june 21 - 27 | 2017
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Threads and fibres By KYLIE WILSON
FUN WITH FIBRES:
Whether they are for art or practical use, many of Glenrowan woman Bobby George’s rug hooking works feature repurposed fibres, from car seat covers to old clothes and more. PHOTO: Kylie Wilson
GARDENING WITH
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MOVIE
TRANSFORMERS:
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NO matter where you look behind the creations showcased at Wangaratta’s Stitched Up Textile Festival, there is a story behind every stitch and fibre. One such story belongs to Glenrowan woman Bobby George, who will be involved alongside Maggie Whyte in The Story of Rug Hooking demonstration on Sunday, July 9 at Stitchy Central (Gallery 2 at Wangaratta Art Gallery). Originally from South Wales, Bobby said she has been attracted to rug hooking ever since childhood, as she saw collier families around her making rugs out of recycled materials. “Blankets and garments were torn or cut into short strips and prodded through old hessian sacks with modified dolly pegs to make floor coverings,” she said. “Unfortunately for me, my mother decided that we weren’t so poor as to need rag rugs on the floor.” Bobby got into the craft with a passion in adulthood, inspired by a book on the subject by Miriam Miller, an English woman who has made her home on the central coast of NSW. In the past few years, she has made several works using rug hooking, ranging from a sturdy rug for her floor to artistic pieces, and most are made from recycled materials. “I am not artistically endowed, so my rugs tend to be based on geometric designs, or patterns and forms that can be obtained using anything at hand,” she said. “I really like the idea of giving something a new life, so mostly use old clothes, woollen blankets and op shop bargains. “My current project is a departure - I am using carpet yarn which I have dyed.” Bobby praised those involved in the Stitched Up Festival, saying it is “a fantastic thing for Wangaratta”, and said she loved meeting new people at the event. continued page |
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