Wednesday, August 14, 2013

the craft sessions - a giveaway

Creativity is medicine for the soul; a means of nurturing the emotional and mental self. Coming together to create is age-old; for women it is primal, an integral part of life. 

But life is busy and, unfortunately, collective crafting isn't a priority for most of us. Yet deep down we all know that a quilt made amidst a chorus of chit and chatter is imbued with the energy of those who witnessed it come together. That quilt is so much more than a blanket; it's a memory keeper; it holds stories of marriage and family, of neighbourhood gossip. Perhaps it's even stained with tears, or tea.

Craft is synonymous with community and four Melbourne women are making sure it stays that way. Introducing: The Craft Sessions 


 ..."a weekend retreat of creative workshops, delicious food, quiet moments and inspiring people. It is an opportunity to play and learn, to talk and share ideas. It's about coming together and sharing a love of 'making', appreciating the beauty in the smaller things, and delighting in the pleasure and simplicity of all things handmade." 

The weekend will be held from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October, 2013 in a tranquil bush retreat in the Yarra Valley. Teachers from all corners of the Australian and New Zealand crafting world will come and share their love of making; teaching new skills, inspiring creativity and uncovering the joy of paint, yarn, fabric and dye. 


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The teachers of The Craft Sessions have each contributed to this delightful giveaway. One winner will receive the following:

1. A handknit reversible 100% woollen cowl in a rich shade of clay. The pattern for this cowl is available for free download here

2. Dropcloth Artwork from Maze & Vale. Designer Leslie Keating says: "The dropcloth that I use to cover my screen printing table picks up little bits of prints and colour, mixes them in an amazing way that could never be replicated if tried. Each little chunk forms a bit of art in itself and so I decided to mount them on 300lb watercolour paper, stitch a little sewn line to keep them extra secure and hope that they may bring a bit of modern colour and form to someone's wall, book shelf or pin board." 100% cotton canvas, screen printed by hand with solvent-free ink. Each print is numbered by hand, this edition of 18 is from the third drop cloth to come off the Maze & Vale printing table. 

3. Sophie is teaching the "Sewing with Knits" class at The Craft Sessions and has kindly contributed Sew U Home Stretch; just in case you want to get ahead with your sewing. A handy how-to guide, it includes step-by-step instructions ad patterns for a variety of t-shirts and dresses.

4. A copy of the Milo Pattern from Tikki Knits and enough organic Australian yarn to create it with (you choose the colour!). Milo is a universally loved classic and suitable for an adventurous beginner. Knit in the round from the top down, this pattern is a deviation from the classic vest; it's boxy, funky and relaxed. 

5. A two-colour cowl by woollenflower. Created on a hand-operated vintage knitting machine, this double-layered neck warmer keeps warmth in and wind out - made from 100% Scottish lambswool in Marlin/Jasper colourway. 

6. A unique hand-embroidered drawstring bag by Tiny Happy. Made from striped grey and cream linen and embroidered with wildflower bouquets, the bag is lined in fine poppy print cotton. Perfect for keeping small projects or art supplies.

This giveaway is open to international readers. To enter all you need to do is leave a comment answering this question: how does crafting nurture your creative self? Together, the teachers from The Craft Sessions and I will choose a winner, based on the comment that best resonates with us. This giveaway closes on Thursday 22nd August at 9pm. Winner will be announced shortly afterwards.

Comments are now closed. Thank to all who entered! The winner is #58 - Clare. Congratulations, lovely one x

If you would like to stay up-to-date with The Craft Sessions, pop over to 'like' them on facebook or join their mailing list

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