Memory Cushion

I recently faced quite a challenging commission when I was asked to create a 'memory cushion'. The cushion needed to include a variety of objects that meant something to the client. The objects included a cat, a fairy,  chickens, a Norwegian troll, a witch and forget-me-nots. I was also given the task of coming up with objects to represent Family, Christmas, England, Norway, music and films. I chose to base the design around a tree to represent a family tree and to also give the design a central focus. I gave the design a border of holly to represent Christmas. To represent England I chose an English rose, for Norway a Norwegian flag, for music musical notes and for film a clapper board. I loved this commission as it was such a challenge and really got me thinking. The design is so unusual and very much a one-off, I hope that it will become an heir-loom and passed down through the generations. 

My original sketch.

Looking for inspiration for the design.

Choosing fabrics.

The design translated in to applique.

The back of the cushion which was piped and had polka-dot buttons.

The final design.

Fox Cushion

I have recently had the pleasure of completing a commission for a cushion with the image of a fox on it. I was given a beautiful photograph of a fox that had been altered using Photoshop to give it a more simplified, graphic look and was asked to translate the image in to a textile design. 

I was asked to make a large cushion (24") so started by enlarging the image using a grid technique. I simplified the image further by re-creating the image as a felt tip sketch. I was asked to use a specific fabric for the backing of the cushion so used this as a guide for my choice of colours and decided to limit the colour palette to 4 colours. 

I traced my sketch to form simple shapes that I cut out of fabric. I then built up the face of the fox using applique and added detail and texture using free-hand machine embroidery over the top. 

I turned the design in to a piped cushion with zip opening on the back. 

I really enjoyed this commission - it was quite a challenge at first but I am really pleased with the results. 

Freya Cushion

I recently completed a lovely commission for a friend. She wanted a personalised cushion to give to her cousin's baby girl called Freya that played around with the idea of 'the birds and the bees'. Here is the finished cushion. 

Front of the cushion with birds and bees, 'F' for Freya and her date of birth

Back of the cushion using a lovely retro/vintage fabric

Calne Music and Arts Festival

I am currently exhibiting two new pieces of work at the Calne Music and Arts Festival. The exhibition contains a great mix of work from local artists and designers. It is open until Sunday so get down there if you can! Here are a couple of photos I took of my new designs before they were finished!

'Twit Twoo' appliqued and embroidered canvas

'Peacock' appliqued and embroidered canvas

Mr and Mrs Bunting

I have recently made some Mr and Mrs bunting for my best friends wedding. Here is a sneaky peek. I will get some better photos taken at the wedding. 

My amazing new cutting table!

I recently made two large pairs of curtains for a client. Not having a cutting table meant that I had to do most of this knelt on the floor, which has left me with very painful knees! Because of this I decided I really needed to get a cutting table and started looking in to purchasing one. I soon realised they were very very expensive to buy. So, I went to my very clever Dad to ask him what he might be able to knock together for me and here is the result! An amazing cutting table! It has transformed my studio space and has made all tasks so much easier - and less painful! The table cost £120 in materials - £100 for the wood and £20 for an off cut of Vinyl to cover the top. I am so so pleased with the results - thanks Dad!!

The table acts as a great storage space too!

To fit the cutting table in to my studio we took down the double bed and replaced it with a single futon which has given me more space and somewhere nice to sit when I take a break!

The table is already being put to good use!

Grace Cushion

I was recently commissioned to make a cushion for a friends' baby. The design features a couple of birds sitting on a blossom branch. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I am going to develop the design further so that I can sell it via my Folksy shop.