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| Sunday, 17 November 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Patchwork: a multi-faceted art by Carol Aloysius
When an enterprising group of pioneer women started putting together bits of used clothes to turn out new dresses for themselves during the American civil war, they never dreamt that they were introducing a whole new art in the field of needlecraft. Over the years this art has become more elaborate and sophisticated, the current trend being to use it increasingly for home decor. Even the techniques used in this age old craft has changed. Whereas previously, patchwork involved the painstaking task of stitching several pieces of cloth together by needle, today, in many instances, those engaged in the craft prefer to use sewing machines for quicker and more sophisticated results. In keeping with modern trends, patchwork has become a multi-functional craft today. From home made dresses, its uses have now spilled over to table linen, bed quilts, kitchen towels, napkin holders, bottle covers, carpets and even wall hangings. Over thirty wall hangings in the latest designs, which include exquisite stained glass effects, will go on display at 'Share the Joy', an exhibition, to be held by Daisy Vittachi whose name is synonymous with patchwork in this country.
When it opens at the Jayewardene Cultural Centre in Colombo next week, needlecraft enthusiasts will be able to view one of the most fascinating collections of novel patchwork items under one roof - the work of over 220 pupils who have mastered the craft under Daisy's patient guidance. "It will be an exhibition with a difference", she promises. "Visitors will not only get to see some exciting new designs, they will discover the versatile uses of this technique by seeing the number of utility and ornamental items on display. Housewives can turn out these items during their leisure time. All they need is a lot of patience and imagination". For the house proud woman, this novel one-of-a-kind exhibition is particularly useful since it offers invaluable guidelines to creative, do -it-yourself and inexpensive interior decor. Bed rooms enhanced by patchwork quilts, pillow cases, rugs, curtains and even wall hangings made of patchwork to suit every member of the family, will be some of the highlights of this unique exhibition. "We want to show our housewives how to `dress up' the most ordinary looking room in the cheapest way - with patchwork creations. For example they can turn their bedroom into an eye catching room simply by using patchwork rugs, wall hangings and curtains. A pantry can be given a new look with patchwork bottle covers, napkin holders, spoon holders and tray cloths. We have even made covers for rice cooker out of patchwork. All these various items will be displayed at the exhibition", says Daisy. "Our creations cover practically every room in the house including the bathroom. "With only a month to go for Christmas, the exhibition also offers useful ideas to housewives on novel gifts and X'mas decor", she adds. Other novel items to look out for at this unusual exhibition include: paper tole craft, Victoria silk ribbon hangings - and the very latest Origami patchwork, a technique, which Daisy says she only just introduced to her pupils. "Patchwork origami is very much like paper origami. You use the same principles and techniques, folding different coloured pieces of cloth and stitching them together", she explains showing an exquisite bed quilt that has been made for the exhibition using this novel technique. "My dream", says this social worker cum needlecraft expert," is to teach the art of patchwork to every housewife in this country so that she can use her spare time to do something creative useful, and also earn an independent income". She currently conducts free classes in Colombo as well as in centres at Ratnapura, Galle, Kurunegala and Negombo for underprivileged girls. At the forthcoming exhibition, as in previous years, two underprivileged talented needle women will receive sewing machines free of charge from Hayleys. A mother of two young children, who are also following in her footsteps this enterprising woman hopes to shortly open a permanent school to teach patchwork. All the items that will be on display are one of a kind. "The designs and products displayed at this exhibition will not be repeated again", she stresses. The two day exhibition will be open from November 22 to 24, from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. |
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