The Matchbox Challenge

The Matchbox Challenge

This new work called “The Matchbox Challenge” is my entry for The Embroiderers’ Guild “Exquisite Containers” Members’ Challenge 2020/21.

(Update May 2021: All the entries can be viewed in the Embroiderers’ Guild “Exquisite Containers” Members’ Challenge 2020/21 Flipstack Book.)

Matchbox: 5 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm. Hand embroidered, silk thread, cotton cloth.
Embroidered Panel: 20 x 12.5 cm. Vintage Sylko Thread and cotton cloth. Vintage finds from my childhood. Displayed in a vintage cigar box.

The Matchbox Challenge
The Matchbox Challenge
Work in progress
Work in progress
Hand embroidered Matchbox in silk thread
Hand embroidered Matchbox in silk thread
Completed work includes very special vintage finds
Completed work includes very special vintage finds

This piece has very special meaning. It brought back all the wonderful memories I had of this annual school sponsored event which kept us all busy for days. There was a prize for the winner who had the biggest collection. It’s amazing what you can fit into a matchbox.

… Half pence coin, Bronte museum ticket, key, duck button, jigsaw piece, lace, nut and screw, paperclip, ribbon, bulb, safety pin, sylko label, used match, wooden bead, mother of pearl button, pin, sequin, press stud, hook and eye, picture hook, nail, clip-on earring, elastic, string and wool, necklace, birthday candle, plastic stud, buckle, miraculous medal, split ring, fuse, piece of Airfix model, piece of silk, washer, end of a knitting needle, ‘reward to finder’ key tag, eye screw, suspender loop, cloth button, trouser hook and bar, stud and pin, chess piece, metal bead, used postage stamp …

My artwork has appeared in previous Members’ Challenges and also in a Guild publication.

My Rochdale Lad

My Rochdale Lad

In November 2020 I came across an article promoting the ‘Winter Pocket Competition’ from Yale University Press. After a long time thinking and designing I created this pocket titled ‘My Rochdale Lad’.

The pocket is hand drawn. The words are from a poem ‘Oh Johnny’ by R. R. Bealey, written in Lancashire dialect in the 1860’s.

Size 31 x 20 cm. Hand embroidered and hand constructed using embroidery thread, cotton cloth and vintage bias binding.

Two months to design. Ten days to embroider. Five days to construct.

My Rochdale Lad
My Rochdale Lad
Vintage bias tape
Vintage bias tape
Carefully cutting out
Carefully cutting out

I learned a great deal about myself during this project – including designing, planning and constructing – and it gave me the opportunity to rethink how I can present future artwork in a 3D way.

MCR Sew Social

MCR Sew Social Exhibition Poster

I’m pleased to announce that “The Sound of the Kenwood Chef ” has been selected for the first online exhibition by MCR Sew Social  in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Join us for the launch event at 7pm on 8th March 2021 via Zoom. Tickets are free and available via this link. We can’t wait to see you there!

UPDATE: Please view the on-line Gallery via this link.

Manchester Sew Social poster showing exhibiting artists
Exhibiting Artists
The Sound of the Kenwood Chef - exhibiting in the Manchester Sew Social Exhibition
The Sound of the Kenwood Chef
Mcr Sew Social Virtual Gallery
Mcr Sew Social Virtual Gallery

“MCR Sew Social will be hosting their first online exhibition for womxn artists and textile makers based in Greater Manchester in celebration of International Women’s Day. The theme is “What does International Women’s Day mean to you?”

Mcr Sew Social was established in 2018, now run by textile artists Rowan Bridgwood and Louisa Hammond. As a group composed mainly of womxn it has been a goal to showcase local textile artists’ work. International Women’s Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the collective voices of these womxn.” – Rowan and Louisa.

This event has been supported with a grant from Manchester City Council.