Stitchery Stories

Latest Episodes:

Jane Sanders: Textile Portraits Of Iconic Pop Stars Feb 21, 2018

Show notes

Jane Sanders: Textile Portraits Of Iconic Pop Stars

Today on the Stitchery Stories textile art podcast, Jane Sanders shares her vibrant and exciting textile portraits of very iconic pop stars. The stars Jane chooses for her portraits are famous across a range of genres, eras and styles, so there is always something fresh about her work. And even if you don't like all of their music - you will love the artistry and stitching that Jane creates... in her kitchen!

Listen as Jane shares her inspirations, techniques, and how everything always comes in useful eventually.

Susan Weeks chats with Jane about:

Instagram is brilliant for textile artists and growing our audience
Textile art as a legitimate art form
Rock n roll applique!
Adding features to make portraits realistic
Keeping a tin of glass eyes in the kitchen
Learning handicrafts as a child and developing those skills into 'something else' that can be viewed on a gallery wall
What to do with wadding and black enamel spray paint
Using stuff lying about the house and collecting more
Working towards her latest exhibition
Seeing 41 pieces of her work all together at her exhibition at Arts Centre Washington in late 2017
Making the most of our time
What happened to Iggy Pop?
Would you like a scorpion as a free gift?

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

Like: https://www.facebook.com/stitchininthekitchen73/

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

Read: https://www.mrxstitch.com/jane-sanders/

Email: stitchininthekitchen73@gmail.com

Other places mentioned: Arts Centre Washington http://www.artscentrewashington.co.uk/

The People's Theatre, Heaton, Newcastle Upon Tyne https://www.peoplestheatre.co.uk/

Ann Small: Layered Cloth and Quirky Characters Feb 08, 2018

Show notes

Ann Small: Layered Cloth and Quirky Characters

Today on the Stitchery Stories textile art podcast, Ann Small shares her techniques, inspiration and current excitement. Describing herself as a typical Pisces swimming in opposite directions...

Ann does indeed have 2 very different aspects to her work and creativity. There are her colourful reverse applique based, large hangings which she describes as her serious textile art work. Then there are her very individual character dolls which she makes to look very old. These are her 'fun' outlets for her creativity.

Listen as Ann explains how the serious and the fun aspects of her work have evolved.

Susan Weeks chats with Ann about:

Being taken over by making character dolls
Using bones to make other characters
Always making something in a creative household
From sparkly tap dance costumes for daughters into a fancy dress costume business
From book idea to book publication
Fancy dress to historical costume and workshops
Does anyone love the M25?
Inspirations all around including the patterns on your cat!
Reverse applique as a strong foundation to 'serious work'
Fun vs serious work
The story of Mowgli's toys
Being visible so prospective buyers find your art
When art goes up in flames
Planning for exhibitions
Planning how to hang your exhibition space at large shows
Winged cats... wings off, wings on.. what's next?

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

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

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

Read: Layered Cloth published by Search Press

Anne Brooke: From Sketchbooks To Mixed Media Stitched Collage Jan 31, 2018

Show notes

Anne Brooke: From Sketchbooks To Mixed Media Stitched Collage

Today on the Stitchery Stories textile art podcast, Anne Brooke shares her techniques and inspiration behind her stitched multimedia collages.

A key feature of her work is to stitch onto paper, although she is now venturing into using fabrics, particularly vintage embroidered pieces. Her work is inspired by journeys - her walks and travels, as well as the life journeys undertaken by the vintage fabrics she uses and the work when it leaves her hands.

She is also a master 'juggler' - she still works 4 days a week as an art teacher at her local secondary school, as well as developing her practice, making pieces for sale and leading workshops too. Phew!

Susan Weeks chats ( and laughs) with Anne about:

New excitement around using vintage fabrics & making woodcut blocks
Developing a serious workshop habit whilst trying to find her 'thing'
Her fortuitous start to creating her textile art career
The importance of 'just playing' to develop skills and ideas
Pinterest... and losing hours of your life!
Going on walks, taking photos, reflecting on journeys
Anne's sketchbook habit, and how she uses them
Hint: take your sketchbooks to workshops with you!
Hand dyeing threads
Where is Harold going next we wonder?
UFO's, PHD's and PIGS
The joy of spending 'crafty' time with her teenage daughters

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

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

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

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

Tweet: https://twitter.com/hannemade

Annie Taylor: Telling Stories With Large Soft Sculptures Jan 24, 2018

Show notes

Annie Taylor: Telling Stories With Large Soft Sculptures

Today on the Stitchery Stories textile art podcast, Annie Taylor shares her wonderful stories around the stories she creates and tells with her textile art.

A key outlet for her creativity and artwork are her rather large soft sculptures. The word 'doll' just doesn't seem right when you see how large they are... Big Alice, for example is 16 foot tall! These evolve from recycled bedding, their personality takes shape as their faces and limbs take shape. They are then embroidered with text telling their story. They are however, taking over Annie's house...

Susan Weeks chats ( and laughs) with Annie about:

Continuing a family habit of recycling and creativity
How her fairytale drawings and art sparked the creation of the dolls
Creating large soft sculptures out of recycled duvets, pillows and bedding
The 'wake up call' of having RSI in her hands
Telling the stories of the dolls on their bodies and letting ideas evolve
Nostalgia and 'crinoline ladies'
Developing techniques for the lettering that is such a key element of her work
Lessons learned at the Post Office
Whatever is going to happen to 'Martha'?
Where to store all those arms and legs
What to do with 'that anchor'
Gardening, bindweed and sycamore seedlings

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

Visit: https://whitstabletail.wordpress.com/

Like: https://www.facebook.com/whitstable.tail/

Look: https://www.instagram.com/whitstabletail/?hl=en

Tweet: https://twitter.com/whitstabletail

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WhitstableTails?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Other places and people mentioned today:

"Sheela Na Gig" by PJ Harvey https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/pjharvey/sheelanagig.html

Bloody Mother F***ing A**hole by Martha Wainwright

from Lyrics.com Martha Wainwright Bloody Mother F***ing A**hole

Profanity Embroidery Group: Huge Fun Creating Beautiful Art From Ugly Words Jan 17, 2018

Show notes

Profanity Embroidery Group: Huge Fun Creating Beautiful Art From Ugly Words

Before I introduce this very entertaining episode please note there is no swearing in this episode despite the title of the group and episode. Please listen - this is a lovely story.

Today on the Stitchery Stories textile art podcast, Annie Taylor & Bridget Carpenter share their hilarious stories around their 'rather different' embroidery group - yes, it's the Profanity Embroidery Group. Formed by accident in 2014, and meeting in the local pub, this group has huge fun. They create and exhibit beautiful textile art and embroidery based around profanity, as well as some feminist issues. Their current project however, features anonymous Stitched Secrets that have been sent in from around the world. Some funny, some shocking, some very moving.

Susan Weeks chats with Annie & Bridget about:

How a funny cartoon inspired the creation of an interesting embroidery group
The evolution of The Profane Quilt and the sense of humour in the group
How the group decide what projects to work on next
Interpreting those traditional 'saucy' seaside postcards
"Older Women Rock" - interpreting poems by Leah Thorne on vintage clothing and developing body confidence
The Stitched Secrets project extended participation outside Whitstable across the world via Facebook & Instagram
Anonymous stitchers from around the world have stitched secrets and sent them in
The group hopes that the secret stitchers have had therapeutic value from taking part
Humour is a powerful medium to deal with serious and emotional issues
Men have sent in stitched secrets too
Why should men miss out on opportunities to enjoy fun,therapeutic and creative activities such as these women are enjoying
It is all HUGE FUN!

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

Visit: https://lovesecretsand.wordpress.com/

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

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

Other places and people mentioned today:

The Fabric Shop, Whitstable http://www.thefabricshopwhitstable.co.uk/

The FishSlab Gallery, Whitstable https://fishslabgallery.co.uk/

Older Women Rock - Leah Thorn https://loveolderwomenrock.wordpress.com/about/ http://www.leahthorn.com/

Jan Dowson: Award-Winning Textile Art Tutor & Textile Artist Jan 10, 2018

Show notes

Jan Dowson: Award-Winning Textile Art Tutor & Textile Artist

Today on the Stitchery Stories textile art podcast, Jan Dowson shares her joy of teaching textile art over 20 years and in the process facilitating 8 students who achieved City & Guilds Gold Medals. Jan has also received a City & Guilds Gold Medal for teaching as well as 2 other prestigious awards. Following retirement, it's now 'her time' to focus on her own textile art and enjoy her own creativity.

Susan Weeks chats with Jan about:

A busy exhibition schedule at the start of 2018
Creating a very successful career in textile art tuition
Expressing challenging subjects in textile art
Her ongoing inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including family members and memories, dog walks, and the nearby sea.
Loving simplistic applique and slow hand stitch, darned, covered surfaces
Using felt, wire and lots of paint to transform fabric into 'something else'
Facilitating 8 City & Guilds Gold Medals awarded to her students over the years.
Winning her own City & Guilds Gold Medal for teaching
An additional award from the Worshipful Company Of Broderers
Why Jan loves to polish her work room sink....
Winning the Embroiderers Guild Beryl Dean Award for Teaching Excellence in Embroidery & Design in 2015
If you don't like your piece... cut it up or throw paint on it!
Taxidermy - is this the latest challenge for Jan?

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

Like: https://www.facebook.com/Jan-Dowson-Textile-ArtistTeacher-2036710249894135/

Pin: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ddowson1/

Deborah Mullins: Embroidery Artist Inspired By Palestine Dec 20, 2017

Show notes

Deborah Mullins: Embroidery Artist Inspired By Palestine

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery podcast, Deborah Mullins shares her passion for Palestine. The beautiful traditional embroidery and the places and people - as well as a deep sadness at the cleansing, displacement & social injustice experienced within that land.

Susan chats with Deborah about:

Kickstarting a passion for embroidery after many years of other creative pursuits
Being inspired by 3 months in Palestine - the traditional embroidery but also the places and the tragic tales of displacement and injustice
Playing with colour and hand stitched textures
Bethlehem Couching & traditional Palestinian embroidery
The 'Key Of Return' - a symbol of memory and longing to return
Winning the Gold Medal for Creative Textiles from City & Guilds
Meeting Princes Anne at St. James's Palace to receive an award from The Worshipful Company Of Haberdashers
A special visit to the British Museum stores to handle and study items of Palestinian costume
Why election results programs are so helpful...
Deborah's exhibition 6-10 June 2018 at The Old School Room, Haworth

For this episode...

View Show Notes, Links & Photographs at http://www.stitcherystories.com/deborahmullins

Visit: http://www.deborahmullins.uk/

Like: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010993620362

Lindy Richardson: Historic Embroidery Conservation & Community Inspiration Dec 05, 2017

Show notes

Lindy Richardson: Historic Embroidery Conservation & Community Inspiration ss019

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery podcast, Lindy Richardson shares her current research project. She chats with Susan Weeks about the collection of historic embroidery held by Edinburgh College of Art which was originally part of the Needlework Development Scheme.

The NDS was founded in Scotland in 1934, sponsored by J and P Coats, the thread manufacturers. Its aim was to encourage embroidery and up until it was disbanded in 1961, well over 3000 items of historic embroidery from across the world had been amassed.

70 items held by Edinburgh College Of Art form the focus of a project which has seen study and conservation of the items. The project has involved diverse community groups, assisting with conservation as well as inspiring them to create their own Embroidered Stories. This is an uplifting project.

Susan chats with Lindy about:

The history of the collection of the Needlework Development Scheme (NDS)
Discovering 70 pieces from the collection tucked away in cupboards
The current project focused on the collection
Taking the project to the Scottish Prison Service
Involving immigrants & refugees
Expert amateurs from local 'Guilds'
Studying and conserving the collection
The therapeutic benefits of doing embroidery within the daily routine of prison life
Creating the 'Embroidered Stories' pieces and creating an exhibition around them
Integrating the different groups through the project
Inspiring newcomers to design and create their own embroidery
The challenges of handling & restoring historic embroidery
The challenges of getting project 'stuff' into prison!
Keeping the collection true to it's origins as a handling collection

If you have been involved with the Needlework Development Scheme over the years in any capacity, or know someone who has, then Lindy would love to talk to you. Please contact her!

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Photographs of the project at http://www.stitcherystories.com/lindyrichardson

Visit: http://embroideredstories.eca.ed.ac.uk (after 10Dec2017)

Read: http://edin.ac/embroideredstories

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/embroiderednds https://www.instagram.com/ecatextilesdepartment

Contact Lindy:

Lindy Richardson

Programme Director Textiles

Edinburgh College of Art

University of Edinburgh, EH3 9DF

0131 651 5812

l.richardson@ed.ac.uk

Jessica Grady: Embroidery Artist Using Unusual Materials And Bold Colours Nov 22, 2017

Show notes

Jessica Grady: Embroidery Artist Using Unusual Materials And Bold Colours ss018

Today on the Stitchery Stories embroidery podcast, Jessica Grady shares her life in fabric and thread. She chats with Susan Weeks about building her business after graduating from a textiles degree. Jessica has developed a very original style and features bright bold colours, and heavily embellished pieces, using traditional embroidery stitches with modern and unusual materials.

Susan chats with Jessica about:

Exploring a new theme of coral reefs and 3D structures
How much time we need to spend working ON our business
The power of social media and being featured by a French textile artist
Which led to invitation to exhibit at French textile art festival in Nantes this year
Creating interesting embellishments from recycled objects
Freelance embroidery designs for the fashion industry
Instagram inspirations
Her love of 'washers' and the seemingly endless things she can do with them
Cotton buds - her new favourite beads
Being determined to 'Go For It' and strive for what you want as an artist
Selected as one of 12 winning artists for the RAW Talent national award program
Why people are drawn to Work In Progress shots
The possibilities of Trello for organising ourselves
If it goes through the fabric, you can use anything for embroidery!

For this episode... View Show Notes, Links & Examples of Jessica's work at http://www.stitcherystories.com/jessicagrady

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicagradyembroideryartist

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jgradyartist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica_rosestitch/

Nicky Merrick: Event Photographer to Pole Wear - A Creative Journey Nov 15, 2017

Show notes

Nicky Merrick: Event Photographer to Pole Wear - A Creative Journey ss017

Today on the Stitchery Stories podcast, Nicky Merrick Shares Her Life In Fabric & Thread. She chats with Susan Weeks about her creative journey from an event photographer at pagan ceremonies, to building great success designing and making pole dancing costumes. And all the while managing her health after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This is such a wonderful story from a very inspiring lady.

Susan chats with Nicky about:

Creating a show stopper for upcoming pole wear events
Using fabulous modern materials and methods
Pagan ceremonies & nature inspired her beautiful cloaks
Keeping the same 'alternative' niche audience and serving them with a different business
Adapting her business opportunities to manage her health
A childhood passion for dance and designing her own costumes for her mum to make, has come full circle
Building a successful pole wear business on a chance remark
The influence of mum, tutors and Jane White Couture Tuition
Her thoughts on design piracy
The sneakiness of passing off a UFO onto mum!
Managing a full and busy life and business, with homeschooling, as well as supporting her husband's 2 businesses!
The perceptions and treatment by society of people with disabilities and her determination to prove them wrong