Christmas Lantern Workshop

 

Christmas Lantern Workshop

Using lutradur to stitch, colour, foil and burn* to create a filigree style lantern around a glass cylinder. Choice of designs available including Christmas themed. Machine stitching. Lots of colourways available. 

Date: Monday 30th November 2026. 10am - 4pm

Venue: Henny Parish Rooms, Great Henny, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 7NL

Cost: £56 to inc all materials 

To book please contact Sue Trott. Email: sue.trott@yahoo.co.uk or text or call 0798 6032696

*May not be suitable for those with breathing problems

Hippy/happy dress

 

I love the beginning of a new series of work, with a blank canvas and complete freedom to do.......anything!

E.A.S.T. textile group starts each new exhibition series with a workshop by a textile artist and tutor. In 2026 we were lucky to spend the weekend with Hannah Lamb.

Hannah asked us to take along a textile item which had some meaning to us. At least 20 years old, and preferably not something we had made ourselves.

I selected a dress I had bought as a student in Nottingham in the early 80's and which had been my party dress. My hippy/happy dress.

The dress brought back memories of a wonderfully carefree and happy time. Thoughts of late nights, dancing, singing, drinking, smoking and friendship. 

The dress is light and floaty and soft and bright - symbolic of those carefree days before life got serious with the need to build a career, marriage, children, mortgages and all the rest.

The dress is made from Indian block printed cotton and bears the label 'Ziggis Boutiques' where I bought the dress in Nottingham.

Research led me to the designed Ayesha Davar who designed for Ziggis and other fashion outlets in the 1970s and 80s and this dress with the square neckline, bell sleeves and full floaty skirt is very typical of her work.

The Ziggis embroidered label was quite scratchy and I remember almost cutting it out. Thank goodness I didn't as it has been crucial for the research, and also for the authenticity. Ayesha Davar designs are now highly soughtafter and command good prices (mine is not for sale)

Research into the bold geometric designs of the fabric and the colour palette of black and madder dyed cloth suggests that the fabric is very likely to be Ajrahk block printing and resist work from the Kutch region of Gujarat.

I tried this very same technique myself when visiting India in 2025 at the workshop of Sufiyan Khatri in Ajrakhpur.

What a coincidence!

The lightweight cotton fabric goes through several processes:

1. Mordant printpaste to attract the madder dye

2. Resist printing to keep the cream areas

3. Black dye print for the dark areas

4. Indigo dip

5. Boiled in madder

The printing is done on both sides and is highly skilled and complex.

My dress fabric is indeed printed on both sides

This is the sample piece of Ajrahk printing I did in India - not very good - but I love the personal link

I have no idea yet how this will lead to a piece of textile art. But I am enjoying the research, design work, exploration or fabrics and techniques on the way to finding my narrative.

Two textile exhibitions at Snape

 

    

Even more reasons to visit Snape Maltings. Not only can you see a joint exhibition 'Side By Side' by textile artists and friends Mary McIntosh and Mellymade Designs at the Quay Gallery but at the same time you can visit the Pond Gallery and view the work of the Fibrefusion group.

Colour, colour, colour

 

Rainbow Squares (framed 12") 

Following the great success of the Out of the Fold exhibition in Norwich with almost a thousand visitors it is on the the next........

For the 'Side By Side' exhibition at Snape Maltings I will be sharing space in the Quay Gallery with the very lovely Melanie Missen

Summer Flurries (detail) 

Inspired by Mellymade who designs and creates such colourful, bright and vibrant work I too will be using COLOUR as the guiding pronciple for this selection of textile work.

The exhibition opens on Friday 23rd October and runs until Wed 28th. Either myself or Melanie will be stewarding each day.

Free entry. Open 10am - 4pm

Autumn's Glory (framed)

The colours of Autumn will also feature as the virginia creeper on the walls of the Quay Gallery blaze gloroiusly in the Autumn sunshine every year and bring me joy

Snape Maltings is a great place to visit with lots of galleries, shops and cafes to enjoy. Walking around the site to see the outdoor sculpture or along the river into the reed beds lifts the soul. 

Image taken at Snape in 2025

The light changes througout the day as the river water levels rise and fall with the tide. Maybe take a boat trip as part of your day out?

And do not forget to visit the magnificant concert hall with the beamed roof resembling an upturned ship. 

We would love to see lots of friends at the exhibition as well as local visitors and holidaymakers. All welcome. 

Natural Light update

 

It is always satifying when a plan comes together!

"Natural Light" was created in response to the stained glass window in St Margaret's Gallery in Norwich and here it is hanging near the window with the morning light streaming through.

The stained glass inspired hangings are made from a variety of materials - each one absorbing or reflecting light according to their level of opacity or translucency - and includes pieces of eco dyed silk using fresh leaves. 

The colours are in part also influenced by the stained glass work of the wonderful John Piper

On sale at the exhibition are some eco printed 100% silk scarves using the same technique as the silk in the hangings

The scarves are 114cm x 30cm and have a handstitched rolled edge

£25 each.

Range of colours. 

Lovely gifts.

"Let there be Light"

Carrying on the theme of 'Light' I also have a display of glass lanterns/candle holders for sale in the exhibition

Varying sizes and colours. Each one includes a battery candle.

Prices from £15 - £50

And using the tissue paper - a by product from the eco dyeing - to make handmade books

A5 size £15

A4 size £25

Every one is unique. Good quality paper. 

Ideal gifts

The 'Material Dialogues' exhibition continues until Sunday 4th October 2026

10.30am to 4pm each day

Free Entry

Lots of brilliant work by all twelve members of Out of the Fold plus invited alumni members

Material Dialogues exhibition

 

We are very close now to the Out of the Fold exhibition opening on 23rd Sept 2026 at St. Margaret's Gallery in Norwich

This will be a large exhibition of work by all twelve members of the group plus some work by past members to celebrate 20 years since Out of the Fold was formed in 2006

The new series for 2026 is inspired by the theme 'Material Dialogues' with a range of original, dynamic, thought-provoking work being produced. The theme has proved to be a rich source of inspiration with members exploring very different fabrics - metals, wood, paper, wool, natural and synthetic materials.

St. Margaret's Gallery, St. Benedict's Street, Norwich NR2 4TU is a wonderful space to show this work. 

It is a BIG space so we will have lots of work on show.

As part of 'Material Dialogues' group members worked in collaborative pairs (drawn at random) to create pieces for the exhibition. 

We will have a video at the exhibition explaining this process with some insights behind the work from the makers.

These were first shown at the Creative Stitch Graduate Show in July 2026 but will be shown off much better in the gallery against the white wooden boards, tables and plinths

Here is a glimpse of one of the collaborations made by myself and Frances Overy

Our series 'Reflections' which was first shown in Bury St Edmunds Guildhall in Sept 2025 will form part of the Norwich exhibition too.

So lots of exciting textile art will be on show. The largest exhibition ever staged by this talented group.

Members will be stewarding the event each day.

Open 10.30 - 4.00 each day

FREE entry

Natural Light

Natural Light (detail)

The theme for the Out of the Fold exhibition this autumn is 'Material Dialogues'

I am making a new series of work for the exhibition, inspired of course by the theme, but also by the venue which will be St. Margaret's Gallery in Norwich - a former church with a high ceiling, white walls, and a single glorious stained glass window.

Thinking about 'dialogues' I can imagine Christian worshippers of the past using this window as a way of opening up a conversation with God. 

There are lots of biblical quotes which refer to light and they are universally seen as positive.

Psalm 27.1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation"

That the light is reflected back through the window, casting a wonderful colourful array of light on the floor (and the viewer), is part of the two-way dialogue too.

Stained glass windows also tell stories, a way of communicating to the congregation before many could read. 

How can I tell a story, open up a dialogue, in my own response?

Textile materials come in a variety of weights, opacity and translucency. Some absorb light, some reflect, others shine and shimmer.

I want to try and capture these different reflective effects to create work filled with light, colour and JOY

Whilst sorting through my stash of materials I found some eco-printed silk. It shone and picked up the light so beautifully. 

Now in our more secular society people often cite a love of nature as a way of finding joy and a deeper meaning to life. Nature, and also art, are almost considered to be the new religion, to some.

So the series title 'Natural Light' is born.

Combining eco-printed silks with other materials designed to shine, reflect, absorb and gather light - to create contemporary stained-glass inspired hangings.

To be hung in St Margaret's Gallery so that the light from the windows can shine through

To see the final results, and the work of all twelve members of Out of the Fold, please visit the exhibition

Venue: St Margaret's Gallery, St Benedict's Street, Norwich

Dates: 23rd Sept - 4th Oct 2026

FREE entry  10.30 - 4.30 each day

 

 

Festival of Quilts 2026

 

It will be another busy Festival of Quilts this year which is on at the NEC Birmingham from 31st July until 2nd August 2026.www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/exhibitors/mary-mcintosh/

My stand is QIA15 in the 'Meet the Teacher' zone in the link between halls 8 and 9 - the usual spot.

On Friday afternoon I will be giving a brand new talk "Textile Art - how to tell a story" in the main theatre. There are tickets still available to book ahead of the show or on the day. £16

thefestivalofquilts.seetickets.com/content/workshop-options?day=&type=general

I will be demonstrating in the Creative Textiles Studio on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Using Lutradur to stitch, colour, and burn.

There is no charge for the Creative Textiles Studio - just turn up and watch textile artist demonstrating their skills for free. 

There is a great line up of demonstrators every day throughout the show.

www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/creative-textiles-studio/

And, finally, if you missed seeing my "Wearer Unknown" installation as part of the EAST exhibition it will be on show in the Quilt Creations category. Hopefully on a plinth the size requested (fingers crossed)

So if you are coming to the show please come along and say hello. 

Out of the Fold Collaborations

 

Out of the Fold were one of the alumni groups exhibiting as part of the Creative Stitch Graduate Show

We unveiled our 'Material Dialogues' collaborations work as a taster for the full exhibition later this year

Pairs were drawn at random and challenged to work together to produce a piece of work for the show

These images give a sense of the range of work  - each one completely different. 

You can see the collaborations as part of a much larger exhibition of work at St Margaret's Gallery, St. Benedict's Street, Norwich from 23rd Sept 2027

 

End of an era

The final Creative Stitch Graduate Show took place this   weekend. 

 I began my time with Creative Stitch in 2007 as a student signing on to do a City & Guilds in Patchwork and Quilting with tutor Annette Morgan. 

In 2011 when I completed the Diploma Annette invited me to teach alongside her. 

When Annette retired in 2018 I stepped up to become Principal Tutor and teach the Advanced Stitched Textiles course.

It was great to have Annette there to present the certificates at our Preview evening. Alongside her is the current chair of Suffolk Federation WI who have supported the courses for 20 years and made it all possible - a huge thanks to them.

Pandora's Box by Jen The Stitch

There has been some fantastic work produced by students in this time. A huge variety of themes, techniques and materials, have been used. 

The originality and creativity shown has been brilliant. 2026 has been no exception and Jen Scott's work could not be more up to date, today of all days. 

Ali Phillips

The Fantasy Costume assessment is a challenging brief for students and some amazing garments have been produced over the years.

Ali Phillip's moth inspired costume this year is a great example. 

The invented characters who might wear these costumes has been a great way to help the story telling of the work and bring them to life. 

Out of the Fold

That so many textile exibiting groups have been formed as a result of the Creative Stitch courses is a huge source of pride. Six Alumni groups exhibited this weekend as part of the Graduate Show.

My own group Out of the Fold had some work on show alongside Spotlight Textiles, Feed Dogs Down, Fibre Transformations, Textile Connections and the newest to emerge from Diane's students - The Gap.

Class of 2024

And the very best legacy of all are the friendships forged in the classroom, cemented by the mutual support to overcome the creative challenges, and the lasting relationships. 

The class of 2024 are no exception and plan to stay together and form a new group.  

A visit to NCCS summer show

 

A thoroughly enjoyable visit on the opening day to see the Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society summer show

St Margaret's Gallery, St Benedict's Street, Norwich NR2 4TU

Open daily 10am - 4pm until 28th June

My visit to the Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society summer exhibition was to see the work of three Out of the Fold members. Penny Evans is a member of the society and Nicola Whayman was her invited guest to exhibit at this show. Frances Overy was invited by NCCS member Jill Sharp. 

Nicola Whayman

Nicola Whayman works with natural materials to weave 3D structures. Nicola's stand opposite Marian Eve Williams and her display of eco-printed silk scarves was a happy pairing. 

Caroline Hyde-Brown's work, also using natural grasses and plant materials, were framed. This use of natural materials and a muted palette ran through the exhibition with the stonework of Louise Tiplady and woodwork by Jonathan Southwood

Kate Vogler

Kate Vogler's beautiful ceramic vases are made from clay but have the look of a soft felted textile, inviting the touch. 

These were some of my favourite pieces in the show.

Penny Evans felted columns also induce the urge to caress. Their placement underneath a large window and lit from within made them glow. 

Penny continues to innovate and experiment with some new wall pieces hung too. The sight lines in St Margaret's down the aisles allows work to be seen from several views

June Gentle

There was a lot of 3D work in the exhibition and imaginative ways of displaying these off to advantage. 

The show of small ceramic pots by June Gentle were displayed at different heights. 

The series of ceramic ammonites by Jackie Watson on plinths with additional ferns placed to add meaning. 

Dennis Hales

The stunning wood turned and gilded bowls by Dennis Hales were very simply hung against the plain white boards and on a plain white table.

Frances Overy

The most colourful exhibit in the show was the work of Frances Overy whose triptych Primary 1, 2, 3 had the advantage of being seen at a distance and then up close as the viewer approached to see the stitched detail. 

It was great to see textiles displayed alongside other craft disciplines and earn their space as art. It was also extremely useful to see how other groups use the space and resources available at St Margaret's gallery to help plan our own Out of the Fold exhibition there this autumn.

The Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society summer exhibition runs until Sunday 28th June. Open daily 10am - 4pm. Free entry. St Margaret's Gallery, St Benedict's Street, Norwich NR2 4TU www.norfolkcontemporarycraft.co.uk/

Highly recommended.