Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn – Meet the Artists

Textile artists and authors, Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn, have worked together for over 45 years. Their Rhythms & Reflections exhibition builds on their love of detailed hand and machine embroidered surfaces.

Join Jan and Jean, as they share the stitches and techniques that created the work.

Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn:  https://doubletrouble-ent.com/ 

Books by Jan and Jean: https://amzn.to/4bN0G3N 

Jan’s work is inspired by the ever-changing landscape of the Wetlands of Lefkada in Greece.

“The colours and organic growth patterns provided the initial fascination. Excitement followed by observations of the lush, overgrown variety of grasses, which offered layers of glorious textures yet still maintain the rhythms and constrictions of the tidal waterways. Intriguing light and atmospheric changes in early evening and after sundown have led to developing new focal points.” 

Work from the Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn exhibition
Work from the Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn exhibition

Jean’s work centres on the rhythms and cycles of the moon, and she reflects on how our ancestors viewed these phenomena as evidenced in cultural myths and legends.

“During lockdown, the phases of the moon embodied continuity and reassurance in an uncertain world and became the focus of her work. Moon mythology informed pieces such as ‘Wolf Moon’ and ‘Sturgeon Moon’, whereas other works were responses to night-time observations of atmospheric cloud framed moons.“

Work from the Jan and Jean's exhibition
Work from the Jan and Jean’s exhibition

Filmed at the Knitting & Stitching Show, London 2023.

For a more inspiration, please browse the ‘Meet the Artist’ collection on my YouTube Channel.

Beryl Dean Award for Hand Embroidery

I’m delighted to share that ‘Good Grub‘ had been awarded ‘Winner of the Beryl Dean Award for Hand Embroidery’ in the Embroiderers’ Guild 2024 Members’ Challenge ‘Opposites Attract’.

Good Grub, awarded the Beryl Dean Award for Hand Embroidery
Good Grub, awarded the Beryl Dean Award for Hand Embroidery

An ‘Opposites Attract’ E-Book is available on the Guild website, featuring all the pieces in the challenge. Below are a few extracts from the book.

Embroiderers Guild Book - Opposites Attract Members' Challenge
Embroiderers Guild Book – Opposites Attract Members’ Challenge
Extract from the Embroiderers Guild Book - Opposites Attract Members' Challenge. Beryl Dean award fro hand embroidery
Extract from the Embroiderers Guild Book – Opposites Attract Members’ Challenge
Extract from the Embroiderers Guild Book - Opposites Attract Members' Challenge. Beryl Dean award fro hand embroidery
Extract from the Embroiderers Guild Book – Opposites Attract Members’ Challenge

Thank you to the Embroiderers’ Guild from producing such a brilliant and inspiring challnge. Congratulations to the all winners and participants.

All the pieces taking part in the challenge will be on display at the Knitting and Stitching Shows 2024.

Good Grub

I’m pleased to announce that Good Grub is part of the Embroiderers’ Guild 2024 Members Challenge ‘Opposites Attract’.

My first thought on hearing the challenge theme was ‘sweet and savoury’ and of course that meant hand embroidering a recipe or two.

Good Grub
Good Grub

Each design revolves around a memory growing up in Lancashire in the 1970’s. 

My childhood was full of tasty, sweet and savoury, home cooked grub. A good food day was having one of my favourites for lunch, Manchester Tart – a batch-cooked school pudding, filled with bananas and jam – followed by Mum’s Lancashire Hotpot for tea.

The work was hand embroidered with vintage Sylko threads in backstitch, couching and seed stitch. The edges are turned under and topstitched.

I’m delighted with the response I’ve receive so far from fellow stitchers.

The work has prompted others to share their own warm memories of Manchester Tart and Lancashire Hotpot.

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