Kerry Larkin of Comma Workshop Has Style…

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Arts, Arts and Crafts, Bedding, Comma, Comma Workshop, Fiber art, Gifts, Homewares, Kerry Larkin, Matthew McConaughey, Poet, Poetry, Quilt, Quilting, Sewing, Shopping, Text, Typography, Writing

‘A Perfect Moon’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
The first quilt in the Comma Workshop new series features original writings by Kerry Larkin. The entire collection launches in Fall 2012.
(Image © Comma Workshop)

Two years ago, Kerry Larkin founded Comma Workshop in Colorado and began producing quilts that are sewn together with language. “The signature thing is that it’s my handwriting, and so no two letters are going to look alike,” she said.

Comma Workshop is dedicated to bringing a fresh perspective to the time-honored traditions of quilting and storytelling. Crafting original poems and stories about life and adventure, Kelly and her artisans thoughtfully sew these stories into every quilt.

Their goal is to create timeless, sophisticated quilts, with a hint of playfulness that are functional heirlooms for your home.

Each quilt has an original story or poem quilted directly into it, in both white thread and a contrasting color thread.  In this way, the 800+ words are a functional part of the quilt holding three layers of fabric together.  They machine quilt – by hand – so the ‘comma cursive’ is original and free-handed, making no two quilts exactly alike.

I think they are enchanting…

‘Joy’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
‘Joy’ is Kerry’s favorite quilt in the Limited Edition Collection and currently on her own bed! The phrase “and be not afraid to dance like the white-skirted girl with the suntanned face, for joy is surely the greater of our gifts.” is quilted in Verdana font across the front.
(Image © Comma Workshop)

Life is a series of commas, not periods.* (Matthew McConaughey)

*That’s a full stop to those of us who reside outside North America!

‘Still’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
“Rust Becomes Earth Becomes Me” written specifically for this collection by award-winning creative writer Jody Jenkins. It is quilted in its entirety in ash colored thread in the background of the quilt. “Still” is quilted in Times New Roman font at the lower right hand corner of this quilt.
(Image © Comma Workshop)

‘Nestled Newness’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
Snuggle your wee one in sweet words! Writings of seasons changing and new love create the background of this series of quilts.
“Hibernation wakes orange lights and sweet love… like spring wrapped in newness…” The Nestled Newness baby quilt uses a combination of the signature Comma handwriting and the Times New Roman typeface.
(Image © Comma Workshop)

‘Sweet Love’ Quilt by Comma Workshop
More writings of seasons changing and new love.
“a sweet love and quiet calm.” “Hibernation wakes orange lights and sweet love… like spring wrapped in newness…”
(Image © Comma Workshop)

Even though it’s too late to order in time for Christmas, if you’d like to see more of the Comma Workshop Quilts, there are more quilt designs to see here.

 

Hope & Wendy Cope

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2 black, Art, Banksy, Blog Relay, Contemporary Poetry, England, English poetry, Hope, Hope 2012 Blog Relay, Humour, Literature, Poetry, Wendy Cope

Banksy’s ‘There’s Always Hope’
(Image from here)

One of my favourite blogging buddies, Shira over at In Pursuit of More has tagged me as part of a blog relay about hope. I’m not sure I’m convinced about blog relays BUT because it’s the lovely Shira tagging me, I am giving you a perspective on hope. Hope you enjoy!

On the other hand, perhaps it is serendipity? I’ve been looking for an opportune moment to share my favouritist poet of all time here on TSL, and I reckon I have just been given a wee nudge.

Please let me introduce you to the wonderfully funny, irreverent and clever Wendy Cope. Born in England, where she still resides, Wendy Cope is an award-winning contemporary English poet.

To date, I have two of her anthologies – ‘Serious Concerns’ and ‘Making Cocoa for Kinglsey Amis’ (available from Amazon). They are both wonderful – although I think I favour the former. Just.

And, as a taster, I give you ‘My Funeral’ by Wendy Cope (previously published in The Spectator).

Wendy – if you happen to read this post – I do hope you’ll forgive my flagrant breach of copyright. I love your work!

I hope I can trust you, friends, not to use our relationship

As an excuse for an unsolicited ego-trip.

I have seen enough of them at funerals and they make me cross.

At this one, though deceased, I aim to be the boss.

If you are asked to talk about me for five minutes, please do not go on for eight

There is a strict timetable at the crematorium and nobody wants to be late

If invited to read a poem, just read the bloody poem. If requested

To sing a song, just sing it, as suggested,

And don’t say anything. Though I will not be there,

Glancing pointedly at my watch and fixing the speaker with a malevolent stare,

Remember that this was how I always reacted

When I felt that anybody’s speech, sermon or poetry reading was becoming too protracted.

Yes, I was intolerant, and not always polite

And if there aren’t many people at my funeral, it will serve me right.

Go and check out Wendy Cope’s work. Please. Even if you are not a lover of poetry yet, it is my hope that Wendy can convert you (as she did me).

Now, I’m handing the baton to these bloggers in the Hope 2012 Blog Relay:

Sparks from Everyday Sparks

BCD from Bird Cage Design

The ever enigmatic WhatIMeant2Say

B from Barbaraelka

A Wee Shout Out to Spike Milligan, a Man with a Sense of the Ridiculous…

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Arts, Books, Childrens Book, Goon Show, Humour, Memories, Ophelia, Photograph, Poetry, Quote, Shakespeare, Shopping, Spike Milligan

I thought I’d begin by reading a poem by Shakespeare, but then I thought, why should I? He never reads any of mine. (Spike Milligan)

(Image sourced here)

A Silly Poem – by Spike Milligan

Said Hamlet to Ophelia,
I’ll draw a sketch of thee,
What kind of pencil shall I use?
2B or not 2B? 

One of the best books given to me as a child was ‘Unspun Socks From A Chicken’s Laundry’ by Spike Milligan. I still have it. It remains a firm favourite and always makes me smile. If you get the chance, pick up a copy. You won’t regret it. Promise.

(Back from sunny Queensland tomorrow when TSL shall resume normal broadcasting!)

Ode to Donna Wilson – ‘Knitting Designer’

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Art, Arts, Björk, Ceramics, Colour, Crafts, Cushion, Donna Wilson, Gloves, Homeware, Knitting, Knitting and Crochet, Machine Knitting, Mel Bochner, Mel Brochner, Poetry, Softies, Surface Design, Tea Towel, Yarn Arts

Donna Wilson ‘Meg Plate’
Serve your dinner on Meg’s friendly face plate. Hand made and printed in Stoke-on Trent. 100% Bone China.
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson – you make me smile,
You’re the best ‘knitting designer’ I‘ve seen in a long while.

The humour you put into all your designs,
Makes each one seem like such a whimsical find.

I just love your kooky ‘Bearded Man’,
And ‘Peeping Tom’, I think he was there back when it began.

Your ‘blah blah’ rug just makes me grin,
And now there’s ‘Grace’; she the yang to ‘Meg’s’ yin.

In addition, there’s another bit –
No matter how I try, I just can’t learn to knit!

(Sheepishly brought to you by TSL)

Donna Wilson ‘Peeping Tom’
He is inquisitive and likes telling jokes. He dislikes smelly feet. He is my favourite!
Material: Knitted wool & polyester stuffing
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson ‘Use My Beard Tea Towel’
Beautifully printed in the UK on quality linen/cotton.
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson ‘Meg Cushion’
Meg’s friendly face is printed on 100% cotton. She comes in 2 colour ways, with yellow or orange hair. Comes with duck feather cushion pad.
(Images © Donna WIlson)

Donna Wilson ‘Right Wrong Gloves’
For those sleepy early mornings – cosy gloves marked right and wrong just to make sure they don’t get muddled up. (I have a great mate in NZ who has trouble with right & left. These would be great for her…) One size only (adult). 100% lambs wool. Available in green, coral, camel and grey
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson ‘Blah Blah Large Throw’
100% lambswool, woven in Scotland. Available in white with ebony or blue with ebony. (Cheaper than a Mel Bochner original, too!)
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Donna Wilson ‘Swan Scarf’
100% lambswool, knitted in Scotland. Swan around and stand out this winter. Mini versions also available for children. (Now you, too can channel Björk!)
Available in black and white
(Image © Donna Wilson)

Originally from Scotland, Donna Wilson’s grandma taught her how to knit and crochet at a young age. She started selling her quirky knitted designs online after completing a sell-out show, along with her degree in mixed media textiles at the Royal College of Art in 2003. All her designs are created to make people smile. Works for me!

If you’d like to see more of the oh so talented Donna Wilson designs, or if you’d like to order something from her on-line shop, you can do so from here.

Donna Wilson, I salute you.