Beaded toilets and stuff

Why does man create?
Is it man's purpose on earth to express himself, to bring form to thought and to discover meaning in experience?
Or is it just something to do when he's bored?
Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson

I often wonder this as I look at the latest series of bead woven toilet bowls in my  beading magazines.

Okay, I have a question for the ether. I bought some Japanese craft books before Christmas. This is one of them.

That's the cover of the book and I ordered it through Crafty-Creations.

I was attracted by the collage look of the quilt piecing.

I've read on someone else's beautiful blog (sorry, I can't remember who) that there is a trend for this kind of mixing of fabrics in Japan at the moment. With lots of fabrics having print on them. That is, print as in text.

I like the way this makes the fabric look sort of like a sketchbook; with words included in the collage piecing.

Look at this close-up.

See how all the light coloured squares have print on them?

My question is: Do they print this fabric themselves from vintage ephemera or is this fabric commercially available? Does anyone know about this?

Inspiration: Not feeling very inspired at the moment. I'm working hard on finishing my book instructions and it's a bit of a slog. I'm trying not to get distracted by inspiration.

Likes: Phillip Pullman. I love him! And weren't we spoiled with the BBC "Ruby in the Smoke" adaptation the other night?

Dislikes: According to all the TV commercials, I need a new kitchen, sofa and computer this week. Last week I had hairy legs and foul teeth, this week my home is a mess. Oh F*** off will you?

Comments

[Robin]

Yes, I agree - this use of fabrics with writing on them does make me think of collage and journaling. The two purses really have that look, which is especially nice because they're not wall art or trading cards or fabric books. Thanks for asking the question... and thanks to those who provided website links for this type of fabric.

[Kelly]

Your blog and your photos are so yummy. Not sure if Retrodepot fabrics are up to your standards. Or is it reprodepot? Anyway.

What you describe above is one reason I gave away my television set. Best decision I ever made.

K

[susan]

ooh yup forgot:
likes:
juju's ever inspiring blog
text on anything and everything but most often not readable
not having television at all
julia child's book on her life in france
dislikes:
last four books from john irving
winter without snow
bad quality paint
snow without proper boots
having time and no book handy

[Concha]

Love the idea of hanging quilt on the wall like a painting! Must do that.