Chris Spencer BA (Hons), LSDC
‘After a career as a Calligrapher and Illuminator textiles stole my heart . I had always enjoyed decorative sewing but it was the need to keep creating whilst my daughter was tiny that led me to a more serious interest in embroidery and other aspects of textile art..
Over the years I achieved City and Guilds, NCFE and ‘A’ level qualifications in Embroidery and Design and then in 2011 I fulfilled my dream and graduated with a BA(Hons) degree in Embroidery from Middlesex University, London, UK . During the degree studies I found a passion to create pieces that would combine both concept and the best of technique thus finding a home in both the worlds of high craft and fine art and hopefully destroy the divide.
In 2001 I formed (and still lead) the exhibiting group Material Girls and in 2008 I founded the Eastern Region Textile Forum – an association of Textile Artists based in the East of England.
I taught both Calligraphy and Textile Art for over 25 years and am a qualified Further and Higher Education Lecturer. I exhibit extensively and have recently was delighted to have been awarded a Licentiateship of the Society of Designer Craftsmen.’
‘Having explored a variety of textile techniques my current practice is to use fibre and hand embroidery to explore the hidden, often overlooked aspects of the natural world- I use the needlefelted fabric I produce as the soil in which to sew the ‘seeds’ of my stitches. ’Website chrissythreads.com
‘After a career as a Calligrapher and Illuminator textiles stole my heart . I had always enjoyed decorative sewing but it was the need to keep creating whilst my daughter was tiny that led me to a more serious interest in embroidery and other aspects of textile art..
Over the years I achieved City and Guilds, NCFE and ‘A’ level qualifications in Embroidery and Design and then in 2011 I fulfilled my dream and graduated with a BA(Hons) degree in Embroidery from Middlesex University, London, UK . During the degree studies I found a passion to create pieces that would combine both concept and the best of technique thus finding a home in both the worlds of high craft and fine art and hopefully destroy the divide.
In 2001 I formed (and still lead) the exhibiting group Material Girls and in 2008 I founded the Eastern Region Textile Forum – an association of Textile Artists based in the East of England.
I taught both Calligraphy and Textile Art for over 25 years and am a qualified Further and Higher Education Lecturer. I exhibit extensively and have recently was delighted to have been awarded a Licentiateship of the Society of Designer Craftsmen.’
‘Having explored a variety of textile techniques my current practice is to use fibre and hand embroidery to explore the hidden, often overlooked aspects of the natural world- I use the needlefelted fabric I produce as the soil in which to sew the ‘seeds’ of my stitches. ’Website chrissythreads.com
Marie Payne
‘I have always loved to hand stitch and began as a self-taught embroiderer, but in due course attended many classes and courses to expand my knowledge and practice. These opened the door into textiles for me and I have become increasingly interested in textiles as an art form.’
‘My favourite sources of inspiration are from the world around me and the wonders that are hiding under the sea. I am familiar with a variety of textile techniques and particularly enjoy the painting,dyeing and manipulation of fabric. In practice I normally let my subject matter dictate which technique will best produce my ideas. But my love of hand stitching is still paramount and appears, even if in a very small way, somewhere in my work’
‘I have always loved to hand stitch and began as a self-taught embroiderer, but in due course attended many classes and courses to expand my knowledge and practice. These opened the door into textiles for me and I have become increasingly interested in textiles as an art form.’
‘My favourite sources of inspiration are from the world around me and the wonders that are hiding under the sea. I am familiar with a variety of textile techniques and particularly enjoy the painting,dyeing and manipulation of fabric. In practice I normally let my subject matter dictate which technique will best produce my ideas. But my love of hand stitching is still paramount and appears, even if in a very small way, somewhere in my work’
Jill Birleson
I have always liked making things. As a child my mum taught me to knit, crochet and embroider by hand. When I got older she also taught me to make my own clothes. I joined the local branch of the Embroiderers Guild and recently claimed my 25 year membership badge. I have completed Part 1 of City and Guilds Creative Embroidery and have an HNC in Design Crafts. I have attended numerous courses and workshops over the years covering a range of mixed media and textile subjects. My favourite techniques involve surface decoration and stitch.
I have always liked making things. As a child my mum taught me to knit, crochet and embroider by hand. When I got older she also taught me to make my own clothes. I joined the local branch of the Embroiderers Guild and recently claimed my 25 year membership badge. I have completed Part 1 of City and Guilds Creative Embroidery and have an HNC in Design Crafts. I have attended numerous courses and workshops over the years covering a range of mixed media and textile subjects. My favourite techniques involve surface decoration and stitch.
Miriam Weaver
‘I have always been creative and enjoyed art at school although not needlework! My mother and grandmother taught me to knit and crochet when I was very young. On leaving school I went into banking BUT once I had started a family I was fortunate enough to turn my creativity and baking skills into a business and make individually designed celebration and wedding cakes. Whilst teaching cake decoration at Adult education College a student suggested I go to a Patchwork Class with her. Subsequently I became interested in embroidery as well and in 2009 I gained my City and Guilds cert. level 3 in Creative textiles design and Embroidery.’ ‘My favourite techniques are Art Quilts although I do try to introduce embroidery and mixed media into my work. One thing I always try to do is use my own dyed fabrics whenever possible.’
I'm always interested in furthering my skills and in the last few years have gained a City and Guilds Patchwork and Quilting Cert.
Website miriamweaver.co.uk
‘I have always been creative and enjoyed art at school although not needlework! My mother and grandmother taught me to knit and crochet when I was very young. On leaving school I went into banking BUT once I had started a family I was fortunate enough to turn my creativity and baking skills into a business and make individually designed celebration and wedding cakes. Whilst teaching cake decoration at Adult education College a student suggested I go to a Patchwork Class with her. Subsequently I became interested in embroidery as well and in 2009 I gained my City and Guilds cert. level 3 in Creative textiles design and Embroidery.’ ‘My favourite techniques are Art Quilts although I do try to introduce embroidery and mixed media into my work. One thing I always try to do is use my own dyed fabrics whenever possible.’
I'm always interested in furthering my skills and in the last few years have gained a City and Guilds Patchwork and Quilting Cert.
Website miriamweaver.co.uk
Julie Chellingsworth
‘Purely by accident after following a lifelong interest in embroidery I met someone many years earlier who had encouraged me to take a course in creative textiles and now it has become part of my life’
‘I have more interest in machine embroidery these days. I like to use natural fibres mainly and my greatest inspiration comes from colour. I love strong colour’
‘Purely by accident after following a lifelong interest in embroidery I met someone many years earlier who had encouraged me to take a course in creative textiles and now it has become part of my life’
‘I have more interest in machine embroidery these days. I like to use natural fibres mainly and my greatest inspiration comes from colour. I love strong colour’
Margaret Lacy
‘ I have been interested in embroidery and stitching for most of my life. Since retiring from a career as a teacher in Adult education and a National Association of Flower Arranging demonstrator I can now devote more time to developing my textile work. I have passed the City and Guilds Design for Craft – Stitched Textiles part 3 and joined the Embroiderers Guild where I am able to continue my journey discovering and using the many and varied aspects of the textile world.’
‘My work is interpretive and explores traditional and contemporary hand techniques in creative ways. I am experimenting with different materials and threads and working on projects that have a common theme.’
‘ I have been interested in embroidery and stitching for most of my life. Since retiring from a career as a teacher in Adult education and a National Association of Flower Arranging demonstrator I can now devote more time to developing my textile work. I have passed the City and Guilds Design for Craft – Stitched Textiles part 3 and joined the Embroiderers Guild where I am able to continue my journey discovering and using the many and varied aspects of the textile world.’
‘My work is interpretive and explores traditional and contemporary hand techniques in creative ways. I am experimenting with different materials and threads and working on projects that have a common theme.’
Beverley Folkard
‘My earliest childhood memories include turning the handle on Gran’s Singer sewing machine, as she made my clothes. Having stitched/embroidered/crocheted most of my life, redundancy from a ‘proper’ job prompted a now or never opportunity for formal studies by way of City and Guilds Creative Embroidery (Parts I and II). The variety of techniques studied furthered my interests to obtain a City and Guilds in Paper Art and an NCFE Advanced Certificate in Paper Art. These two passions combine, enjoying the challenges of stitching on paper be that by hand or machine. I have made books for almost 40 years, intrigued by construction methods and presentation. I have been a Member of my local Embroiderers’ Guild Branch for over 25 years, and have held the role of IT Rep since the inception of the position. All of the above has led to solo exhibitions, collaborative projects and brought me to The Material Girls.
Website bevfolkard.co.uk
‘My earliest childhood memories include turning the handle on Gran’s Singer sewing machine, as she made my clothes. Having stitched/embroidered/crocheted most of my life, redundancy from a ‘proper’ job prompted a now or never opportunity for formal studies by way of City and Guilds Creative Embroidery (Parts I and II). The variety of techniques studied furthered my interests to obtain a City and Guilds in Paper Art and an NCFE Advanced Certificate in Paper Art. These two passions combine, enjoying the challenges of stitching on paper be that by hand or machine. I have made books for almost 40 years, intrigued by construction methods and presentation. I have been a Member of my local Embroiderers’ Guild Branch for over 25 years, and have held the role of IT Rep since the inception of the position. All of the above has led to solo exhibitions, collaborative projects and brought me to The Material Girls.
Website bevfolkard.co.uk
Vivien Mitchell
As a child I loved playing around with leftover fabric and wool from my mothers clothesmaking. I made dolls clothes, soft toys and later crochet and knitted items. Today I only feel fulfilled when I have scissors or a needle and thread in my hands I love the creative process and am a 'jack of all trades' having taught a variety of textile processes in Adult Education for 18 years.At the moment I am into dollmaking, anything vintage and recycling, but then as a Gemini next week it could be something completely different!. The last 3 years has been spent making things for my beautiful twin grand daughters,dolls clothes, quilts, jumpers amd dressing up items but now is the time to be creative and do something for ME. I was delighted to be invited to join The Material Girls, I enjoy working with such a talented and diverse group. Always up for a challenge, I have participated in several exhibitions and thoroughly enjoyed the creative process and being able to showcase my work.
As a child I loved playing around with leftover fabric and wool from my mothers clothesmaking. I made dolls clothes, soft toys and later crochet and knitted items. Today I only feel fulfilled when I have scissors or a needle and thread in my hands I love the creative process and am a 'jack of all trades' having taught a variety of textile processes in Adult Education for 18 years.At the moment I am into dollmaking, anything vintage and recycling, but then as a Gemini next week it could be something completely different!. The last 3 years has been spent making things for my beautiful twin grand daughters,dolls clothes, quilts, jumpers amd dressing up items but now is the time to be creative and do something for ME. I was delighted to be invited to join The Material Girls, I enjoy working with such a talented and diverse group. Always up for a challenge, I have participated in several exhibitions and thoroughly enjoyed the creative process and being able to showcase my work.