Selvedge - Newsletter

FUTURE TEXTILES
Pity the poor insomniac students, burning the midnight oil and dreaming of bright futures in the real world. On the other hand, aren’t we lucky... we get to trawl the treasure houses of the degree shows, thrilling at the discovery of new talent. Free Range 2007 at The Old Truman Brewery www.free-range.org.uk will play host to many hopeful young things until 23 July, starting with Middlesex University, from 1-4 June www.mdx.ac.uk. You might even pick up a distinctive gift for Fathers’ Day. So check out your local art school.

For centuries women have gathered to embroider, quilt or weave. These groups provided a place to speak, listen, laugh and cry. The Tamielle Handkerchief Club www.tamielle.com is devoted to reviving the practice and to bringing back the personal touch. To this end, each handkerchief, embellished with vintage motifs, features a tiny print telling you name of the woman who made it. Beautifully presented in gift boxes, the handkerchiefs for men, include charming classic cars and sporting illustrations they would not only make a great Father’s Day gift, but provide an ethical income for their makers who come from all over the world. Visit our Object Catalogue to order one from only £15 www.selvedge.org

Heal’s new limited-edition celebrity doormats made in collaboration with the Terrence Higgins Trust light-heartedly draw attention to a serious matter. Designs from the cheeky ‘Shop Till You Drop’ by Tara Palmer-Tomkinson to the charming ‘Birds’ by Celia Birtwell and this classic Orla Kiely number ‘Leaves’, (dedicated to the friends she has lost to HIV) are £22 and all profits go direct to the THT. Add a little style to your home and open the door to further education, research and treatment to help fight AIDS. www.heals.co.uk

This floaty number, ‘Summer Nights’ is from Ronit Zilkha’s SS07 collection. Her A-line tea dresses made from linen, cotton or wisps of chiffon and antique lace, with delicate prints and intricate beading are flattering and feminine - perfect for a romantic summer stroll under the stars. www.ronitzilkha.co.uk

Competitions and awards abound this month. Quilt artists from across Canada have been working on the theme of ‘fantasy’ for the Grand National 2007: Fantasy Quilt Show. Submissions included imagery drawn from mythology and daydreams. Our congratulations go to Lily Lam for her piece ‘Cloak of Imagining’ which nets her the CAD $1000 Grand Prize www.kwag.on.ca

Why not enjoy a community knitting project with a difference... Shaun the Sheep’s Picknit Challenge! Knit Shaun a life-size picnic feast whilst picknicking in Regents Park at the Camden Green Fair or as part of the Brighton Big Knit In, 3 June www.ukhandknitting.com

If you’re going to Glastonbury this month look out for a rather novel piece of landscape art. Farmer Michael Eavis has erected nine miles of fencing around his Somerset farm and in the true festival spirit, is decorating it with tapestries depicting the history of radical protest. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

4 FOR THE PRICE OF 3...
Complete your treasured collection of your favourite magazine In our special offer you can order 4 back issues and we’ll only charge you for 3! But hurry as this generous offer only lasts until 30 June 2007... and we know how you’d hate to miss out.