Allison Whitlock {uncommon threads}
Monday, May 19th, 2008
Australian born Crafter and writer Allison Whitlock has probably made her way to the screens of all of our crafty homes. The lovely host of the DIY’s Network “Uncommon Threads” chats a bit with us about all things creative and she shares a sneak peek into her fabulous sewing and design studio located in her home. Allison is no newby to the design and craft world. She has worked as a writer and Stylist for Sheila Bridges: Designer Living, A Swell Holiday, and Dwell, and you can catch some of her work in Vickie Howells popular book “Knitty Gritty” & Vickies upcoming book “Catwalk Crochet”. I look forward to her upcoming home decor line “Home Made Modern” as well! Heres Allison
JuBella: Why is creativity important to you?
Allison: To me, being creative is like breathing. It’s the very expression of who I am. It helps me to stay centered, expressive and happy. I also believe that by being creative, I’m able to understand myself, my culture, and my environment.
JuBella: How would you describe your most creative spot/atmosphere?
Allison: There’s no one place that I go to be creative. I think inspiration is all around and sometimes you can take a fresh look at something you pass by every day and see something new. But the ultimate environment for creativity to me is a new one – so travel is important. Every culture or city expresses itself aesthetically in a different way. Even the way that light falls on a building or the way colors look so different from one hemisphere to the next or one city to another. I always travel with my digital camera a snap a shot of images that make me stop and take a second look. They’re a constant inspiration for my designs.
JuBella: Favorite Craft magazine or show?
Allison: I have to say being a knitter among other things – I love to watch Knitty Gritty. It’s great to learn from those amazing knit designers – and Vickie Howell is one of my favorite crafty chicks! Also, I’m completely obsessed with modern design and I’m very impressed with DIY’s Free-form Furniture – it’s not classic craft but it’s great design and that’s what excites me.
JuBella: How would you describe the character/decor of your studio/design space?
Allison: Allison: My studio is my home, and rather than dedicating a room to craft – I just let it take over my space whenever I’m feeling creative. I’d describe the style femme modern – classic clean lines but always with a curve or soft edge. My favorite piece is my 1950’s Saarinen tulip dining table and chairs. I bought it on ebay for a steal and have been in love with it ever since. It’s fantastic as a work desk, to cut on, sew at or wipe clean and have friends over for cocktails. My second favorite piece is a Womb chair and ottoman also by Saarinen…and it’s called a womb for a reason – it’s one of the most comfortable curvy chairs I’ve ever sat in. I use this one for knitting,crochet or any hand sewing or embroidery. I can get lost in my own thoughts in that chair. For inspiration I keep a library of craft, design, architecture and photography books.
JuBella: What have been some of the biggest challenges with being an artist,starting your own business, and promoting your work all at the same time…what advice would you give to others in the same boat?
Allison: The hardest thing is taking the leap! Like many women who start their own creative enterprises, I had a career outside of craft and design first – directing and producing television. I had to bite the bullet eventually -throw caution to the wind and just create/design full time. It’s still early days for me – but so far, it’s the best thing I could have done. Whatever you put 100% of your time and effort into – I truly believe you’ll be most successful at. And you’ll also be happiest doing what you love. Aside from that – it’s just about creating and maintaining your own momentum…not taking two hour lunch breaks or catching up on Oprah too much.
My most recent purchase is Florence Broadhurst: Her Secret and Extraordinary Lives by Helen O’Neill. Florence Broadhurst was one of Australia’s most prolific wallpaper and textile designers. I love looking at and appreciating the creativity of others and I’m particularly inspired by creative women.
JuBella: What is your favorite craft product thus far and what have you enjoyed making with it the most?
Allison: I’m definitely a fiber addict, so fabric and yarn are my favorite things for sure. I love making interior products and it’s hard for me to go past a good vinyl fabric without wondering of it’s capabilities and possibilities. Recently i made a western style saddle for a plastic stool. The brown vinyl fabric I used was challenging to sew with- but gave me a prefect result.
JuBella: What crafting tools could you not live without?
Allison: Hmmm…so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick one. But if I must play favorites – I wouldn’t be without my Bernina sewing machine. For years I sewed using my mothers old 1960’s Lemair Helvetia sewing machine. It was a fabulous light green cast iron model that did little else than straight stitching and a capable zig zag. I eventually decided to face my fear of digital and buy a machine with more functions – and I’m loving it. it has opened up new avenues for my designs. We also use them on my show Uncommon Threads. It’s interesting to watch guests who were like me – using the machines for th first time. At first they were trepidacious and by the end of the show, completely in love.
JuBella: Most unique gift that you have given to someone?
Allison: I recently found some old slide film of my mum when she was a teenager. There was a great photograph of her sitting on the bonnet (hood) of her car with her ‘P’ plates – in Australia this is your provisional license,it means you can drive alone for the first time. I loved the photograph because my mum looks so excited and ready to take on life. I had the photo scanned and then printed the image onto fabric. I created a pillow for her with the photo in the center with a slim white border – much like a postcard. it’s a nice way to take a memory and make something beautiful and functional out of it. I’m so excited to be a part of the community of creative women.
JuBella: Any additional comments for our readers:
Allison: My greatest desire is that we share our ideas and techniques with one another to ensure that they are passed on and live on. It’s through this sharing that we stay connected to one another and to creative women of our past. The best thing about working on my show Uncommon Threads is meeting groups of creative women (and men) and helping them share their ideas with a world of seasoned crafters and newbys. They all inspire me!
