Stitchery Stories

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York Textile Artists: The Delights And Challenges Of Starting A Group Oct 31, 2018

Show notes

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery and textile art podcast, two members of York Textile Artists share their story of forming a new group.

The group was formed by uniting 8 textile artists around the city of York who had all exhibited at York Open Studios in April 2018. An early guest of Stitchery Stories, Bridgette Bernadette Karn has been a major instigator of the group.

The group aim to not only support each other in creating textile art but also to act as a force for change in promoting the value of Textile Arts.

Susan Weeks chats with Carol Coleman & Alison Spaven about:

How the group became established
The aims and mission of the group
The members and their areas of expertise
The challenges of setting up a group
Do they spend time together as a group?
The journey to getting a group bank account
The excitement of their forthcoming exhibition 10th & 11th November

and much more...

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of group members work at https://stitcherystories.com/yorktextileartists

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: https://www.yorktextileartists.com/

Exhibition 10th & 11th November 2018, 10am to 4pm

York Cemetery Chapel, Cemetery Road, York http://yorkcemetery.org.uk

Other episodes mentioned in our chat:

Bridget Bernadette Karn https://www.stitcherystories.com/bridgetbernadettekarn/

Fran Brammer https://www.stitcherystories.com/franbrammer/

Profanity Embroidery Group https://www.stitcherystories.com/profanityembroiderygroup/

Iona Barker Say It Ain't Sew https://www.stitcherystories.com/ionabarker/

Louise Gardiner: Contemporary Embroidery, Capes, Poufs, Scarves Oct 24, 2018

Show notes

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery and textile art podcast, Louise Gardiner shares her life in fabric & thread.

Louise specialises in contemporary embroidery, particularly complex machine embroidered applique, with great detail, plenty of beads and texture.

Louise has recently worked on some high profile projects, including the Pukka Herbs Cape of Empowerment, and her Instagram initiated Stitch-A-Cloud. She also extends her work, using her embroidery designs to create beautiful velvet poufs and luxurious silk scarves. These items are essential additions to her business.

Susan Weeks chats with Louise about:

Her love of complex applique, machine embroidery & beading
Creating The Cape of Empowerment commissioned by Pukka Herbs
The emotional response experienced by it's wearers
The popularity of her Instagram #stitchacloud project
Having the courage to say No and to create space for something else
The ups and downs of freelancer life
Extending artwork into other saleable products
Supporting creativity and artisans
The excitement of exhibiting at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
and much more...

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of Louise's work at https://stitcherystories.com/louisegardiner

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: http://www.lougardiner.co.uk/

Shop: http://www.lougardiner.co.uk/shop.php

Look: https://www.instagram.com/lou_gardiner_embroidery/

Other guests mentioned: Jayne Emerson

Alex Hall: Textile Artist & Tutor Oct 17, 2018

Show notes

Alex Hall: Textile Artist & Tutor

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery and textile art podcast, Alex Hall shares her life in fabric & thread. Alex is a textile artist who has recently transitioned from her 30 year primary school teaching career into the adventure of creating her own business following her passion for textile art and creativity.

Alex loves experimenting and discovering and trying out new stitches and techniques. She also creates inventive ways of using found objects, and using stuff other people throw away.

Susan Weeks chats with Alex about:

Using iron on transfers and a stitch book to teach herself embroidery
A delight in trying out new and varied stitches
Does everything have to be finished?
Teaching naughty boys bullion knots!
The textile inspiration within The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The rich learning from distressed alliums

and much more...

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of Alex's work at https://stitcherystories.com/alexhall

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: http://underatopazsky.wordpress.com

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Underatopazsky

Email: ahall2410@aol.com

Other guests mentioned: Alison Larkin & Chris Gray

Anthea Godfrey: Embroidery Artist & Creative Leader Oct 11, 2018

Show notes

Anthea Godfrey: Embroidery Artist & Creative Leader

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery and textile art podcast, Anthea Godfrey shares her life in fabric & thread.

Anthea is an embroidery artist with an outstanding career in teaching, leading and supporting embroidery and textile art. She is currently the Artistic Director of The Embroiderers' Guild and has been instrumental in leading many fantastic projects, often on an epic scale, for the Guild, for organisations and for pubic arts projects. She has also worked in film, theatre, and at many levels in the textile art and embroidery education world too.

Above all else, Anthea is a passionate supporter of creativity in all its forms, and in keeping our skills alive and relevant to the next generations.

Susan Weeks chats with Anthea about:

Her career in embroidery & textile art
The large scale projects she has been involved with for the Embroiderers' Guild
Magna Carta - An Embroidery
The White Walker commissioned by HBO Game Of Thrones
Forthcoming international projects
Her love of working large scale
Her love of Or Nue and Beading
An epic UFO
The importance of creativity across society
Her petition to support creativity in schools

and much more...

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of Anthea's work at https://stitcherystories.com/antheagodfrey

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: https://embroiderersguild.com/

Visit: https://embroiderersguild.com/index.php?page_no=911&page_menu=campaign-for-creativity

Sign: https://www.change.org/p/the-rt-hon-damian-hinds-secretary-of-state-for-education-campaign-for-creativity-in-schools

Bryony Rose Jennings: Textile Sculpture Creates Characterful Creatures Oct 04, 2018

Show notes

Bryony Rose Jennings: Textile Sculpture Creates Characterful Creatures

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery and textile art podcast, Bryony Rose Jennings shares her life in fabric & thread. Bryony is a textile sculptor who originally trained in jewellery making and silversmithing, although she has always has textiles and creativity in her life. She creates her textile menagerie, which is a wonderful world of stylised imaginary creatures full of character and personality.

Bryony shares why she moved from jewellery to textile sculpture, and we highlight that there are more commonalities between the two than you would first think!

Susan Weeks chats with Bryony about:

Juggling international teaching with a young family
Turning to more toddler-friendly materials and techniques for her art
A madcap patchwork donkey that changed her life
Her textile sculpture techniques - these are NOT soft toys!
Making time everyday to be creative

and much more...

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of Bryony's work at https://stitcherystories.com/bryonyrosejennings

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: http://www.prettyscruffy.com/home

Look: https://www.instagram.com/bryonyrosejennings

Like: https://www.facebook.com/BryonyRoseTextileMenagerie

Shop: https://bryonyrosetextilemenagerie.bigcartel.com/

Marna Lunt : Artist Using Bold Colour & Thread Instead Of Paint Sep 26, 2018

Show notes

Marna Lunt : Artist Using Bold Colour & Thread Instead Of Paint

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery and textile art podcast, Marna Lunt shares her life in fabric & thread. Marna is a fine artist turned hand embroidery artist who offers online embroidery courses, as well as one off original paintings, drawings, thread paintings, and contemporary embroidery.

Marna shares why she moved from painting, to painting with a needle and in our conversation, classical art and art history are a recurring subject. However, when family life meant that large-scale painting in oils wasn't practical, Marna turned to fabric & thread for relaxation, therapy and to earn a living.

Susan Weeks chats with Marna about:

Using thread in a painterly way
Taking part in Stitchtober & Threaduary
'Guiding Lights'... starting a conversation about inspirational women
Being a painter at heart
How she got started earning a living from her hand embroidery
Feeling overwhelmed with >80K followers
Inspirational Italian Renaissance painters
The North Yorkshire Moors - same scenes, different colours every day
Struggling with the idea of being called a textile artist
Including colours in skin tones
Applying fine art techniques to colour blending with stitches
Nobody can copy what is in your brain
Celebrating high points and daily achievements alike
Fitting stitching around her children's care and family time

and much more...

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of Marna's work at https://stitcherystories.com/marnalunt

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: http://www.marnalunt.co.uk

Look: https://www.instagram.com/marnalunt

Like: https://www.facebook.com/marnaluntartist/

Shop: https://madebyhandonline.com/collections/marna-lunt

Visit: ArtAnd at York Racecourse 26-28 Oct 2018 https://www.artand.co.uk/

Visit: CraftedByHand at Masham Town Hall (North Yorkshire) 3 & 4 Nov 2018

http://www.by-handevents.com/

Other people, things & places mentioned in this episode:

MadeByHandOnline.com Cowslip Workshops: https://www.cowslipworkshops.co.uk/tutor/marna-lunt

Andy from Vinegar & Brown Paper

Adam Pritchett (previous guest on Stitchery Stories)

Cas Holmes (previous guest on Stitchery Stories)

Frida Kahlo

Vivienne Westwood

Ada Lovelace

Textile Landscapes by Cas Holmes

Sorrell Kerrison: Creating Hand Embroidered Portraits Sep 19, 2018

Show notes

Sorrell Kerrison: Creating Hand Embroidered Portraits

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery and textile art podcast, Sorrell Kerrison shares her life in fabric & thread, and music!

Sorrell is a creative who produces work in different mediums - textile art, print, painting, film, as well as writing music, playing guitar and singing in several bands through the years.

Our main focus in this episode is around the excitement of the four large hand embroidered portraits that Sorrell was commissioned to create for Bolton Museum Egyptology collection. These are now part of the Museum's permanent collection.

We have a fascinating chat about colour and also about Sorrell finding her focus around hand embroidered portraits.

Susan Weeks chats with Sorrell about:

Seeing the opportunity to propose hand embroidery as a suitable medium for portraits for Bolton Museum commission
Winning the bid for all four portraits
Being very specific about her creative process
Why embroidery can be similar to Jazz "improv"
Finding self expression in art and film making and rebelling against rigid ideas
Fascination with faces
Saying "hello" to her portraits
Developing consistency, finding her path and loving her portrait work
Stitching as therapy whilst listening to podcasts
About her interesting use of colour
Making a vow and some 'rules' to help finish things
What's Stopping You? Just Go and do that thing you've always wanted to do
What it takes to create a body of work
Embroidery is enforced patience
Building a Patreon page

and much more...

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of Sorrell's work at https://stitcherystories.com/sorrellkerrison

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: https://sorrellkerrison.com/

Look: https://www.instagram.com/sorrellck

Tweet: https://twitter.com/@SorrellKerrison

Visit: Bolton Museum http://www.boltonlams.co.uk/museum/collections-overview/the-egyptology-collection

Other people, things & places mentioned in this episode:

Francis Bacon

Jenny Saville

The Manic Street Preachers album 'The Holy Bible'

Armando Iannucci

Cayce Zavaglia

Louise Bourgeois

Jayne Emerson: Textile Designer, Author & Tutor Sep 12, 2018

Show notes

Jayne Emerson: Textile Designer, Author & Tutor

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery and textile art podcast, Jayne Emerson shares her life in fabric & thread.

Jayne is a textile designer, as well as the author of 6 books and a tutor in a range of textile related techniques. Her skills range from couture to crafts.

Susan Weeks chats with Jayne about:

Working within the secretive fashion world Starting to include elements of her fabric design samples & techniques into workshops The positive affirmations & excitement of Banner Making Embrace techniques and let fabric 'do it's thing' Following her heart and studying textiles NOT history You don't have to be good at drawing to be creative Getting lost in Pinterest & Instagram Using mood boards to find yourself and discover your style What is a weave agent? Developing 'Fabric Recipes' Is the back more exciting than the front? Don't worry... the TV crew will do your hair and makeup Is our fabric stash (thread stash) too nice to use? Is a turning point coming up for Jayne? Work in the way that brings you Joy

and much more...

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of Jayne's work at https://stitcherystories.com/jayneemerson

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: https://jayneemerson.co.uk/

Look: https://www.instagram.com/jayneemersontextiles

Like: https://www.facebook.com/jayneemersontextiledesign

Tweet: https://twitter.com/@jayneemerson

Pin: https://uk.pinterest.com/jayneemerson/

Visit: New Brewery Arts - Cirencester https://www.newbreweryarts.org.uk/

Visit: The Hand Made Fair Hampton Court Sewing & Textiles, Janome Sewing Masterclass https://www.thehandmadefair.com/hampton-court/

Hayley Mills-Styles: Thread Artist Who Loves Digital Embroidery Sep 05, 2018

Show notes

Hayley Mills-Styles: Thread Artist Who Loves Digital Embroidery

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery and textile art podcast, Hayley Mills-Styles shares her life in fabric & thread. Hayley describes herself as a thread artist, and has had a very busy year so far culminating in two solo exhibitions. Whilst she has a love for backstitch, we have a great chat about her love of digital embroidery.

Susan Weeks chats with Hayley about:

A busy year preparing for exhibitions
The joy of working collaboratively, as well as visiting museums for research
Loving libraries and all those "real books"
Connecting people, places and materials
Unpicking things as a curious child
How much do we love backstitch?
Discovering the world of digital embroidery
An obsession with pin cushions
The excitement of unusual objects as embroidery inspiration
Writing about Narwhals!
The roller-coaster of freelance creative businesses
Who has 37 types of 'post-it notes'?
and much more...

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of Hayley's work at https://stitcherystories.com/hayleymillsstyles

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: http://www.hayleymillsstyles.com

Look: https://www.instagram.com/hmillsstyles

Like: https://www.facebook.com/hmillsstyles

Tweet: https://twitter.com/@HMillsStyles/

Visit: Whitby Museum https://whitbymuseum.org.uk/

Visit: Love Arts Festival (Leeds) http://www.loveartsleeds.co.uk/

Jen Goodwin: Traditionally Trained Artisan Embroiderer May 23, 2018

Show notes

Jen Goodwin: Traditionally Trained Artisan Embroiderer & RSN Tutor

Jen Goodwin is our guest today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery podcast. Jen shares her very interesting story as she has developed her embroidery skills, including being a Royal School of Needlework Tutor & Assessor.

Jen has a studio based at Walford Mill crafts, Wimbourne, Dorset and shares some great insights into the value of having other creative makers and specialists working in the same location, in different disciplines. She also shares aspects of the book she is working on!

Susan Weeks chats with Jen:

Writing a Blackwork book
Designing modern blackwork
When sewing is more of a 'proper job' than maths or science!
Teaching & assessing at the Royal School of Needlework
Being inspired by other onsite makers at Walford Mill
The many benefits of working in a supportive creative environment
The technical elements of blackwork shading
Her love of 'fiddly' goldwork
The challenge of colours and texture when silk shading
Enjoyment in showing that pieces can have a modern twist to them yet be technically accurate traditional techniques
The joys of educating people about embroidery techniques and what can be achieved with fabric & thread
Thinking 'I wonder what will happen if...'
Things DO go wrong, and unpicking is very human and very normal
Only you know what it is supposed to look like
Be confident in what you have created... No Backstories!
Don't fret over those UFO's or feel guilty if you actually start working on one again :-)

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Photographs at https://www.stitcherystories.com/jengoodwin

Follow the Stitchery Stories Instagram channel at: https://www.instagram.com/stitcherystories_podcast/

Visit: http://www.jengoodwinembroidery.com/

Look: https://www.instagram.com/jagembroidery

Like: https://www.facebook.com/jengoodwinembroidery

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