Cassandra Ellis

The upside to miserable weather

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:46:00 +0000

Yesterday was indeed a 'poor to very poor' day on the weather front. Drizzly unrelenting rain and cold, without a whiff of sun. I love crashing rain or no rain, but this seems almost impossible to conjure up in southern England. These are the days when I wish I could ignore the need for walking the dogs - I can't as the guilt would overwhelm me for the rest of the day thereby ruining it anyway. So after a rain soaking walk and mud splattered walls and floors were dealt with, I was about a -5.

The upside of this weather, was deciding to stay in the studio for the rest of the day. I got to survey the garden and plan some new plantings whilst working on a new commission.This quilt is full of fabrics and colours that take me straight back to my childhood.It's going to be a very happy quilt and a very special gift.

Note the envelopes - my top tip when cutting out a whole quilt in one go. This works really well if you aren't planning every piece of fabric. Number the envelopes to match the piece in the design, then strike off on the front, as you cut and stuff. I'm not sure why, but doing this bring immense satisfaction. It's a mystery when cutting and stuffing the envelopes and then a cornucopia of loveliness when you pull them all out again.

A glass of wine followed by an episode of Masterchef, and the day turned out to be pretty good - maybe even a +5. (even if I had to deal with rain flattened hair all day).

The book

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:46:00 +0000

So it is done. 30,000 odd words, lots of projects designed, made and photographed. The book is called Quilt Love and is being published by Jacqui Small Publishing in October this year. It's also going to be published in the States. That's all I can say (how much I want to show you pictures) for now, but I'm thrilled with it so far - I hope you will be too.

Great thoughts x 2

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:18:00 +0000

Two great thoughts on home, from Deborah Needleman's new book.

It's loveliness increases

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:01:00 +0000

If you are in London this weekend, do try to visit Its Loveliness Increases. Ros Badger has a very special eye and you're bound to find something precious.

Christmas......

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:56:00 +0000

Aaahh - christmas presents. It's December so I'm comfortable talking about it now. I have already planned my own (bar one). This included queuing in the 'Build-a-bear' concession in Hamleys - Regents Street, 3pm, Saturday 3rd December - thoughts on this? I might point out that these were for the dogs and the 007 moves we had to pull were worth it.... All other presents have been far more pleasant - a little commission here, a few lovely books there, a piece of art or two.

I forgot that what I do (that is quilts and classes) would be a nice Christmas present for someone, but now that someone has asked for it, I realised it would indeed be a lovely present.

So you can purchase a voucher for either a quilt or interiors class.

Or, you can buy a voucher towards a quilt commission. We're printing lovely vouchers now which will be ready in plenty of time for Christmas.

Just get in touch with me for all the details.

Pushing yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Ask Ed - before any class I am a touch (read very) grumpy. I'm concerned - is everything right, do I understand what everyone needs, is it good enough etc etc. I think this is a good way to be if not a touch frustrating for those around us. We all know about the exams or presentations when we were so relaxed we thought we'd flown through - invariably we didn't. I can tell you about my 'C' from Uni, but I won't because I cringe to this day about my lax approach to that paper (I am aware a C isn't that bad...).

After a class, I hope that my guests are happy, informed and even a little inspired, so what a delight when I receive emails or cards telling me they were. Thank you Rosemary - it made my day, and I'm so very glad we managed to rescue it from Darcy's jaw before he chomped it into confetti.

New class dates!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:04:00 +0000

Here we go!

Sunday 29th January

Sunday 26th February

Sunday 25th March

Have a look over here.

I'll be back properly next week.

Just a thought

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:47:00 +0000

I know I meant to be writing (and I am), but I came across this scribble in my notes. It's what I believe in with a ridiculous passion and hope that I can help people understand this thought and make the most of where they live.

Home is the on-going story of you. Your yesterday, today and tomorrow all happen within the boundaries of where and how you live. Your home (besides the clothes on your back) is the most visual and emotional manifestation of your identity.

Sometimes you get to choose where you live. On other parts of your home journey, you won’t. Much of the time it’s a compromise, because of either financial or emotional restrictions. But whatever point you are at in your story, there is the chance to create your sense of identity, and by extension, your future.

And that's it from me I promise!

On deadline...

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:56:00 +0000

I'm on deadline for my book. This means the floors need vacuuming quite badly and I'm not having leisurely strolls to my local organic butcher on a daily basis..... I also seemed to have worn the same pair of jeans five days in a roll. A lot is not getting done properly, so that I can do the projects for the book very properly.

So I'm just going to roll with it and not get panicky that I'm not eating five a day. I'm not going to worry about writing here for the next couple of weeks and I'm going to love said pair of jeans until they take themselves to the washing machine.

See you in a little while.

PS: Nice shoot location isn't it?

Jaunting around East Sussex

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:05:00 +0000

Although it's a little late to book onto today's class at Charleston, there is definitely enough time to enjoy the (read my) favourite bits of East Sussex. Have a look at This is Your Kingdom - a lovely and very useful website which I wrote a piece for this week.

I'm sorry it's a picture of Lily and I, but I'm wanting you to focus on the veritable splendour of Charlestons gardens behind me... I am fairly sure Lily wasn't meant to be there...

Almost out of time!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:45:00 +0000

I am not sure how this post didn't leave the draft folder......

So for this months issue of Making magazine, I designed and made a quilt. Which means this is only the second pattern I've let loose!

The pattern and instructions are all in the mag.

You might remember the post about a quilt made out of shirts and beach shorts and pajamas. The idea of this may not initially bring up visions of beauty, but I beg you to differ now that you can see it.

This would be equally lovely out of saris, vintage tea towels, Liberty print or your daughters clothes. You can commission yourself - how exciting. If you do make it, please send me photographs as I love to see what people have made and where it ends up.

Now this issue is only on sale for another week or so, so if you want it, you had better scurry to W H Smith or click to Making here.

I have another project in the Christmas issue - it's not a quilt, but something equally as lovely and useful.

Nice projects

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:23:00 +0000

A couple of lovely quilts I'm finishing off at the moment. The top quilt is all about the tradition of Indigo. Indian, African, Japanese, Korean, American and English indigos. Again different sensibilities (and a lot of rinsing to remove excess dye) but the same technique. It's backed in African wax cloth, which when you buy a bolt of, it's the perfect size to back a standard queen quilt!

The second quilt is from clothes and scarves of a different era, combined with some hand-loomed indian cotton. This quilt makes me think of that great (and much watched) tv programme 'The House of Elliot'.

Textile kings!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:02:00 +0000

So many companies doing great things with ethnic and recycled textiles at the moment. Hopefully this means, throwaway is on the wain and traditional textiles are being seen in a new light.

I love seeing how for example Ikat, can be given a new feel by sitting within the aesthetic of designer/brand.

Toast - of course! Ikat with silk velvet, with reindeer fur, with knitted cushions and welsh blankets.

Sparrow & Co - I can't wait for Samuel to launch his on-line store. Really lovely kantha quilts in fresh new colours (I'll be getting one), welsh cushions and rare breed sheepskins. Follow him on Twitter for all the news.

I think Laviva home are magical. Laura has managed to make ethnic textiles fresh and new and relevant to modern homes.

The story behind these A.P.C quilts is just super. Using past season remnants they created modern quilts based on heritage craft. Watch the video here. Somebody sent these to me thinking I would be upset. Not at all - in fact I'm excited by it. These types of quilts have been around for a long time in every quilting country and culture.

If it means this style of quilt is seen and loved, then I'm all for it.

And of course - Dosa. Indian, African, Mexican etc etc. Wouldn't it be great if Christina designed and made some quilts? Expensive most definately but stunning I'm sure.

All standard techniques,similar fabrics but completely different sensibilities. They'd be very lovely all in a room together wouldn't they?

Thought for the week - Boxing in

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:42:00 +0000

It being Design Week I flew around looking, comparing, looking. I wanted to be stimulated and maybe even a bit overwhelmed by talent far beyond my own skills. Being very honest, I also wanted to check and see whether what I was doing was ok, or even just made sense. I then realised that this was probably the wrong way to look.

'Traditional' quilters are often perplexed by me. Even more so as I don't call myself a quilter. I teach, but I am not a teacher, I am commissioned to make, yet I certainly don't call myself an artist or crafter, as what I love and make has to be useful and used, as well as beautiful. I have a book coming out, yet I am not an author. I help people with their homes, yet I am most definately not an Interior Designer. And then by chance I came across the above words and realised how foolish it is to box yourself into a two word job description. We are all many things and yet we (especially me) feel the need to describe who we are by this.

So shall we not do this boxing in thing, and maybe just get on with the job of producing 'excellent-ness' in all that we do.

Our radiators

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:55:00 +0000

I've had lots of lovely emails and queries about our radiators. They really are beautiful and I've managed to find a really great supplier that I use for clients.

So if you're interested just get in touch. They cost between £120 - £325 for the Victorian style shown in black undercoat (plus valves and stays) which I think is a pretty sensational price. They can be painted for an extra £75 each in one of four traditional colours.

They make an enormous difference - both from a visual and a functional perspective. What did William Morris say?

On noticing........

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:23:00 +0000

Noticing, whilst waiting for the kettle to whistle..

Seeds to gather before it gets cold, leaves are turning so we shan't cut them, roses pushing out the last blooms, figs doing their best to ripen even though they are planted in the wrong spot, velvet dyed and dried and just what I wanted, a quilt coming together with the aid of my pencil pot, and a piece of fabric that is waiting for me to make my mind up.

10 minutes and many ideas.

Sneak Peek

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:34:00 +0000

Thanks Design Sponge. A few more shots that didn't make the cut. Not sure where Mr Darcy was......

In the Indigo!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:20:00 +0000

Aahh Indigo - how I love thee. Super lovely quilt with fabrics from Liberty, India, Africa and Japan (plus a much loved old denim shirt).

I wish this quilt was mine..........

Home is where the heart is

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:31:00 +0000

Homes and details that I think are pretty fantastic. Funny how a theme just happens when you start to pull together images. Must be the mood I'm in today....

Canvas, Emma, Dosa, Laviva, Elle,
James Plumb

Exchanging this for that

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:22:00 +0000

Is it still ok to talk about our times of economic woe? Three years and counting. But have you applied radical thinking to resolve how to make less, go further and better? How about exchanging skills or goods rather than spending money on them.... Gardening for a meal. Or building a website for painting and decorating. A book for some jam, or the idea above - a loaf of bread for everything from olive oil to a guitar lesson. Taking something you're naturally good at and exchanging it for something somebody else is much better at than you is not a new idea but possibly a forgotten one in the times of high street spending frenzies. In the recesses of my student mind are economics lectures on bartering (it's a long time ago) but I remember how much I loved the concept. Not just for the idea of saving/not spending, but mostly because by bartering or exchanging you have firstly engage with someone new, and secondly, you have to communicate with and respect the person you're exchanging with.

Think of the fun you could have and the people you could meet. I'm going to make a list of all the things I'd be prepared to barter for, with what I have to offer - a quilt for a holiday? a lesson for some wine? dog walking for ???

In the pink!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:16:00 +0000

Have you felt confident, courageous and vital so far in 2011. Bold and new anybody? Ready to face everyday troubles with verve and vigour??? Pantone had picked Honeysuckle as their colour of 2011, and I thought about it again this morning. Did they know 2011 was going to be a difficult year for the world? I don't think I'd want a room inside the house painted in it, as it may be somewhat overstimulating and physical for the place where you most want to relax.  I would however, love to see local buildings or council signage painted in this uplifting and positive hue. How about school gates or street bollards sporting it? Train line graffiti can and would be beautiful if it was in honeysuckle too, or even the seasonal planting in local roundabouts......

Any other ideas?

Just super photographers

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:56:00 +0000

I'm looking at photographers at the moment (any excuse) and I've come across two who's work I think is pretty special.

Above is Katya de Grunwald.

and then there is

Brian J Ferry. His work is featured recently in Kinfolk magazine.

Both filter light and compose their images beautifully. They also make you feel like you are actually there inside the photo, not just looking - that's a rare and wonderful skill.

Inspiration - birds

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:28:00 +0000

When I start a quilt commission, I go in search of inspiration. I don't actually look at fabrics or 'quilting' books, because I think that restricts your creativity and the way in which you 'see'. So I head off to galleries - Miro at the Tate was fabulous, as was the Twombly at Dulwich Picture gallery. I might look at paint swatches or buildings. I might look at gardens and I definitely look at books, just not books on quilting. I have boxes and boxes of tear sheets from magazines,concert programmes and ticket stubs - all of which could trigger something .

For a commission I'm currently working on, I looked at birds. Their colouring is an extraordinary gift from Mother Nature and there is a certain regal quality which totally fits with this client.

I find it's the best way to create the most fantastic and personal ideas, because you're not restricting yourself to what you think you should look at and somehow one's brain produces something completely different (and usually better) than planned.

Local love

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:04:00 +0000

Our local high street after the riots. Smash a window and raid the store, and the community will come back and show the love for Peckham, for their community and for home.

Photos courtesy of the great Food Stories blog.

Home

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:07:00 +0000

It's difficult to concentrate today on tasks that don't seem important in the light of last nights events. We live in Peckham and we have a tenant who lives in our old flat on Lavender Hill in Clapham. I'm looking at images of my old high street. It's decimated. People are frightened. Some have lost their homes, many don't know whether being at home is safe. In Peckham, the shops are shut and the streets are empty. It wasn't a comfortable walk and I'm not easily scared. Peckham isn't violent, it's very community orientated which is why we moved here.

Home is where everything starts. It's where you learn moral guidelines and know how to behave. So why are they doing it? What can we do to help our neighbour's and our communities to make us all feel safe where we choose to live. There are helicopters overhead already. Let us hope it isn't worse this evening, for so many reasons.

What shall we do? What can I do?