Exhibition pictures and comment

The exhibition was a great success. We all had a splendid time. The crush on the first day was something to be seen with no parking spaces left in Hambleden and cars parking down the lanes.

Sue Livesey - Exhibitor

Sue is a graduate in Home Economics Education from New York University. As a former Head of Design and Technology at Newland’s Girls School in Maidenhead, she taught all aspects of the subject area but has always enjoyed the stimulation of working in the textiles field. As a collector of rugs, kilims and saddle bags, the fringing and tassel details displayed on these pieces have been a source of inspiration for her work. Sue specializes in free-style hand knitting, using a range of textured yarns, ribbons, tapes and ropes in surprising and original ways. The sensual use of rich colour harmonies sprinkled with shimmering metallic strands in the tassels and fringing of her shrugs, scarves and boas is the essence of the look and feel of the garments.

Sally Swift - Exhibitor

Has been a professional photographer for the last 15 years, trained as a newspaper photographer and carried out over 5,000 assignments from a range of genres; media and PR, sport, weddings and social events, wildlife and landscapes.

“I get a great buzz from the work I do, I go the extra mile to achieve a certain angle or look, often going back time after time, particularly with my landscapes, just to make sure the conditions are perfect.”

“I think it is so important to enjoy what you do, to have the enthusiasm to carry on and get the best results. It shows in your work if you have relished the assignment or not; I’ve had the most fun producing my work."

More information can be found on my Web site at http://www.sallyswift.co.uk

Pauline Thomas - Exhibitor

As a youngster, creativity was always encouraged as a means to achieve both skills and fulfil practical needs. Choosing a single direction to study after an Art Foundation course was difficult. A degree in 3 Dimensional Design specialising in Ceramics at Loughborough College of Art & Design set her on a path interested in production techniques, the repetitions of which would improve her skills and designs in order to sustain a living.

An embroidered brooch project developed her Thread Painting® onto silk, where her sewing machine needle draws as her pencil.

Inspiration is found in the natural world, the English landscape, historical motifs and fashion. Sketching, drawing, sewing with the use of modern technology, commissions and necessities of life keep up the evolution of ideas.

Ann Cook - Exhibitor

I have always enjoyed sewing and creativity since childhood. With help from my mother I learnt how to make curtains and loose covers. Hobby sewing was embroidery until the kits became no challenge, spinning and lace making helped for a while, weaving is still challenging.

I started 6 years of Art & Design, doing City & Guilds Parts I and II in Design & Embroidery, now my work is evolving into innumerable areas, using material, threads, wood, paint, metal and any thing that takes my eye for further use.

I have some very dear friends who help me technically – Paul for wood and advice, Jim T with welding, David for computer, the late Roger B with “can it be done” . Two of my sons-in-law with supplies of muscle and teasing.

Maggie Longman - Exhibitor

With a passion for colour, textiles and design inspired by William Morris, Maggie has made soft furnishings for many years. But after studying for a City and Guilds Diploma in Design and Soft Furnishings, she now turns her selection of colours and textures via design techniques such as fabric manipulation into individual and usable items to enjoy every day in the home. She uses quality textiles such as wools, linens, silks and cottons in modern and traditional designs, then hand finishes them with trimmings such as silk tassels, wooden/enamel buttons or french ribbons. Whilst Maggie works full-time for the National Trust, earlier this year she had her first exhibition as part of Bucks Open Studios.

Gillian Swift - Exhibitor

Retired textile teacher,
lifelong stitcher

Linden Porter - Exhibitor

Bedspreads with an African or Middle East Theme.
Each bedspread I produce is unique. Similarities may exist but no two bedspreads will be identical. The dimensions of each bedspread vary slightly as each one has been individually designed. However they all look splendid on double or king-sized beds. A selection of my designs can be found on: http://www.lindenjane.co.uk/