12th November 2000
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Needle and design
By Uthpala Gunethilake
The
needle and the thread were having a field day. Deft hands busily tackling
half-done coverlets, tablecloths and quilts, all awaiting a colourful end.
It was thrilling to think of the motifs pencilled on the cloth slowly filling
out in colour with the tiniest detail perfectly etched out and each flower-petal
and birdwing beautifully shaded in thread. It seemed a daunting task to
me, but for the seamstresses perfecting the art of patchwork and interior
decoration under Kamini Witharana at the Ladies' College vocational centre
it was a labour of love. "Many of them are missing today because they're
preparing for the exhibition," Mrs. Witharana said.
They are all sewing away for Kamini's 7th exhibition with her students which will be held from November 18 to 20.
The exhibition will feature festive table decor for X'mas and many other occasions, including a special Eastern setting in a traditional Sinhala art motif, plus many more patchwork delights. There will also be Victorian ribbon embroidery work, applique and stained glass too. Several prizes are also lined up to reward craftsmanship.
Kamini's students ranging from youngsters to grandmothers, and housewives to lawyers, have been stitching away long and hard for this year's exhibition. Each piece of finished work is not only an earnest display of craftsmanship, but a crystallisation of immense patience, care and neatness too. They invariably hold much sentimental value for these craftswomen, due to the amount of work put in. "Everything is done by hand and the exhibition brings together needlework and good interior design," says Kamini.
For room and table settings, "Hype" with wrought iron furniture, "Gateway furniture" with children's furniture and "Techwood" with space saving modern settings, will help out. Curtaining will be from Queen's Decor and CIC Paints will also have a special programme on the cards at the exhibition. The exhibition will be at Lanka Oberoi from 10 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. on November 18, 19 and 20.
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