This site is to show off my hobby of creative hand sewing. It has been a love of mine since I was 10 years old. Now, not only is it a very meditative past time, but it also exercises my eye & hand co-ordination after a battle with a huge brain tumour that didn't take my life but it took from me a lot of skills I took for granted. NOTHING ON THIS SITE IS FOR SALE. Items I make are for me, my family, my friends and occasionally, charity. Enjoy!
Sampler: Krosu Tsunagi sewn in every bright colour Sashiko thread I had to hand including variegated bracelet making cotton. This joyous romp through colour is dedicated to the memory and inspiration of Yayoi Kusama (22 March 1929- 14 August 2026 ) a Japanese avant guard artist who broke through the barrier of monochromatic schemes to bring to the world the colours and shapes playing through her mind. ‘Iroiro arigatou’ (thank you for everything).
Sewn with Sashiko thread in the mid century modern retro colours of brown, orange and yellow. I collect mid century modern pottery from the former East and West Germany…as it was before the Wall came down. But mid century modern was also heavily practiced in Japan with some stunning pottery results which I also collect particularly from the Otagiri Studio etc. So this sampler which will be turned into a stunning orange cushion decorative panel will pick up on that vibe.
A couple of weeks ago I completed my first complex hand drawn sampler with inspiration from the Kaku-Kikkou-Tsunagi (Interlocking tortoise shells) design though I changed it a little by joining the white lines. It was more difficult to draw than sew but I used a geometry/science template that has various hexagonal shapes and sizes. It’s sewn with white and red Sashiko thread. Now it’s a lovely decorative table centre-piece all hand sewn onto medium weight 100% Indigo fabric.
Sampler: Kaza Guruma No. 3, sewn with various coloured cottons and made into a cushion cover.
Part 4 of my Kitchin’ Stitchin’ project to bring alive a dull kitchen wall.
Subject: Wood fire oven Italian Bread or rather to my experience very much more similar to Maltese bread (Il-Ħobż tal-Malti) which I adore.
Material: 16 ct Aida,
Threads: 19 DMC colours
Total stitches: 19, 630 stitches
Recently I found in a local charity store a lot of embroidery designs on medium weight cotton canvas. I’ve decided to embroider them and give them back framed in hoops for the charity to sell and thereby help their cause. This for me is the ultimate upcycling experience. Stitches used: satin, chain and French knots. Thread used all from DMC plain and variegated range.
Sashiko Sampler ‘Bracken Fern’ (Warabi 蕨). Threads Used : 3 greens from the Daruma Range. Cushion Cover: From IKEA
On 16ct Light Grey Aida 81cm x 37cm (36 in x 17in) 114,000 stitches. I just now have to complete George and do the solid black areas. Pattern from Etsy. It will be a gift to my hubby for our 50th wedding anniversary. I’m a bit late with it because for most of 2025 I was looking after him during a serious illness of which he is now 100% better!
Part 3 of my ‘Kitchin Stitchin’ Project to liven up a dull kitchen wall. Parts 1 and 2 were Tomatoes and Oranges.
Title: Peaches
Aida: 14 count antique white
Colours: 22 all DMC
Stitches: 18,720
Size: 30cm x 22 cm (approx 12 x 9 inches)
Sampler: Krosu Tsunagi sewn in every bright colour Sashiko thread I had to hand including variegated bracelet making cotton. This joyous rom...
