WORKSHOP -Aukje Boonstra

Turn your 'Sad Rags to Glad Rags!

18th and 19th September 2010 Booking Code AB03

Workshop Description: Over the last year or two, I have been working with second hand clothing. Going around the opportunity shops and find good quality clothing, turning that into wearable art, which is suitable to wear on any occasion. I would like to share this with you as I realise many people would like to do this too but often don't know where to start. We all have garments in our

wardrobes we like but are not quite right! During this workshop you will be asked to bring along some garments which you would like to rejuvinate and perhaps change to fit, glam up a bit or to cut up and use to make other things. Basic sewing machine skills are essential. Collect at least 5 garments and nice material you like and some threads, grab your sewing machine and let's make those sad rags glad again! Cost: $240.00 for both days. Bring your own bits to make masterpeice. No materials fee.

You need your lunch- unless you choose to go to one of the many local cafes - we provide complimentary refreshments including a range of healthy teas. Doors open 9.30 for a 10.00am start. Booking code AB03

Email us to express your interest

PROFILE – Aukje Boonstra

In 1996 I started studying the textile arts. Before that I was a potter, but because of a chronic back problem I had to change my direction. Pottery is very organic, working with clay. But the way I have learned to work with textiles is very organic as well.

Natural dyeing is one of my passions. The whole process of collecting dye sources such as leaves, flowers and barks, then put them in I a dye pot, simmer the cloth slowly, then the moment to unpack the dye pot is very exciting. It is always a surprise what the colours are going to be like. Also it is a bit unpredictable, because so much depends on the way the weather has been and on the water we use for the dyeing.

The making do culture of the late 19th and early 20th century fascinates me as well. The wagga concept, making quilts out of flour and sugar bags, blanket material and old clothing I find very interesting. I work with old blanket material, cut up silk shirts, natural dye appliqué and embroider it and embellish it with found objects. Making something of beauty out of something what other people discard I find very satisfying.

For the last twelve months I have been working with second hand clothing. Going around the opportunity shops and find good quality clothing, turning that into wearable art, which is suitable to wear on any occasion is something I am also passionate about.

I am also a tutor, who conducts workshops in natural dyeing, creative embroidery, working with second hand clothing, making contemporary dolls, naming a few things. In 2008 I had a sole exhibition, called From the Earth, showing natural dyed and embroidered wall pieces and an installation made of 40 metres of dyed silk. The exhibition was held in the Creative Paper Mill in Burnie Tasmania. An article about the exhibition can be found in the Textile Fibre Forum magazine no 92 2008

Aukje is a passionate craft person, dyer, textile artist, natural dyer and stitcher.