In this episode, I have a lovely conversation with Susie Vickery, a multitalented embroidery artist from Western Australia. She talks about her work with different cultural groups throughout Asia and Australia. She uses embroidery to make puppets, stop-motion animation, installations, and community projects. Find the show notes at https://thefabricthread.com/podcast-episode-8/  

In this episode I talk to Natalie Fisher, an Australian needlepoint artist who recently published a book titled Ghorzah (meaning Stitch in Arabic) telling the story of her stitching journey through Morocco, the UAE and Uzbekistan. She shares how her discovery of Islamic design influenced and expanded her career as an artist. Find the show notes at https://thefabricthread.com/natalie-fisher-2/

This is the second half of my conversation with Jude van der Merwe, project director of the inaugural Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA21) that is currently on in Perth, Western Australia. We continue the conversation and talk in more detail about the artists and the work that can be seen in galleries across the city. This part of the conversation was recorded just before the event opened at the end of August 2021. Find the show notes at  https://thefabricthread.com/podcast-episode-5-6/

In this episode I talk to Jude van der Merwe, Project Director of the inaugural Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA21) that is currently on in Perth, Western Australia. Our conversation spans two episodes. In this first one, she tells us how it all began, which events are on, and she gives an overview of the art and craft that are on display. This conversation was recorded before the event started back in June 2021. Find the show notes at https://thefabricthread.com/podcast-episode-5-6/

In this episode, we speak to Jess Stephens, founder of Sefrou Sisters, an artisan and cultural organisation in Sefrou, Morocco.  Jess tells us about the tradition of Moroccan handmade buttons and the women who make them. Find the show notes at https://thefabricthread.com/podcast-episode-4/

In this episode, we meet Keith Recker, a colorist, and cultural craft connoisseur. He takes us on a journey from Mumbai to Mexico, sharing stories of artists, artisans, and craftspeople he met while working with Aid to Artisans, The International Folk Art Market, and HandEYE Magazine. 

Talking Textiles. 

Crafting Communities. 

Stitching Stories.

In this episode we join Lesli Robertson of Mekeka Designs, as she takes us to Uganda to share the wonders of barkcloth, the important role it plays in Buganda culture and the artists who are forging a sustainable future for this ancient material. She also talks about mekeka, a Ugandan palm leaf weaving tradition, that has been resurrected as a contemporary design medium.

Talking Textiles. 

Crafting Communities. 

Stitching Stories.

Join me, textile writer, Ansie van der Walt, as I follow the thread, finding the people and places that bring textiles to life.  From artists and authors to craftspeople, creators, and textile designers, we travel around the globe finding the stories behind the cultures, dyes, fabrics, and materials that add texture to our lives. 

Talking Textiles. 

Crafting Communities. 

Stitching Stories.