of dreams began this afternoon.
I found this fabric on ebay a few weeks ago and have been thinking about what to make with it. I decided to construct a skirt but I may turn it into a pinafore...I haven't quite got that far yet.

I am using 'Simplicity' 5403 pattern (50's Circle Skirt).
I chose this pattern as I want to be able to wear my gigantic petticoat underneath.

I am now at the stage where I have cut my fabric and pinned together ready for stitching, however I am going to need to change the waistband and modify the hem. I mistakenly forgot to check to see if a seam allowance was already incorporated...therefore some creative stitching is going to be required!

Some tips which I really must remember to follow are:

1. Always read the pattern before beginning

2. Always check to see if seam allowances are already included

3. Take your time

my new sketchbook

I started a new sketchbook today. I love the feeling that you get when you have a blank sketchbook. 400 pages of heavy cartridge paper that are blank, yet to be filled with drawings. This sketchbook will be based around clothing I think. All in pencil to begin with.

My jewellery sketchbook will feel neglected :-(

boo

I lost my sketchbook

I lost my jewellery sketchbook. Panic set in. A few hours later of trashing my studio, it was recovered in a jewellery junk bag with a laminated picture of Jimmy Shand.
Jimmy Shand = Guardian of sketchbooks. Worship the Jimmy Shandness.
4 drawings later, I now have an idea for an animal brooch. Top secret.

Sunday Express & Paula Murray: You are a disgrace

I don't normally make such sweeping comments on this blog but they are not unfounded.

13 years ago the town of Dunblane was shattered by the most awful tragedy. I was still at high school when this was unfurled by the media. Living in Perthshire, our parents were quite obviously frightened when it was mentioned in the news early in the morning that a horrific event had happened in a Perthshire school. As the hours went on in the morning the location was revealed. Many of us in Crieff knew friends and family that were involved, or had lost someone, and for that reason alone Dunblane is held in our thoughts.
I don't think anyone who was a school pupil in CHS that day will ever forget the fear that was felt and the shock of what had happened. As a teacher now it is my greatest fear that anyone would harm the children in my care. What happened in Dunblane is firmly embedded in my memory and still is in many of my school friends. We have grown older but we have never forgotten, the difference is we remember respectfully.
The children that witnessed and lived with this tragedy have now grown up, and they are approaching the end of their teenager years. They are entitled to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes. Nobody is perfect. (Anyone over the age of 18 who doesn't admit to making mistakes isn't being very honest!!!)
I have therefore been sickened at the recent publication from the aforementioned publication and 'hack'. Dunblane has suffered enough media intrusion and this flimsy piece of so called journalism is unethical and lacking in morals. Another 'hack' trying to make a name for themselves in the most abhorrent method possible. There are versions of this article still circulating on the web. However, do make up your own minds about what has been written.

To complain/make a comment about the article that was written about the Dunblane teenagers, here is the appropriate email address to send your replies to: paula.murray@express.co.uk

I'm over on the Saatchi Gallery...

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/artist_profile/a/7922.html

Art Update

I am aware that my website turned into a blog and has subsequently turned into a big rambling blog of nonsense, but really, what else would you expect from moi?
Anyhoo...'Tartankilt' is hitting the craft markets of Perth once again. First market is in May. This year I will be teaming up with my old pal A.K aka 'Plastic Dolly'. I will post more information once I get a confirmation of dates.
'Plastic Dolly' will be selling jewellery and I will be selling jewellery, clothes and cards (if i have time maybe some paintings).
I do have to finish my uni work first before I start making...my last deadline is 8th May. I will hopefully have more letters after my name after that date.

Any excuse...

I haven't posted a piccy of Mr Wolverine for a while. I don't need to justify posting, it speaks for itself! Can't wait until the end of April for the release! GRRRRRRR. lol

JAMONE!

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, it is true, I do have a ticket to Michael Jackson's factory of music extravaganza. This is the lunatic version of a ticket to Wonka's chocolate factory.

3 precodes later and we had our tickets, courtesy of 'The Moonwalker' with her super fast Ticketmaster skills.

We are absolutely ecstactic about this. We have already booked the flights and the hotel. Huge fan of the Jackson 5 so hoping to hear some of the old tunes and see some moonwalking.

OOOOOH HOOOOOOOOOO. JAMONE!

Raymondo....

Most of you will know that I am an avid viewer of River City.

I have watched River City since September 2002. (No I don't feel dirty admitting that and regularly take a slagging for watching it.)

I have to pass comment about the recent standard of acting that I have observed. It is just plain dire!! Even I, the staunch follower, am shocked at the tripe storylines and ham acting. I have had to stop watching it as the cringe factor was becoming too immense this evening. The Danny McKee storyline is ridiculous, hard man comes out of the Bar L...oooh ah'm pure shaking at yer bad acting. A story line which is an allegory to Jimmy Boyle. How imaginative. How long did it take the script writers to think that one up? Hmmm ......five minutes?

A number of the cast have left the show due to changes in the production team and the calibre of talent left is dwindling, David Paisley, the star of Tinsel Town (aye, I watched that aswell) is left supporting the Murdoch empire. The wonderful Gillie Gilchrist left after the changes and ridiculous plotlines. Gray O'Brian deflected to Corrie (my mum was delighted about that) and where is Roisin?!! Scarlett is the only good thing left but even her witty oneliners are fading. Sort it out producers!

Snow

So London came to a standstill yesterday and cancelled all the buses...hilarious. A few inches of snow and the City grinds to a halt. Apparently even when London was in the Blitz, public transport remained working. Note to terrorists, if you want to cause mayhem, just go out and get some polystyrene and rub it together frantically and then just pretend that it is snowing and you will cause disruption beyond your wildest dreams. I was disappointed to arrive home from work yesterday in blizzard conditions only for it to turn to rain.
I am just bitter as we didn't get a snow day off work.

The one that nearly got away...

Here is the one that I had to follow along Kinnoull St and then down the High St and then into Boots. It is a beauty of a fleece. Monochromatic and with a repeat pattern of cats and paw prints. Very stylish.

Check out this bad boy!

I spent this morning animal fleece hunting around the streets of Perth. Within 10 minutes I had captured 2. I did however have to follow a fleecer (not this lady) for about 5 minutes along the street until i managed to get my camera into focus. Nearly late for meeting Anya as I was so dedicated to my cause.
I hope that you like this bad boy, not sure what kind of dog it is...the other one that I caught was pussy cats. Security in the shop was not impressed...

Bonjour to my celebrity reader!

My pal said that he had showed you my blog...BONJOUR and welcome to my world. I will still keep downloading your albums though lol

Morph ate my shellsuit

My pal and colleague, 'Huntero' or 'the strange man with the pink crocheted tie', thought that you might like to go and visit the Morph's that himself and pupils made in tribute to Tony Hart...

"Another work which must surely touch all those who ever aspired to be on the Art Wall, or changed their Facebook statuses to Tony Hart RIP, is Rob Hunter's Morph – Love Heart, made by the artist and Perth Academy teacher in collaboration with his pupils. Multiple models of the legendary Morph are displayed, made in the days following the sad news of the TV legend's death. A poignant and fitting tribute to the man who inspired us all."

The exhibition "Generator Members Show 2009" is happening in Dundee. Shellsuits optional. lol.

My favourite monster

Is there an assimilation between Ophelia eating the grape in this scene and Eve eating the apple? Did that sound intellectual or what!!
This is my favourite monster, the child eating pale man in Pan's Labyrinth. I know someone who has fingernails that are nearly as long as his. I love how he has his eyeballs sitting on a plate. That was sheer genius. Then to have slits in his hand and put the eyeballs in to see. The visual power of this monster is embedded eternally in my mind. I think that he would be an ideal dinner date. What a great party trick.

Fleece spotting on Saturday

My ridiculously amazing new camera will be put to good use (hopefully) on Saturday when my friend and I go out animal fleece hunting. Obviously I will also be taking some creatively engaging stimuli to help me prepare for my next production of artistic genius.

The ideal man

There are many reasons why I like 'The Hamster'.
He personifies everything my ideal man should have...
He has nice hair
He has good dress sense
He still has his own teeth
He is very easy on the eye
He looks younger than 39
He doesn't appear to be mental

Masterchef delusions

I love this programme and will admit to be being somewhat of an addict in my compulsive viewing on iplayer. It makes me laugh when a numpty like this fella at 05.58 thinks he can actually cook. The results are hysterical.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00hc03s/b00hbz6y/MasterChef_Series_5_Episode_13/
I have therefore decided to apply to go on Masterchef, because lets face it, if he can get on with his rancid concoctions, well so can I.

Once I get past the random ingredients stage (which will be a breeze) I have planned the following menu:

Starter - Cheese, pineapple and pickled onion hedgehog on a body of melon

Main Course - This of course is my world famous vodka risotto

Pudding - Eton mess (bash up some meringues with a hammer, whack in some cream and chuck in raspberries)

I think that you will all agree that this is truly a winning combination and a taste sensation.

A new series of DS games

I own a DS and I am partial to a bit of simulation game play but anyone who wants to play this game must be mental.
I get paid to re-enact this game 195 days a year and how anyone can enjoy the gameplay from this without the aid of money astounds me.
I am sure that teachers all around the world are amazed at the class size of 4 pupils. ha ha ha.

Obviously I am jesting, the game is aimed at 8 year old girls who want to pretend to be teachers, but whatever next will we see appearing in this series..."Behaviour unit specialist"..."Social worker"..."Educational psychologist"?

Contenders ready...

Ian McShane is Wolf from Gladiators. They are both the same person. I am sure of it.

Wolf wears a blazer with a shirt and a casual pair of jeans at the weekend when he is on the travellator training. Sometimes he wears a leather jacket instead of the blazer for extra 'je nais se quoi' allure. A dab of old spice and he's ready for action.

Give me shoes anyday

I am in love with these Marc Jacobs shoes.

£320. Such a bargain I know. I have managed to justify to myself that they are an essential part of my increasingly expanding wardrobe.

Some women choose children as part of their lifestyle, I prefer shoes. They are so much more tasteful.

Men, tie your scarves like Hugh

I have noticed a growing trend of men wearing scarves in an unusual fashion. (Please note that this is just an excuse to get a pic of Hugh Jackson on here.)
Now, I am no person to criticise other peoples ensemble of idealistic clothing choices as my own choices are unapologetically daring, but I am rather taken aback by men of a certain age wearing long jackets with a pathetic wee scarf in a knot that lacks proper finish and appears lacklustre against their black woolen coats. Sometimes, if you get close up enough, there is a hint of glitter thread that adds a sheen to the said scarf.
If we look at Hugh Jackman's cashmere striped scarf we can see that it is a slip knot which hangs in a rather masculine way. This is a good way for a 40+ man to wear his scarf.

Hugh v The chooks

I have a real problem with this Hugh Fernley guy with the big long posh name. I find his tv programmes offensive, nearly as much as his hair. The content of his programmes are flimsy to say the least. Now lets be clear about this, the guy with the bad hair do is bleating about animal welfare to Tesco. The same guy who goes out hunting animals. Personally I hope the chickens peck his brains out. The man loves the sound of his own pretentious voice, if he could eat himself I am sure he would. If he is so passionate about animal welfare then he would be vegetarian and wouldn't savage animals. Likewise if he has such an issue with Tesco, then it is simple, don't shop there for animal based products. I am sure he has some ridiculously over priced deli that he can shop at anyway.
If you want to be educated in the Tesco monopoly and it's underhand tactics then this is the website to go to:http://www.tescopoly.org/

A brief flirtation with Neil Oliver

Ahhh the delectable Neil Oliver is considerably injecting new passion into Scottish history for me. Some may say his hair is too long and he looks over his shoulder when he talks into the camera but for me, he is the man with brushable hair and the sexy accent. For those who know me artistically, you will know that I am intrigued by the variation in the Scottish dialect. Therefore this is my excuse for worshipping Mr Oliver...I wonder if he owns a fleece?

Tribute to Tony Hart

Tony inspired me from an early age to draw, he instilled creativity and imagination.

I wrote to Tony a few months ago after hearing that he had lost the ability to draw after his stroke. For an artist, it must be frustrating to lose your ability to put pencil to paper yet still have the emotion and desire to create.

Tony inspired thousands of children to pick up a pencil and draw, that in itself is a gift.

He is now up in the gallery in the sky. Let's hope he is sitting with Oliver Postgate.

To sign the online book of remembrance click on:

http://users2.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g25-41183-85

New illustration project

2009 will see the production of a new theme of illustration work which will culminate in an exhibition with another fellow artist. Dates and venues to be decided later in the year. It is all very top secret just now, the idea just came to me tonight after a few weeks of pensive thought. Inspiration is a wonderful thing!

Auf wiedersehn writers block, Gutentag little sketchbook!

At exactly 6.50pm this evening I finished my research proposal. Unfortunately uni wouldn't facilitate my fleece proposal so I had to opt for something a little more conservative. Yes, shocking I know, conservative just isn't my taste. I have been so preoccupied with my writing that I have forgotten to keep this up to date. Many funny things have happened and I may recount them...

I found some interesting attire for the balaclava lovers amongst you, (above) not only will it obscure your face but it will keep you cosy because, you guessed it, it is made from fleece...but hey, it gets better, it is camouflage. it's not just any fleece, it's animal kingdom fleece. This decades version of the 'Snood' but more frightening. Think of it as a fleece for Osama Bin Laden fashion followers.

Check this little number out (very top image), it is called "Screaming Eagle", scary as a Chas and Dave convention in my opinion. It would peck your eyes out and sell them on eBay. I wonder what type of person would purchase this artistic piece of genius. Someone with an appreciation of a monochromatic colour scheme in their wardrobe perhaps? I think that a nice plainly coloured polyester skirt with american tan tights and polo shirt would pull this fleece off nicely. More fashion tips on their way...

Random

I have found a new toy whilst browsing for animal feeces. 'Photofunia' is the new 'Yearbook Me'...The novelty will wear off after a few days

Fleece is the new Prada?

This is a similar fleece to the one that I captured today. I think that you will agree that it is VERY fetching. I think it would look lovely teamed with a pair of Jessica Fletcher slacks and some white canvas shoes.

Note the gradiation in colour in the background creating a strong contrast with the silhouette of those wild, untameable horses. It really makes you feel that you are in deepest Arizona.

Feel free to draw fashion inspiration from this natty little number.

Frustration and fleece hunting...

The frustration of transferring my domain name to my blog address is beginning to drive me a bit la la. it just isn't working for me tonight. suggestions invited for a speedy transfer please :-) You really do want to keep me sane.
I still have 2 chapters to write and progress continues to be very slow. I think that I may have writers block. I did however have a momentous event tonight in Morrisons with the photographic capture of a fleece. The fleece was simple in design, horses on the horizon on a hill against a beige backdrop. I had to chase the specimen around the car park and the resulting photo was at the entrance. 3 photos in total. 2 demonstrate some movement, but no-one ever said fleece spotting would be easy. Spread the word...fleece spotting is the new fox hunting. lol.

Where did I put my motivation?

Today has been unproductive work wise so far. Spent yesterday attempting to finish of a chapter in my research. This resulted in having to read through 6 months of notes and literature. My brain has begun to rot. This has therefore resulted in some serious ebay scanning to reinspire me. For every chapter I write I will buy myself a piece of clothing. Todays equation is: working+motivation=ebay.

Post Grad Educational Research - Drawing

I spent some time observing and teaching art in No.1 Middle School, Liuyang, China in 2008 and I am currently undertaking educational research in the area of the pedagogy of traditional drawing techniques in the Chinese curriculum and the implementation of this style within the Scottish system. The basis of my research forms in the adaptation of teaching methods observed whilst in Hunan and the use of specialist drawing resources. Throughout the duration of my research I will be adopting a different teaching style, much more regimented and austere compared to my normal dramatics in the classroom. The research started on Monday 5th January and will continue until April. Results will be published in May 2009.

Tartankilt Illustrations

Welcome to the new home of 'Tartankilt Illustrations'

Tartankilt Illustrations has been my illustration business since 2001. It has evolved since its small beginnings, and although not a multi million empire, it has become my brand name for all the artwork, clothing and jewellery that I produce.

This site has a basic principle to promote my work and my inner ramblings.

Due to a few technical difficulties with my previous website host my original illustration website was lost. I will shortly be transferring my original domain name to link with this blog. In the forthcoming weeks I will resume back to the business address: http://www.tartankilt.org.uk/

My Etsy shop is open and when I get some time I will put some jewellery and clothing designs up. You can access my online shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5765951