Christmas Runner

OK , so sometimes I DO make traditional stuff- but you will have to go on your knees to get it!

Here is a Christmas runner I've made for my DIL.

Vanishing Design Wall

Unless we quilters are lucky enough to have a studio we can call our own- and a permanent design wall to go with it- we end up pinning flannel or felt to the curtains or figuring out some way to put up a temporary design wall.

I have just come across a really nifty solution - and something which is easily achievable.

Take a look at this design wall:

Vanishing design wall.

The components are easily obtainable in South Africa and someone handy with tools to make one very successfully.

Photographing your quilts

Do your quilt photos look like they were taken in an earthquake or are maybe so skew that the quilt looks like a diamond shape?

Maria Elkins has just posted a tutorial on her blog to help you fix those problems.
Take a look:
Photographing quilts

She has other nice things on that blog as well so feel free to investigate.

Buy Local for Christmas

Remember the post about buying local for Christmas instead of the mountains of "stuff" we don't need from the Far East and filling our local producers' pockets instead of some producer somewhere in China.  I've taken this to heart and, on looking around, have been amazed at what fantastic things are available locally.

I have also been seriously put off, however, by the number of stores springing up in resort towns selling imported craft items from the far east- and before you say" Oh but I don't like African Ethnic stuff" what about all the other crafters producing superb sophisticated South African arts and crafts?

When last did you visit the African Art Centre in Durban?They don't only sell African ethnic art but take really good art/craft from a wide variety of local artists and crafters and the prices won't break the bank!.Here is the website:
http://www.afriart.org.za

The embroidered pieces they have sourced are fantastic and range from tiny pieces to really large wall pieces.

My son and daughter in law are getting a hand blown glass bowl from Glamosa Glass in Estcourt which I have filled with a variety of candles from Kwazulu Weavers in Winterton and some fabulous marmalade from Tokoziza Deli and Wine- also in Winterton.Didn't know about them? They are possibly one of the best kept secrets in S,A- not to mention Grumpy Nuts biscotti from the Natal Midlands. You haven't lived until you have dunked one of their chocolate and almond biscotti in your morning coffee.Then there is a fellow quilter from Richmond who produces the most divine biscuits  to go with your coffee.Yum!

Glamosa Glass? You HAVE to go to the factory shop to get the really interesting pieces.
Kwazulu Weavers: http://www.kwazuluweavers.com


My daughter in law adores attractive candles and my son loves good marmalade. Oh, and my DIL is also getting some locally produced (grown, spun and dyed) wool for her knitting passion.

The grand daughter is getting a new quilt and a doll both of which are made from South African produced fabric and what is nice is that she will get years of pleasure from both BECAUSE THEY WONT BREAK AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS!

The youngest DS is getting  a gift voucher for a 3 months of car washes at the local car wash and the girl friend is getting a shopping bag- also locally produced by a Durban crafter.

I have also come across a potter near Vrede who produces the most fabulous mugs and another in Swellendam with wonderful elegant tableware.Its all diswasher proof and a LOT more original than the mountains of stuff brought in by the chain stores.

Does anyone know of any locals producing good quality ceramics/pottery here in KZN?- or anything else interesting for that matter?

Oh- and what is the DH getting, you may ask? A selection of local cheeses and some wine and, if I can persuade the owner of the cheesery, a gift voucher for more- when he's got through the first lot.Oh- and some biltong from Manoli's around the corner from me who has the best biltong in town.

FINALLY!

At least, Joburg has recognised that textile art has a place in the art world.

This link will take you to a comment about the new Fiberworks exhibition.

http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7414&catid=88&Itemid=266

Its a pity more cities cant be persuaded to do the same.

QUILT ACADEMY 'S FIRST WORKSHOP

Annette Lee and Marline Turner



Lia setting up . Joan working on her blocks.










Saras and Jill at the irons.
Busy Bees!



The first workshop hosted by the Quilt Academy was held on 19 November 2011 at the Frere Road Presbyterian Church from 9am - 3pm.
It rained so heavily but the ladies didn't let that stop them from attending this workshop. We came into the church, carrying our machines and other quilting tools, looking a bit bedraggled.

Marline Turner taught the ladies how to make a Stripped Pieced Sampler using 3 fabrics of contrasting colours and a background fabric.

We set up our work stations and began the workshop. We learnt many new techniques. the ladies were so busy cutting and sewing , they decided to eat on the run. Tea was provided with the help of Pauline Law who tirelessly set up the cups and saucers, made sure there was enough cake and WASHED up afterwards while we rushed backed to our machines to continue sewing- what a wonderful person!!!

Marline and her helpers - Annette, Twigg, Mandy Kirk, Mary Chapman , Jill Duck and Pauline Law(in between tea breaks) kindly helped the ladies to cut fabric , iron and explain easier methods. QUILTING ANGELS!
THANK YOU , LADIES ! YOU were so kind and patient. We are so grateful for your help.

Marline , You are a treasure! You so willingly shared your knowledge and guided the new quilters and a few of us who have been quilting for a while.

Lucky draw prizes were provided by Bernina- I won one of them!Lucky Me!!

Looking forward to the next workshop which will be on a quilt called "Where is the nine patch?"/ Disappearing nine patch by Mary Chapman and Thalia Griffin.

ATTENTION SOUTH AFRICANS- BIRTH OF A NEW TRADITION

Someone sent this to me and I think we should all take note- and pass it on to everyone you know.

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant overseas factories are kicking into high gear to provide us with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of South African labour. This year will be different. This year South Africans will give the gift of genuine concern for other South Africans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by South African hands. Yes, there is plenty.

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in mass produced wrapping paper from abroad?


Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car valet’ d? Small, South African owned car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the cash on an overseas made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway fixed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or roof waterproofed and painted. 

There are a Gazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town South African with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorbike, done at a shop run by a South African working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could do with an upgrade, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people are great. They make jewellery, pottery, knitted stuff, Teddy Bears, paintings and home preserves etc.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand mass produced overseas lights for the house?   When you buy a R50 string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community.   If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining South African pockets so that foreign countries can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about us, encouraging small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other South Africans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS should be the new South African Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post in your local newspaper in the Rants and Raves section -- your radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?


BUY SOUTH AFRICAN - BE  SOUTH AFRICAN - The job you save might be your own 

Regards,

André Winkler

Director

@126 Group

(ph)        +49 22169035505

(f)            +49 2211791522

(m)          +49 16097086737

www.126group.com

This message contains information intended solely for the addressee, which is confidential or private in nature and subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not peruse, use, disseminate, distribute or copy this message or any file attached to this message. Any such unauthorised use is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and thereafter delete the original message from your machine.

Tollgate Guild Christmas Party

I should have done this after the meeting  last week but the Net was too slow to upload anything.

It's that time of year once again- and of course, Tollgate's annual Christmas party was great fun.

Organising a Christmas party for 50 people takes some doing and the Tollgate committee rose to the task with enthusiasm. Setting up was easy: put out the tables and cloths and decorations and the contributions of food rolled in.

Many people brought out their Christmas quilts for the rest of us to enjoy and here are some of them:

It was also time for the guild to recognise all the effort and work Annette Lee put in as both Chair and Secretary over the past few years. Current chair, Phil Fisher, presented Annette with a present from all of us and a bouquet of flowers to say thank you.

Show and Tell produced members with quilts in various stages of completion as well as some stories:

Miranda Fennel brought the Westville Lions Club raffle quilt made by herself and volunteers from the Westville Lions Club and quilted by Amafu Studio.It was a double bed string quilt and it just shows what you can do with enthusiastic volunteers. This quilt should raise around R6000 to R10 000 for the Westville Lions charities.

Sue Watkin and friends also had quilts to show- some of which still have to be completed.

Free Downloadable Beading Book

I tried to post this last week with no luck as the Net was too slow to upload anything- never mind blog posts and photos.

Someone posted about Robin Atkins beading book on one of the lists I belong to so I did a bit of investigating:

Robin Atkins wrote a book a while ago called One Bead at a Time  on beading. Its been reprinted a number of times but there is still a demand for it so Robin has now put it into a PDF format and you can download it for free.

She has a number of other books available- all on beading - and all just as yummy as the original.

I know there are a lot of Tollgate members who enjoy beading so this is right up your street. ENJOY!

Pennants for London

Here are the pennants I made. They are simple applique patterns on a background. I didn't embellish the pennant as I would have liked to.

I ironed applique paper onto a piece of fabric and I printed the label onto the fabric using my inkjet printer. I wrote my details on the label and heat set it.

Hope it puts a smile on one of the Olympic participants face.

Fabric Postcard Challenge

Great news!!!

ClothPaper Scissors is challenging their readers to make a fabric postcard and send it to them.

Barbara Delaney,who is the Assistant Editor of the magazine, gave me permission to inform you about this challenge.


Please make a postcard and enter the challenge!!! Who knows, your postcard may be published in the magazine.
If you would like more information visit the website: www.clothpaperscissors.com or let me know and I will send you a copy of the rules.


Beth, I know you will take up the challenge. You always have such wonderful ideas.

Happy Stitching!!!

Houston Festival

You have just GOT to visit the Houston Festival site!
The winners have just been posted - along with photos, so live vicariously and visit the Festival.

Here is the link:

Houston Festival

The winning quilts are wonderful and something for us to think about.

Wonderful Embriodery Landscapes

This is Sizacele Cele - ironing the hand-dyed fabric strips that make up the background for the Landscapes.

Here are Maurean Whitfield & Jagu Khuzwayo working together on sewing the hand-dyed fabric strips together to form the background block.

This is Ruth Seipp & Sibongile Mhlongo discussing just where the colours should go for the next Landscape.

This is Elsie Khomo - hard at work stitching the details on the Landscape.

From left to right: Elsie Khomo, Sizacele Cele, Beth Barkus, Sibongile Mhlongo & Jagu Khuzwayo.

Once the Landscape Blocks are complete we then stitch them to Shopping Bags to sell, which helps support their families who are infected or effected by HIV & Aids.

 These ladies are all from Amandawe on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, They have developed their sewing skills to enable them to depict rural Zulu scenes.

All the hand-dyed fabric is supplied by Amafu Fabrics of Durban.

Some of the Landscapes are sent to the USA for sale - please see this link 

The Bag of Hope

Patchwork evening bag!!

Here is the completed bag! Would love to make one with shiny fabric like Mary Gamester used to make her one. It's the zinger fabric that really makes the bag look special. I didn't see the tutorial until after I sewed the strips together. I wanted the floral strip to be the zinger.I will get it right the next time I make another one of these bags.

Another Flower Power Quilt!

Here is another Flower Power Quilt top that's ready for quilting.

This one was made by Saras Subban.

Janome Website

This website popped up on one of my lists this morning- this time to do with machine quilting.
Free Motion Quilting by Sarah Ann Smith

There are three parts to it and a whole lot more on the Janome site.
Since the Janome machines are not well known here, its not a site I would visit on a regular basis but, you know, I have changed my mind! There is some interesting stuff there.

Needle Wallet Patterns

Needle cases or wallets are not something I use to any great degree but they are probably fun to make and give so here is a link to a set of tutorials on needle wallets- more than you will ever need!

Needle Case Tutorial

The Great Izotsha Christian Escape presented by Cottage Patch Quilters Guild - (I know this is a little dated but thought you might like to see the photos anyway)

Here are two members of Tollgate Lynda Estment & Annette Lee helping out at ourTollgate table on the Friday Night Market.

Our, new Chairlady, Phil Fisher looking at some wonderful wares to buy.

This is the busy Friday Night Market.

Here are some more Tollgate Quilters "Girls": Mary Chapman, Annette Lee, Shelia Rice, Beth Barkus, Gail Leeuw & Margi Wilcox all having a great time.

Thalia Griffin & Mary Chapman who were my teachers of the amazing class of " Beautiful Birds", having a welcome early morning cup of coffee.

Pictures to follow when wall hanging is finished.

Annette Lee with her WIP ( Work-In-Progress) - her grand-daughter is going to love the fairies.

I can recomend the weekend away at Izotsha you will find "old" & "new" quilting friends to have a wonderful time with & the food is great.

Stole made by Ruth Seipp & Beth Barkus

We made this Stole for the National Quilt Festival in Cape Town but could not entry it as the Festival did not have a Wearable Section, so we entered it on the Royal Show in Pietermartizburg in the Group Section & we won a "Special Prize". It is hand appliqued & hand quilted. We were inspired after a visit to the Mariannhill Monastery where the ladies make the most wonderful religious garments.

Pleasure Time Quilters Guild Exhibition

So who went to the Pleasure Time Quilters Guild exhibition on Saturday? I saw a couple of Tollgate members there- as well as Marline Turner from Pietermaritzburg, Pauline Law and Phil Fisher.
I did- and took lots of photos.



Pleasure Time is based in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast  and other pass times include whale watching , surfing, baking in the sun , fishing and scuba diving.The quilters , of course, quilt- prolifically and one can see this in the exhibition they held this  year.

These lovely ladies were able to get the public to
part with the money for entrance tickets,
raffle tickets and lucky draw tickets.
We could learn a thing or three from them!

There were quilts everywhere. Some on stands like these, some on fences, hung from windows and doors , washlines and under shade awnings.

OOH LOOK! Someone younger than 50 admiring a quilt!

This quilt was special, though. It was a bow tie design and made from men's ties.

See what I mean about quilts hanging from anywhere and everywhere?

On the washlines, on the fence and under cover.

AMAFU was there too and I met many lovely quilters and members of the public.

A great day out for me -  I even got a few stitches into an embroidery that has been lying around for a while.

There is another invisible group of members of Pleasure Time Quilters Guild  without whom this exhibition could not have taken place and that is the group of HUSBANDS who lend their strength and support to the guild for events like these. They, uncomplainingly, put up washlines, put out tables, hung quilts, moved, carried and just helped. I know you are very much fish out of water in these situations but THANK YOU, GUYS! You did a great job, given, I am sure, that you would rather have been out on the golf course or fishing or doing what ever you enjoy doing.

Patchwork bag

Ladies, did you see Phil's bag on Tuesday? It is a lovely patchwork evening bag.

Prem and I met this morning and we started making the bag. Hopefully it will be complete by our Christmas meeting for Show and tell.

You will definitely make more than one if you see the bag and the technique used.

The link for the video is:

 or you can type

Colouricious Christmas - Talking Threads with Mary Gamester

in the Search engine.

Enjoy!!!

Pleasure Time Quilters Guild Exhibition on Saturday

DONT FORGET!

Pleasure Time Quilters Guild is having their quilt exhibition on Saturday.
Here are the details :

    PLEASURETIME QUILTERS GUILD

3^RD EXHIBITION

“QUILTS IN A SCOTTBURGH

GARDEN”

29^TH OCTOBER 2011  9am -3pm

ENTRANCE: R1O  TEA & CAKE:R10

32 ADAM STREET,

SCOTTBURGH CENTRAL

FUNDS IN AID OF NATIONAL QUILT EXHIBITION 2015 HOSTED BY KWA-ZULU NATAL.

LUCKY DRAWS, DEMONSTRATiONS, STALLS

IN THE EVENT OF RAIN POSTPONED TILL 5^TH NOVEMBER

Oranje Quilter's Guild Quilt Exhibition

Oranje Quilters Guild have just had an exhibition at Tolbosse, Bultfontein and its on their blog.
Go take a peek :  http://www.oranjequilters.blogspot.com/

Leah Day's "Matrix " Concept in Free Motion Quilting

I started watching Leah Day when she first started her blog on free motion quilting quite a while ago and she has always had some interesting videos.
Here is a link to her latest: I find it much easier these days to quilt on my long arm rather than using my domestic machine but every once in a while I have to do something on my DSM- and have to get psyched up for it with a bit of practice before hand.

Post Card Tutorial

Remember Beth and her post card demonstration at Natal Quilters?

Here is a video tutorial  for you to look at.
Its by Michelle Gellar.

http://mary-blog.22web.net/07/tutorial-quilted-fabric-postcards/

Enjoy!

Down Under Quilts Free Digital Subscription

I've been a subscriber to the digital edition of Down Under Quilts for about a year - and best of all its FREE!

Here is the link for a free subscription.Down Under Quilts

This magazine is available from CNA but cut the paper and save the environment and read the thing on line!

Making Your Own Machine Quilting Table

Need a nice big table for your machine quilting but a bit stretched for cash?
Take a look at this you tube video. It DOES WORK!

I' ve done the same thing with cardboard boxes in a pinch.

How to build a cheap quilting table.

The other option is to talk VERY nicely to Ann Flannagan from Tollgate Quilters Guild whose husband made my quilting table and several for other Tollgate members. My table is a permanent fixture to my machine now and I wouldn't be without it.

Fabric Postcards

Beth Barkus demonstrated how to make fabric postcards at the KZNQG meeting today. Beth has been making , sending and receiving these lovely keepsakes from quilters around the world. She has quite a collection. Many ladies were inspired to make their own.

Fabric postcards were used on the quilt made for the "Images Of Sport" exhibition last year by members of Tollgate Quilters Guild.

Peppajo Patterns

I was talking to Erica from Pepperjo Patterns this morning and she tells me she has launched a blog where you can see her patterns- and some of her ideas. IF you haven't seen her patterns before now is the time to take a look. Here it is

www.peppajopatterns.blogspot.com

I have put it into the links as well so that its easy to find.

KZNQG QUILT ACADEMY

The KZN Quilters Guild launched the KZNQG Quilt Academy at this October meeting.

This value for money academy will be presenting  simple quilt workshops aimed at the beginner quilter.
The first workshop will be a Striped Pieced Sampler with Marline Turner and will be held at the Frere Road Presbytarian Church on 19th November from 9.00 am till 3.00 pm.
The cost is R100.00.

To book : contact Twigg at  twigg@telkomsa.net

This is a great class for beginners or anyone who wants to revitalise their quilting, so please tell your friends, relatives, grannies, uncles and aunts as well as your co-workers, bosses, secretaries and anyone else.

Of course, watch out for other workshops which will be presented by various teachers during 2012.

Kwa Zulu Natal Quilters Guild- October meeting

OK, so who went??!!

If you did go you probably saw the wonderful  display of over 100 quilts- and stayed to listen to Fee Halstead's riveting talk on how Ardmore Ceramics came into being and where Ardmore is going now.

If you didn't, I'll bet you are kicking yourself now.

Here are some photos of some of the quilts which included the current travelling exhibition.

Mary Chapman put in an appearance.I dont think Mary has missed a meeting in 20 years.
Good on you, Mary!

The beginning of the exhibition. Some of the quilts on the exhibition were from the Travelling Exhibition.

Some more traditional quilts from some KZNQG members.

I wouldn't mind one of those quilts on MY bed!














The KZNQG Teachers Forum was launched by MArline Turner at this meeting and if you are a member of KZNQG and teaching then it would be to your benefit to contact MArline and put your name down on the teacher's list.

Kantha Embroidery- Surayia Rahman

Thanks to Janet Subban and Phil Fisher's introduction to the vast subject of kantha embroidery, I did a little research myself and came across an interesting site devoted to Surayia Rahman.
http://kanthathreads.com/

Surayia Rahman is a kantha artist from East Pakistan , working for some years both as an artist and a trainer.
Her work is in museums across the world and encompasses not only traditional pieces but some amazing modern pieces.

S-o-o-o take a look and enjoy a beautiful art form.

Kantha Quilting

I would like to thank Phil, our chairlady, for giving me the opportunity to research Kantha quilting. I must admit when she asked me about the Kantha stitch , I was totally clueless. When I saw images of the Kantha stitch , I realised I had seen this work before on Indian garments,I just didn't know what the stitch was called.

Kantha quilting is also known as Nakshi Kantha in India and Bangladesh. It dates back to the times of Gautama Buddha who used to cover himself in garments made from discarded rags that were patched and sewn.

Tha art of Kantha ( pronounced Kaatha in the north, Kontha in the east and Kantha in the south) originated among the rural folks of India and literally means "rags".

This craft can be referred to as a recycling art form.

It was traditionally used to make simple quilts, light blankets, throws or bedspreads especially for children using old worn out clothing especially sarees. Bengalis were reluctant to throw away their fine quality muslin and cotton so they mended old clothes by taking a strand of thread from the colourful border of their sarees and making simple designs with them.

Kantha embroidery is used in the making of covers for pillows, boxes, mirrors and sarees, shirts , furnishings and bedding. The whole cloth is decorated with beautiful motifs portraying birds, animals, geometric shapes and other cultural visions from daily life in West Bengal.

Rural women worked at leisure and during rainy seasons taking months or even years to finish a kantha.

At least 5-7 sarees were used to make a standard size kantha. Today new cotton cloths are used instead of old clothing ( sarees or dhotis) .

To make a Kantha , the sarees are spread on the ground in layers. They are smoothed out leaving no folds or creases in between. Weights on the edges are used to keep it flat on the ground. The four edges are stitched and 2 or 3 rows of large running stitches are done to keep the kantha together. The Kantha can then be folded and stitched at leisure.

Kantha stitch is similar to the decorative running stitch of Japanese Sashiko quilting.

Thank you , Phil for the little kit you gave us to practise the kantha stitch . You are truly an inspiration!

Thank you to Deepa Balagopal for allowing me to use her information in my talk last night.

Tollgate Meeting October 2011

Tollgate Quilters Guild held its October meeting this evening at the Frere Road Presbytarian Church and,as always, it was a hive of activity.

Beth did her bit for Halloween with her bat wings and her pointy horn alice band, bringing a bit of light relieve to the meeting.



Phil Fisher, the Chair, opened the meeting - whistled through the business part and handed over to the chair of the Festival committee, Twig Hartwig and then Janet Subban.









Twig described the progress of the National Festival committee so far. A budget has been set and the committee is asking for suggestions for  overseas teachers and a name for the Festival.
Fund raising, as usual, will be a problem and it will be necessary to look outside the quilting community  for added funds.
Tote Bags and the contents thereof  was another issue that was raised. It appears that there are two schools of thought:- those for and those against.

Janet Subban did some research on the subject of Kantha embroidery which hails from the sub-continent of India and she shared this with us. Phil Fisher has also done some Kantha embroidery over the years and brought some of her work with her.Janet has promised that she will put this research up on the blog shortly.

Show and Tell had a line of quilters up with their various pieces- some finished and some to be finished.

Mary Chapman brought a new piece of work which she will be teaching at a later stage.

Ann Flanegan showed us her grand daughter's quilt with a Christmas theme.

 Prem Appalraju showed us what she did with her Rose of Sharon block swap blocks.

Can some one please let me have the name of the maker of this very pretty lavender quilt?

Quilter found! Nazeema Noormohamed made this quilt.













We now FINALLY have somewhere to  display our quilts after Show and Tell, giving members a chance to take a closer look. Thank you , Annette Lee, for getting permission to put up hooks and removable wire around the room. This is a very cost effective way of creating a removable hanging space.