From around the age of eight I remember being fascinated with my Grandmother's foot-pedalled Singer sewing machine which sat in one corner of our dining room. I used to sew on paper, perforating lines vertical and horizontal. The centre would be coloured in to look like stamps. By the age of twelve I had progressed to fabric and was designing a range of halter-neck tops which to my disgust I was not allowed to wear out. Many years and qualifications later I started making bespoke bridal gowns, from this I have progressed into a complete range of products.
With a natural flair for design and a passion for colour, my inspiration has evolved mainly from my cottage garden and the pine forest that surrounds my home, where my studio is located, on the Isle of Wight.
As an award-winning designer and producer of my collection I utilise techniques not seen in mainstream production, combining contemporary and traditional skills to create a kaleidoscope of designs in sumptuous and vibrant colours. Flowers in particular are a key feature, and I am constantly updating and widening my range; my latest work includes vegetables such as cabbages and cauliflowers.
My creations start to grow with the hand-dyed base fabric, which is usually silk or merino wool. To this many techniques are added, often overlapping one on top of the other and this is where the magic happens. Techniques such as devoré, appliqué, felting, heat manipulation, freehand machine embroidery, batik, wire work and bead work. Highly textured layers are stitched, often to distort the work leaving it innovatively manipulated, which creates maximum impact to the end product.
My products can be tailored to a client’s individual request to create a personal, seductive and timeless accessory in any colour way chosen.
Lindsay