I’ve been spending more time in the studio over the last few months and focusing on my embroidery ideas. This is a welcome change after not feeling that creative spark for what feels like years. I’ve been working on new hand embroidered pieces, trying new ideas using the technique I shared in my May blog post.

I love doing hand embroidery because it’s portable and peaceful, I can pack a folder with the hooped up fabric and all my threads and sit and stitch in coffee shops and the car. I’ve even started taking a rechargeable lamp with me in case the light isn’t great. In the last few months I’ve stitched in the car park at Leeds Hackspace, Dalby Forest and Filey Country Park.

This latest piece used a filter in my phone gallery to create a high contrast image of a ball of DMC Cotton Perle. I’ve stitched the design using Perle thread and appliqued it to this bold turquoise fabric. It’s great to work with colour in such a bold way, something I’m not known for. I loved the technique so much I started a new piece straight away.

Back in March, I had the brilliant Mat Dale visit the studio to photograph some work. You can find new content in my portfolio which showcases what I’ve been working on over the last few years.

For regular updates about what I’m working on in the studio you can follow me on Instagram.