Toronto Craft Alert

Do you design unusual or unexpected pieces of needlepoint? If so, you should design a pattern for Hoopla, The Art of Unexpected Embroidery, to be published by Arsenal Pulp Press in fall 2011.

Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery rebels against the traditional notions of quaint embroidery with motifs of flowers and songbirds. The book will feature unusual stitch work on a variety of surfaces and textures. With off-beat patterns including subway maps, feminist Girl Guide badges, and metal band letterforms; Hoopla will demonstrate that modern embroidery artists are as sharp as the needles that they work with. If you describe your stitch-work as arresting, subversive, quirky, or conceptual, Hoopla should feature your design work.

There is no entry fee, and designers are encouraged to submit multiple designs. Please include your complete contact information (email and mailing addresses) with your submission. Hard-copy submissions will not be returned unless an SASE or International Mailing Coupon is provided. The deadline for submission ideas is June 15th, 2010.

Designers who are chosen to participate will receive the materials necessary to create their project, an honorarium, a free copy of the book, and credit for taking part in the book.

Please note: patterns that are offered for sale elsewhere will not be considered. Designers must hold the copyright to their work.

How to submit:

Designers who are interested in contributing are asked to submit:
-a sketch (digital or freehand) of the project
-a written description of how their finished project will look
-a brief bio

Digital submissions (under 2MB) can be emailed to: leanne (at) unexpected embroidery (dot) com.

Hard copies sketches can be mailed to:
Attention – Hoopla/Leanne Prain
203-884 Bute Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6E 1Y5

You will be notified via email if your design has been selected for publication. Once selected, contributors will be asked to create the final project and written instructions. Guidelines for pattern writing will be provided.

The Timeline for Contributors

Selected contributors will sign a contract with the publisher agreeing to deliver their completed projects by September 1, 2010 so that their designs can be professionally photographed for inclusion in the book. Patterns and accompanying diagrams must be emailed to Arsenal Pulp Press in fall 2011.

For more information, regarding submissions, please contact Leanne via email or twitter (DM @leanneprain)

www.unexpectedembroidery.com