Stitching Time, work in progress and installation view, 2016. ArtSpace Realm, Maroondah City Council, Ringwood.

A Crafted History: People & Place

7 November 2015 – 10 January 2016
ArtSpace Realm, Maroondah City Council, Ringwood
Penelope Aitken I Anna Farago I Siri Hayes I Elvis Richardson I Sophie Xeros-Constantinides

Curated by Lisa Byrne and Jane O'Neill

Stitching Time, a large banner-like quilted work which was made from denim sourced from local op shops, fabric and thread naturally dyed with plants and weeds from various sites in Maroondah, was a collaboration between Farago and members of Maroondah Handicrafts Inc.

Farago coordinated a series of open sewing circles where members of Maroondah Handicrafts and friends assisted with stitching and embroidering. As part of the process, she conducted interviews with members of the group about their thoughts on community, craft and feminism. These responses were then embroidered and printed onto the surface of the fabric.

Thanks to the women who assisted at sewing circles: Maroondah Handicraft Members: Karin Bellingrodt, Jean James, Bev Glen, Joy Horne, Diane Kloet and Marian Parker. Maroondah residents: Jill Kellett, Linda Moore and Nilima Pelz. My mates who came from far and wide: Penelope Aitken, Lissy Blake, Siri Hayes, Gabey MacGregor, Felicia Semple, Leslie Sorenson, Laurene Vaughan, Rachel Wilson, and my daughter Cleo Farago and her mate Miriam (Memo) Mark Aitken for their gorgeous additions of embroidered Swamp Everlastings.