Sydney, The Yarn Report-Tapestry Craft

Australia's In The Building!

(The shop where I found my answer. All pics enlarge)

When spending time in another place, I like to check out where needle-workers draw their inspiration from. What kinds of motifs find their way onto, or become part of––a work?

More so than knitting, tapestry (needlepoint), applique, embroidery––needle arts that readily lend themselves to picture-making––are mediums through which I can see the represented forms of a group's cultural identity.

In Sydney, many town houses are adorned with, iron lace––a form of decorative cast-iron work; some feature a  Waratah as a central motif. I wondered if Australian flora and other scenes were represented in patterns and books for the needle arts as well. Such work tells me, that people have 'pride of place'.

My inquiries about the availability of books and patterns featuring native motifs and designs, rendered an answer which was kinda' shocking––None (or none that anyone knew of). Repeatedly, I was told "maybe you should put one out." Really. Was anyone even interested?

The answer to the latter question––ranged from creative baggage, carried from the idea that English flora and motifs were the glass of fashion––to Australiana being seen as kitsch (the way Americana would be 'kitsch' to us). Hmmm. I get both Herrschner's and the Mary Maxim catalogs, and from what I can see, Americana is doing well. I was also blessed with a needlepoint of Ayers Rock, given to me by my friend Joan––and, despite her claim it was done in the 70's––I still refused to believe the Aussies hadn't developed a needle-art identity of their own.

And then I remembered Tapestry Craft. I figured if they didn't have the answer to my investigation, then that was that.

First, The Needlecraft Shop

To my friend Pippa––Australian pride is alive and well!

When I walked into their new bi-level store I must tell you at first sight, I was undone. Nevertheless, I posed my question to Michelle, who looked at me amusingly and pointed to the Australia Section of tapestries in the back.
The selection was astounding. There were canvases for where I'd been, and where I hadn't. Australian flora and fauna is in abundance. Likewise, more than just a nod, is given to Aboriginal art and iconography (which is not in a separate section). 

Satisfyingly, all nations are represented here for both needlepoint and cross-stitch, but only a nod is given to modern graphics––the majority of the tapestries were of the type of gentility, befitting needlecraft shops (I do miss the Lion and The Lamb, in New York. Their needlepoint pillow emblazoned with the word 'whatever,' was the style for generation X, Y and me). If you are part of the next wave of tapestry and cross-cross-stitcher's, don't feel left out––the shop offers processing of your own images, for a reasonable fee.

Tapestry Craft's spacious amount of real estate is conveniently sectioned and well merchandised. There's place for gatherings, and two displays which captured my attention.

Aren't these china thimbles just the best? I absolutely had to buy a few.

This display for bath and toilette was worth noting.

You can peruse the books here, and of course, meet to
stitch (there is a group that meets here. Call for times).

In my delight, I purchased a needlepoint canvas, painted with Anigozanthos flavidus (Kangaroo Paw), to work; since my return home, it's provided me with a splendid alternative to knitting. I've been a needlepoint fan for many years; I like making pictures, and on occasion, I need to experience the exact placement of stitches, which the finger-coordinated movements of knitting and crochet doesn't favor.

Speaking of movement…I'm gonna leave you with a few more pics, and tomorrow, I'll have my final review––Tapestry Craft's Yarn Shop!

Later,

SB

The Australian alphabet, and a fantastic rug.

Comments

[Vera]

Stunning work. One of these days, I need to get back into my cross stitch.

[sappmama]

Girl you know I love this blog. I come here and all my senses just open up. Look at that Sydney Harbor canvas! I've GOT to try needlepoint.

[guanacaste costa rica real estate]

My inquiries about the availability of books and patterns featuring native motifs and designs, rendered an answer which was kinda' shocking––None (or none that anyone knew of). Repeatedly, I was told "maybe you should put one out." Really. Was anyone even interested?

[virginia gynecologist]

So artistically inspired, i can tell.