The Summer Edit

The Looby List: little stitched things, incredible stage design,

Hi hi,

I hope you are having a good week.

A little news: I am shifting my newsletter to a summer schedule. The chaos of producing two chunky emails a week, working my two jobs while attempting to maintain some kind of creative practice, and all the usual family and personal stuff is beginning to get too much. I am combining the two Loobylu emails into one to simplify things for the next couple of months, which I will send out for Wednesday subscribers. Join me over there for the summer if you are keen and take advantage of the Summer Sale. Otherwise, I will see you again in the fall!

Here is the list for this week:

Things to make

Do you know the Instagram and work of Ann Wood of Ann Wood Handmade? I have followed her work for years and often return to her patterns to make little things. She has so many good things on offer: Free patterns for delightful tiny things, kits and patterns, workshops, and loads of stories and little tips. Some of my favourites include the little paper mache sailboats with mousey sailors, the wire doll bed, the cardboard stampede, and the tiny rag doll.

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Listening 

Julie on the Kiln Sitters Podcast!

If you know me, you know I adore my bestie, Julie Mackinnon. I adore her work, her school, her everything… listen to this podcast episode of the Kiln Sitters, and you will love her too.

“This week on the Kiln Sitters, Carole sits down with Julie Mackinnon to discuss the incredible work she does as a master maker for over 20 years, and also how she has transformed the lives of so many in her community through the Hey Julie School of Clay. From humble beginnings bringing clay to the locals on Salt Spring Island, to fundraising and building the school/studio of her dreams, we find out more about the endless energy of this passionate and inspirational Canadian ceramic artist.”

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Stage Design

Chloe Lamford’s set for the National Theatre’s (UK) Phaedra is a thing of beauty. I am not sure how successful it could be in creating a sense of connection and intimacy with the actors, but it’s a super-cool structure.

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Miniature

Dressing a 17th-century dolls' house at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Made in Germany in 1673, this is the oldest dolls' house in the V&A's collection. In the 17th century, dolls' houses were made to reflect the lives of the wealthy people who owned them – in this case, an apothecary.

If you happen to be in London in July, you can see it on display at the Young V&A, and a street of other beautiful doll houses.

Another doll house I would love to see at the V&A is Whiteladies House - a replica of a 1930s mansion, complete with a swimming pool, a sports car in the garage, and murals painted on the bedroom walls.

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Watching

Last week Phil and I watched Black Mirror Season 6. I didn’t really love it on the whole. Still, episode 5, Demon 79, was totally enjoyable, primarily due to the outstanding performance by Anjana Vasan. You might recognize her from We Are Lady Parts, a show from 2021 that I highly recommend. 

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Crone Cooking: Midsommar Pavlova Update

In an effort to cook 52 essential recipes by the time I turn 52 (March 2024), I have started a little list, and this week was dish number twelve: Pavlova (UPDATE!)

Last week I wrote about creating a Midsommar-inspired pavlova for my 17-year-old’s birthday. I made it, and it was spectacular! Some recipes I have been trying for my 52 before 52 project have been successful, others have been a bit meh, but this one totally worked. The meringue was soft and marshmallowy in the centre, crisp on the outside, the whipping cream was perfect, the berries deliciously ripe and flavourful, the caramel drizzle was a fantastic crisp contrast, and the flowers looked *mwah* (chef’s kiss!). Jamie Oliver’s classic meringue recipe really works. If you want to try something special that’s actually not too hard, this is the way to go.

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That’s all for now! Thank you for reading my newsletters. I truly appreciate you sticking around and enjoying the things I throw out into the universe. Enjoy your summer (or winter, for those in Australia and New Zealand). I will begin posting this Sunday list reguarly again in September. As I mentioned, the Wednesday newsletters will continue for paying subscribers, including my fortnightly webcomic, crone cooking updates, studio news, general musings, and things I’m into and up to.

xo,

Claire

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