Be Kind Textiles

Time for me to use all this self seeded Indigo to attempt to collect some pigment!
This is Japanese Indigo/persicaria tinctoria.

Some plants had started to flower, and figured it was time to pick as the leaves look at their best(plus I had the time to process them this week)

Still mending!!

I think we're all running a little on empty right now ❤ leave a comment and I welcome you to have a vent about what is happening for you right now 👂I'm listening.
Or tell me what has been difficult, and what you have found (even a tiny spark of) enjoyment in.

I've managed to accept that there is a lot beyond my control right now, and to look forward and move forward with what I CAN do right now, this week, this day, ive been trying to get lost in fleeting moments, but its hard.

This afternoon I am planting Sunflowers 🌻🌻🌻
Let me know if you want seeds and I'll try to get some to you!!

Quello nella foto è Tom Daley, fresco campione olimpico e icona mondiale dei diritti Lgbtq+.

Mentre assisteva sugli spalti alla finale femminile del trampolino da 3 metri, ha tirato fuori i ferri circolari e si è messo a lavorare a maglia, la sua grande passione, al punto da avere anche una pagina Instagram dal titolo “Made with love by Tom Daley", dove presenta le sue creazioni e poi le mette all’asta, devolvendo tutto il ricavato alle case famiglia per ragazzi Lgbtq+ cacciati di casa.

Con un solo gesto, spontaneo e naturalissimo, ha ridicolizzato in mondovisione decenni di tabù, pregiudizi e stereotipi della società patriarcale, mettendo la sua passione al servizio di chi ancora oggi, nel 2021, viene discriminato e rifiutato per il proprio orientamento sessuale.

Quando pensate a cos’è (o cosa dovrebbe o potrebbe essere) un Uomo, pensate a Tom Daley.
Di Lorenzo Tosa

I had a big response to thats on today, I'm feeling very sad to have to cap the numbers so low and tell people they can't come due to social distancing requirements. I was feeling quite unorganized due to the lockdown ending this week, and not on the ball.

The weather is starting to warm up and we can be outside in the garden which will hopefully fit the whole gang again 💔

Im feeling so grateful I can run this event at all! And that people still want to attend after such a long break. Thank you for your support 🥰

One spot left in my Basket Weaving Class . Next Sunday 8th Aug 10am.

To book head to-
https://www.work-shop.com.au/event/introduction-to-basket-weaving-2/

I feel like this event has been a bit weird with 2 or 3 postponements over the past few months, so I'm acknowledging that some people may have missed out or become frustrated to have it cancelled again and again ☹

We're doing our best to work around the social restrictions and I'm sorry for any disappointment that may have occured. 💙

Love teaching this workshop 💙 Im very excited for another Indigo & Shibori class with on
Sunday 15th Aug 2.30pm. Tix $70-80

https://www.work-shop.com.au/event/intro-to-shibori-dyeing-2/

Last Saturday I got help opening the shop! This has been my pivot while social restrictions have cancelled textiles workshop after workshop for nearly 18 months 😥 but its not all bad! ⚒🔩⛸We've been recycling old Roller Skates and stocking new ones too, as well as offering spare parts, services and advice.
I have felt so hesitant to post this first photo of myself... because I feel like it is one of those social media fronts that doesn't give the full story.
So, the second photo is of me crashing in pain and fatigue asleep on the couch just a few hours later 🤕😵💤 navigating a balance between my health and work has been very hard, with the 2020 lockdowns really destroying my wellbeing, and, I thank you all for sticking around and supporting me, even though I might retreat for weeks at a time to look after my health.

Feeling so lucky to have all the support in this new incredible venture!


.issell

Water corruption and Cotton farming in Australia 😔🌱🌾🏵
WE have all known for a long time we should not be growing Cotton in Australia, but the corruption under the surface is also quite shocking.
Friendlyjordies has done a couple of other videos on the dire Murray-darling Basin water sitch, but this one is more related to Cotton Farming. Tell me what you think.

Blood Water: the war for Australia's water friendlyjordies Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendlyjordiesSlattery and Johnson Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/slatteryjohnsonParliamentary inquiry su...

Yes! This is an ugly photo of shoulder pads 😅 ..never have I been so excited to be given a bag of these, and, at the perfect point in time. 💿🦚💫
Most have velcro- which is a plus! Ive been dreaming of creating some easy on/off costume alternatives for roller skating events and discos, or just to feel fabulous in💃 ... so let's see what I can make with these ✂️🧵🎨

you're a treasure ❤
Article from todays Age newspaper about the artists and future of the Nicholson Building Melbourne

Holly is amazing and has helped me so much on my journey, a gentle and compassionate human who does so much for her communities, and I'm loving MAP - Mindfulness Art Practice so much!
Please click through and check out the content 🥰 like, follow and comment to encourage Holly to continue sharing her creative healing journeys 💖🌈

This dress my Mum wore in 1974/75! That is a photo of her wearing it while she was a teacher- 1975 Class photo.

For anyone that hasn't heard, I have been so very unwell this past 2 weeks now. Assumed its migraine, but Im having more tests done -as I have been particularly worse than usual.

PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT has launched their next workshop series in Torquay 👏💜
Laura has a way of bringing people together to create a really special event, that fosters creativity and expression. She is the host with the most on 8 wheels and these events can really nourish your soul 🎨🌿

Sustainable Styling & Making Series - Wed nights in August. 6pm - 8pm

Held at The Light Box Torquay

Week 1 - Food Styling / Grazing Platters. Create draw dropping grazing platters with locally sourced food. Industry secrets - tips and knowledge you will have for life. A rare opportunity to learn new ways to style food.

Week 2 - Interior Styling / Event Styling. Understand how to use colour, lighting, shape, texture & placement to create displays. Skills that you can translate to many spaces.

Week 3 - Wild Floristry / Wall Hangings
/ Wall hangings Learn how to identity, source native local flowers and create unique sustainable wild arrangements & wall hangings for a gift or to style your home.

Week 4 - Plant Styling / Kokedama Making. Create an incredible Japanese hanging plant to turn your home into a rainforest. Tips on caring for plants.

Week 5 Watercolour / Ceramics. Learn the basics of working with watercolour & clay. Create your own bowls, jewellery, wall hangings with air dry clay and start your journey with ceramics.


www.putyourheartintoit.com.au

Includes a spectacular local grazing table & native bush teas.

$375 for x5 workshops

Email [email protected] to book

Teacher - Laura Issell is a leader in Sustainable Event Management & Design specialising in environmental, community and social change through art installations for education, talks, workshop programs and specialised events. She is the founding director at Put Your Heart Into It, and a passionate sustainable living advocate and speaker. Laura has come to specialise in curating thousands of sustainable events with thought-provoking installations and displays. Laura has also grown numerous inclusive communities that encourage creativity, sharing and an authentic connection to the environment through teaching specialised workshops and events. Laura also offers ethical catering as educational food art installations, supporting community gardens and local growers. Creating essential change that addresses pertinent issues relating to climate change and waste in relation to food waste, event management and a holistic connection!

How are you going beautiful crafters?
Victoria folks, lets try and get together again next month, as is postponed to first sunday of July.

Who would like me to send them a mindful stitching kit in the mail this week? $22 inc postage.
And for each kit sold, I'll give one away to someone who is in hardship. (Send me a msg if that's you )💕

Easiest way is paypal (pls make sure your address is current!) https://www.paypal.me/bekindtextiles

You can add a note if you would like a certain colour theme, or anything specific. Ill post them out Friday!

This is a so, very difficult time, and all of your feelings are valid right now 💜
Stay safe and warm 💜

I've been working on this pattern peice for full side covering rollerskate toe guards and I think Ive got it. Needed to design something that I can have ready, all the same cut out, and quick to fit on any type of quad skate. I was using brass rivets which were time consuming and fiddly(see last photo) this one I hand stitched with waxed linen thread and it turned out very well. Still time consuming and fiddly... 🙈💁‍♀️i guess its a choice between an accidental hammered finger or an accidental stab from a sewing needle.
These will be avaliable in the shop from next month :D
Made from recycled leather or vinyl. And price will be on a sliding scale for concession/unwaged.

It's been quiet from me for a while hasn't it.... I'd like to say Ive been spending all my time recuperating with this majestic floofer at home, but really i have dived into the wonderful deep end with shop set up (opening personal deadline is 2 weeks away! I am so excited and happy about getting the space back open 💫⛸🤗🤸‍♀️)

is back 1st Sunday of each month!

Ive ALSO been slogging though a whole lot of life and medical admin, which- has been the most stressful (👀see my new fantastic mobile connect/refillable ink printer in bottom left corner which has helped my organisation greatly 🥳♻️🖇.)

The truth is, I need help from my wonderful community here... i just still dont know what I need. I feel bad for even asking.... when a lot of YOUR messages to me have gone unanswered due to my lack of 'spoons' (see disabilty spoon theory).

How do I keep on going forward, when health issues continue to keep me down...
Now my Bipolar and Narcolepsy are better treated, Im finding my ASD has now become very debilitating ☹, like wow come on life give me a break pls 😂... if I don't laugh i just cry!

I think, first start, is a FB (😏👿🤮 i know) crew group to connect with you folks who want to lend me a hand. I know so many have personally offered... but im just sp overwhelmed 🤯.

I would LOVE for BKT to become a not-for-profit... but I cannot get my head around what is needed... but thats totally future dreams anyway! I can deal with capitalism for a LITTLE bit longer i guess .
Right now, there are so many possibilities, ideas, and also job enquiries still coming in... maybe, I just need YOU to put your hand up and be a piece in this weird puzzle.

My dream here is to lift up others facing adversity, to provide community, purpose, even employment if I can. We as folks that are injured, chronically ill, neurodiverse or living with a disability have sooo many special powers up our sleeves, its just a matter of putting ourselves out there and joining forces, to create something bigger than ourselves.

Thank you for reading 💕

Had the forever fabulous .issell over yesterday to talk garden, costumes and shop!
Laura started her own skate school in Torquay ,plus is one part of and also ... what else!? !

So, people have been asking me, "whats with all the rollerskates in the window" 😂 well, ive been fixing, making and trading rollerskates and gear during lockdown when I couldn't teach workshops due to iso, and its totally evolved into its own thing! Seemed to be lots of cross over between crafty fabric lovers and rollerskating!
To me, the idea fits in perfectly with the community building, vintage, recycling, and workshops and events Ive already been doing here. Its is a snails pace because of my current health issues, but I have so many wonderful people involved and it is gathering speed now!

Im still teaching different textile workshops at in Fitzroy and i will start up the crafternoons soon! I think monthly, the 1st Saturday of the month, or does that clash with other things folks have on?

Go follow me over at to see the developments 💃👀⛸

Coming up this month, 3 of my workshops in Fitzroy :D an awesome big warehouse space on Argyle St hosting so many great classes. Including these...

Basket weaving
3pm-6pm Sunday 11th April

Indigo & Shibori
2-5pm Saturday 17th April

Macrame Plant Hanger
10.30am-1.30pm 9th May

https://classbento.com.au/basket-weaving-class-melbourne

https://classbento.com.au/shibori-fabric-dyeing-workshop-melbourne

https://classbento.com.au/macrame-plant-hangers-workshop-melbourne

Action shot while I was dip dyeing linen curtains in an Indigo vat outside. I made a rope and pulley system as each curtain was very heavy when wet. This was a big job! I cut and sewed the curtains to the specs, then to dye them- I pleated vertically, basted stitched along the top to keep the wide fabric compact while maintaining an even hem, so the dip dye was fairly horizontal along the whole curtain width.
They ended up having 5 dips in the Indigo vat. I did the post rinse and neutralized the ph with white vinegar in my big pink 50s bath! Handy.
Next bit of kit on my wish list and to make manual handling and hand washing easier on my body, is an old fashioned Mangle or clothes roller!

Still thinking of incredible women in my life... here is a quick pen drawing I did of my dear friend .au from after when she came and visited me for the first time in January after a year of lockdowns here in Melb. I was sad that I hadn't taken a photo to document her cherished visit! so I scribbled down this image I had in my mind of her sitting on my back step, chatting to me while pruning my geranium plants.

In true urban style melbourne chic, i think she was wearing vintage tailored pants, a black t-shirt with the word "seriously?" embroidered in red(haha loved it), metallic Birkenstocks and chunky acrylic jewellery that she'd also found second hand. Plus she would have had a bag of her current stitching project and ofcourse a reusable coffee cup & straw, just incase.

Anyone that has met Sue and sat down for a chat will know she is an incredibly strong, intelligent and caring woman, that has an awesome sense of humour too. And a huge wealth of knowledge about not just textiles and vintage, but also politics, geography and many other subjects.
I have learnt so much and am so grateful to have met you and have had the privilege of hearing your stories Sue! I do hope you can visit again soon ❤