Fabulous Felted Flowers

To coincide with the opening of Presence VII exhibition on Saturday 21st November, I'm leading a workshop to make felted flowers. I had a lovely time making these examples with my girls. We got very messy and a bit wet but you have to agree the results are stunning!

The workshop is free and it's taking place at the Manor House Museum and Art Gallery in Ilkley West Yorkshire on Saturday 21st November 2009 12 noon until 2pm. No need to book, just drop in.

Headdresses

The first headdress I made was a commission for a ballet production of Sleeping Beauty. I was asked to make a headdress for Carabosse, the wicked fariy, something that was macabre and bird-like. I wanted to produce a headdress that was light and easy to wear and that would stay firmly anchored to the head throughout a dance routine. Here is my design made from knitted copper wire with additional yarns.

It looks even better when its worn! Thanks to Simone Clarke who danced Carabosse and to Hilary Barber for the photo.

For my Ice Dreams collection I made a headdress for a fairy tale. The structure reflected the formation of ice crystals in hoar frost and the confection of unravelling monofilament and mother of peal irise yarn reminds me of snow flurries.

Design and photos copyright Claire Ketteman except photo of Simone Clarke by Hilary Barber.

Extreme knitting

I love the colour contrast of vibrant greens and bright reds, they shout "look at me". I wanted to use the drama inspired by cacti to create burlesque-style costumes. The shape and structure of the plant made me think of corsetry. For the cactus, its sharp spikes protect a vulnerable and soft interior and so my knitting reflected this armour plated body.

I chose a very soft viscose yarn and married it with nylon monofilament to give structure and shape. Pleats created a flexible fabric and wire "smocking" added a contemporary interpretation to what could have been a rather ordinary garment. The red beads interspersed within the pleats and pockets allude to drops of blood drawn when an intruder tries to gain access. A well protected corset indeed!

All images and design copyright Claire Ketteman 2009