kantha

Learning about kantha quilts really  caught my attention it’s a tradition of Bangalian women using their old saris and scraps of material to create these beautifully detailed quilts. Kantha stitchs involve a simple running stitch in different patterns. Normally each woman would develop their own style. I really like the aesthetics of kantha stitching as well as the way it changes the texture of the material.

The image on the left was my first attempt at kantha stitchs I just started with little attempts to start off with to get the hang of it. All it is , is a running stitch each time creating different patterns. This technique is something that I deffinatly want to carry on and work with develop some more complex samples.

Belle Vue

 Belle vue was opened by William Crisp in 1834 it was advertised as belle vue tea gardens. It was open from 1834 to 1980 when it was closed down. It attractions included maharajah the elephant , ball rooms , the speed ways etc. It was three times the size of disneyland and people would come from all over to visit. 

We had several talks about Belle Vue and  we also got the chance to visit a archive where there were old photo's, newpaper articles and pamphlets. Its hard to imagine that this enormous attraction was once in Manchester. The two talks we had contridicted each other I felt the first talk by Claire Turner talked about nostalgic memories that people had about the park but she also went on to talk about how it was also an un spoken part of Manchester history. Our next talk was by Michael Power who painted the park in a completely different light talking about animal cruelty. This gave me the idea to look into animals used in zoo's and circus shows in the 1950's when circus shows were around alot more. I can link it into my quilting as big quilts are very nostalgic people pass quilts down through generations and embroider memories into them. I want to combine these two ideas together the nostalgic memories people have with the brutal truth behind them too. 

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

" A place where adults can feel like kids "

Blackpool Pleasure beach was founded in 1896 by William bean he started bringing American style amusement rides over. The pleasure beach has been handed over four times and from where it started off it has changed in all recognition. 10,000 workers came to Blackpool Pleasure beach to relax and enjoy their holidays every year. After the mid 70's the park took a turn for the worst, less and less people were holidaying within England. They  turned the park into much more than just a theme park they now have 45 bars and restaurants and several theaters for the winter time which attracted people of all ages.

When looking around Blackpools archive it was the old horses from the old carousels that really caught my eye. I just found them Erie. They are something that all children love and such a key image I feel when you think of fun fares. Its also given me an idea to look into animals linked with fun fairs.The other thing that obviously caught my attention was all the costumes they had in a massive room.There was rails of these vibrant glitsy costumes and fabrics they were just amazing and very showbiz.