Carol Clark
My love of creating with textiles began with making soft toys, then sewing and knitting clothes, first for Sindy and, in my teens, for myself. My interest in embroidery and textile art came later enabled by adult education courses at Stoke Lodge and the Embroiderers’ Guild’s talks and workshops which introduced me to a wide range of styles and techniques. In 2012 I happily accepted an invite to join Gordano Textile Artists and the group normally exhibits twice a year which provides a focus and impetus for creating work. I have yet to find my own textile art style and will use a mixture of textiles and techniques to realise my ideas. I have a background in biology and a love of nature which are frequently expressed. I am glad to be able to continue exploring and experimenting through the talks and workshops with Bristol Stitchers .
Alli Tillcock
You can look at my work on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theemptyoxobox/. I love hand embroidery & free machine embroidery and will play with any materials I have. I love creating texture and using stitches in unconventional ways. You can find me playing Stitchswap with Laura here: https://www.instagram.com/stitchswap/
Nicola
Besides cross stitch & ‘lazy daisy’ tray cloths at school, toy making, appliqué, quilting & general stitching techniques at OT college (before the craft image was taken over by raised toilet seats and grab rails!!!) & dress making (a necessity to ensure a fashionable wardrobe) were my introduction to stitch.
A course at Stoke Lodge in the late 90’s was the key to the door I wanted – a different stitch taught each week with homework to experiment & expand on it.
Further courses at Stoke Lodge – upholstery, calligraphy, gold work, canvas, crewel, machine, bonding, dying, beadwork, stumpwork, blackwork, sheer fabric/burning, also The Spinning Weal – ‘stained glass’ appliqué, 3D quilting, & Higham Hall (Cumbria) for fabric box making & Calico Gardens.
My projects are usually for gifts, so I dip into all the above techniques, but unfortunately “life” gets in the way, so creativity is spasmodic.
When adult education classes in embroidery “dried” up the EG has helped me keep in touch with trends & kept my interest ticking over.
Alexia
I started embroidery while at school. Dressmaking wasn’t for me but we had a 4-6 week embroidery project in the 3rd year (14years) and I taught myself Hardanger from a Coates pattern book. The first thing I made was a tray cloth. I carried on with Counted Thread techniques finding Blackwork especially pleasing with its geometric designs. During college days I used Laura Ashley fabric to make patchwork items to wear.
When I started Secondary School teaching in Bristol, I attended an Embroidery Evening Class at the Folk House on Park Street. I made friends with a girl who told me about the Embroiderers Guild and who took me to City and Guild exhibitions. We both joined the Emb. Guild. Unfortunately, my friend was widowed a few years later and as a new activity for her we both enrolled for the City and Guild Embroidery Course at Brunel College. It was held one day a week, so I was able to juggle my part time work and childcare to suit as by that time I was a Mum. I had a great four years learning so much from Mary Youles. Also, at this time I started teaching my own recreational Evening Embroidery class. That still continues today, and I have made lovely friendships and some interesting sewn items as a result.
The Embroiderers Guild allowed me to exhibit and sell work. The speakers and workshops kept me up to date with new trends and materials.
My work is very influenced by Oriental design and I was able to visit Japan a few years ago. I like to try anything with an oriental twist eg Boro, Sashiko, Kimekomi, Temari etc.
I am so lucky to find so much enjoyment in sewing and try to sew every day. For me it is also important to share my skill and pass it on to others. Bristol Stitchers will be involved with activities with the public. There is nothing better than being with people who share the same interests.
Bristol Stitchers 