Ploughing on ..........
As the languorous weeks pass, and with different countries offering - nay, demanding - different conditions for re-entering civilisation, you can still cut a dash when finally you are permitted to mingle in the great outdoors even if the verdict is still out regarding the efficacy of the domestic face-covering . So, here are some groovy options to shake things up a bit, cause a stir, make people smile. If sewing and painting your own is an ask too far, you could always choose from a cheeky selection at Threadless. Or if you live in North America Alabama Chanin’s stylishly plain but super comfortable version are available online and you can order several more to be donated to a worthy cause at the same time.
Had the world followed it’s expected trajectory, Chris Grimes and his intrepid InstantWit team would this week have been starting their Laughter Lab workshop here at Les Soeurs Anglaises. However….. as we all know things didn’t quite turn out the way they were supposed to this year and like everyone else we have had to cancel all our events, including the deliciously funny Laughter Lab III. But our disappointment is mitigated somewhat by the knowledge we’ve already booked Chris and the team for May 2021! It will be full of much needed laughter and positivity, so watch this space and join us if you can (we especially look forward to meeting those of you whom we had to cancel this year). Here are a few words from the man himself ….
We’ve all heard of fusion food, so why not some absolutely gorgeous fusion dance?
Have you at one time or another been tempted to wax botanica, but very soon realised you simply don’t have the patience? Well, don’t despair because My Modern Met is offering numerous on-line colouring books to download and print in the comfort of your own home and if you don't like the results you can always just print it off again and give it another go; so much quicker, let’s face it, than years of painstaking study, and pretty satisfying nonetheless - and who knows, once you’re hooked you might decide to take it a step further….
Can’t knit, won’t knit? Well, why not try your hand at the simple art of Japanese Finger Weaving instead? Follow Naoka Monowa’s clear instructions and there’s no need for any expensive paraphernalia, just beg, borrow or steal a ruler, an old plastic bottle and some left-over lengths of yarn in 2 colours.
If however you are a competent knitter already and the idea of developing a new yarn skill feels redundant, you might find this free Pattern generator ap a fun tool when considering how to use up that spare yarn. Simple designs, simple instructions on an easy to follow ap to which you can add you own embellishment, or copy one of Kaffe Fassett’s (I normally find his patterns a bit busy, but I love these glorious polka dots in different colours!).
Perhaps you are one of those discipled creatives who keeps a regular sketchbook diary. If so, you should consider joining the Sketchbook Project, not only for the sheer joy of seeing what other sketchers are producing, but also for the opportunity to have your own work professionally photographed and uploaded onto the site for posterity. At the same time you could check out the remarkable Mattias Adolfsson’s website and then join his on-line classes to take things a step further…..
It’s only taken us 12 years to put together some of our best-loved workshop recipes, despite seasonal encouragement from past participants (like armies, our workshops seem to operate more smoothly on satisfied stomachs). Well, with time on our hands we have finally chosen 12 of the favoured recipes - one for each year - and collected them together in vintage textile covered boxes, with more linen and cotton fabric pieces interleaved inside for good measure. Each Recipe Box makes a unique and charming, sweet ‘n’savoury package - a great souvenir of past and future events here at Les Soeurs Anglaises . We have only a limited number to offer as each individual box is time consumingly hand-made, but if you order before the end of May 2020, we will include with each box a vintage fabric face-mask to wear when you leave home to buy ingredients.
And to calm you right down, here is an early attempt at video editing with some sublime music by Gigspanner Big Band whose concerts we are very privileged to host from time to time.
Beginning life as a trio - with fiddle player Peter Knight being joined by percussionist Sacha Trochet and guitarist Roger Flack- the line-up has been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band, with acclaimed multi-instrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin - BBC Folk Awards 'Best Duo') and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, joining the fray. If you can catch them at a venue near you…. they are out of this world.
Stay safe (or should that be “alert”?)