Morna Crites-Moore * Wicked Waif

http://www.mornacrites-moore.com

There is a soft spot in my soul for old and worn items, especially textiles. I find great pleasure in recycling abandoned articles of clothing into new works of art. I have a special kinship with old woolens, particularly old sweaters, which I turn into felted wool through a fulling process of repeated agitation in hot, soapy water. The resulting wool felt is thick, luxurious, and available in all the  rich colors which seem to find their way to me via thrift stores, yard sales and caring friends.

My household motto, passed down from my grandmother, through my mother, and now from me to my daughter, is waste not, want not.  I find it very difficult to throw anything away because I can imagine a potential use for almost any object. My studio overflows with stuff waiting, ever so patiently, to be used. It can be overwhelming at times to have so much in the way of raw materials. I actually work best when I have a limited amount of materials to work with. Nonetheless, when I handle my many vintage textiles - velvet, silk, lace, wool - often incorporating found objects, metals, jewels, and antique buttons into the creative process, I am quite happily in my element.

The making becomes a meditation and I become lost in the process.

The outcome runs the gamut from small art quilts, to penny rugs, garlands, ornaments, flags, purses, pincushions, scarves, cuffs, small samples of sewn folk art, dolls, and so on. I never know what direction I’ll head for . . . it’s a mystery.

Artist's statement:  I'd like to set dreams free - yours or mine. I'd like to create things which are so meaningful they may just break my heart, or speak to your soul. Through my work, I hope to know us both better ..... to become closer to my core truth, to meet you (and you, and you), to learn about and honor this earth we all share.

I like it when my work speaks as well as when it listens.


Location:  Redding, Connecticut, USA
Online shop:  Wicked Waif Fiber
Blogs:  
   mornacrites-moore
   mornacrites-moore (tumblr)
Social Media:  LinkedIn
Memberships:
   SAQA - Studio Art Quilt Associates 
Languages spoken:  English

FLYING GEESE - recycled wool sweaters 

and vintage buttons, 16” x 16.5”

Tags:  "recycled sweaters" "felted wool" "vintage textiles" "buttons" "flags" "dolls" "little quilts" "penny rugs" "make do" "wicked waif"

HG handmade - Heike Gerbig

http://gerdiary.blogspot.com

I´m a writer who some years back started turning textile artist. Being used to weaving words and embroider them over and over, this step turned out to be an easy and very consistent one.

Not surprisingly, there are quite a lot of words to be found in my textile and mixed-media work - machine stitched, hand embroidered, taken from old books...

So, I still tell stories –  to myself, in the first place - but I´d be glad if you can hear them, too…

Artist's statement:  I aim at creating textile pieces and mixed-media artwork that might have a calming quality, being interesting nevertheless, informative, and inspiring - each of them is one-of-a-kind...

Location:  Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Online shops:  

   HGhandmade (Etsy)
   hghandmade (Big Cartel)

Blog:  gerdiary

Languages spoken:  English, German

Stitched and Mixed Media by Heike Gerbig

Tags:  Stitched stories, mixed media artwork, freehand embroidery, textile creatures, textile jewelry, art to wear

Indra

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Indrasideas

From childhood I loved art. I love to draw, paint, embroider, felt. I mix the different techniques together to achieve a goal and then I am pleased. The idea surrounds me until I have implemented it or I will not have peace. I enjoy making special projects for custom orders.  I see this world as a beautiful garden, in full bloom, bright in winter and in summer. So are my creations - bright as paint, showing the strength from the earth and the spirit of nature.

I am inspired by lands, where I have been, the people I met and the seasons!

I opened up an Etsy store and it fascinates me - my creations have traveled to so many countries!. I love this way of traveling around the world and I hope that this is just the beginning of my journey...  And who knows?  Maybe my creations will travel to you!

Artist's statement:  With my creations I try to make people closer to beauty of nature!  I enjoy flowers, fog in the meadow, dew on a cobweb, rhythm in trees... I try to use it all in my work!  I like to be close to nature - it inspires me to create things which reminds me about beauty of nature!

I embroider and felt, sew by hand and with the sewing machine. I like to experiment with embroidery by using freehand embroidering techniques and I like to mix different styles and materials (felt, beads, wool, linen etc.).

Location:  Latvia

Online shop:  Indrasideas 

Languages spoken:  Latvian, Russian, English

Needle-felted pillow cover by Indras Ideas

Tags:  Needle felted; journal; book; embroidery; fiber art; appliqued; accessories; pillow; wall hanging, box

Lente Julcsi

http://kovacsnejulcsi.blogspot.com

My name is Júlia Lente.I live in the heart of Europe, in Hungary with my family.

I inherited the love of sewing from my Great-grandmother: she was a seamstress. At first I made toys and blankets.  Today I mainly create jewelry, bags and other accessories.  My creations are usually made from fabric and felt and are embellished with embroidery, beads and crocheting.  I love to have a needle in my hand and a thimble on my finger and I am delighted when I can create. I like bright colours, soft lines, the shiny and smooth surface of beads and the touch of yarn and fabrics. My work is inspired by nature, colours, shapes and feelings.

I think recycling is very important therefore I often work with used but high quality materials, thus protecting the environment.

 

Location:  Maklár, Hungary, Europe

Online shop:  LenteJulcsi

Blog:  kovacsnejulcsi

Languages spoken:  Hungarian, English

Embroidered Jewelry and Accessories by Lente Julcsi, Hungary

Tags:   needlecraft, recycling, handmade, wool felt, freeform hand crocheting, free machine embroidery, home decor

Siamese Dream Design

www.siamesedreamdesign.com

Welcome to our world of original ethnic textiles. Cultural skills passed down generation to generation, creating amazing works of art. Weaving, batik, embroidery, beautiful fabrics repurposed into wearable livable art. Siamese Dream Design takes great pride in helping to empower indigenous women provide financial security to their families while maintaining their unique traditions.

Mission:  To provide unique high quality products to the world with respect for the diverse cultures that produce them and with the highest level of customer service.

Location:  Chiang Mai, Thailand

Online shops:  

   Siamese Dream Design (Website)
   Siamese-Dream-Design (Dawanda)

Social media:  LinkedIn

Languages spoken:  English, Thai

Repurposed Hmong embroidered & batik moccasin boots- Siamese Dream Design

Tags:  tribal embroidery, batik, appliqué, re-purposed, handmade, colorful, shoes, boots, clothing

The Rainbow Girl

www.therainbowgirl.etsy.com

Contemporary Blue 'broderie anglais' (detail)

I learnt to dye my own fabrics and threads when studying for my City and Guilds level 3 diploma in Embroidery. I loved using them so much that I decided to sell some of them to other like minded people.

I now dye a variety of  cotton fabrics, viscose/wool felt, embroidery threads, silk carrier rods and lace to sell to other embroiderers and textile/fibre artists from my shop on Etsy. I find the combinations of colours which occur during the dyeing process, absolutely fascinating and always get a thrill when I see the results of a dyeing session!


Artist statement:  The colours of my fabrics and threads are one of the inspirations for my own embroideries.  I am also fascinated by vintage textiles and embroidery techniques, such as 'broderie anglais', and am exploring contemporary ways of using traditional methods.  I prefer hand embroidery, but am challenging myself to use more free machine embroidery, and also enjoy patchwork and quilting.

I belong to a group of textile artists called NINE, and am currently working towards an exhibition inspired by the sculptures in the Gibberd Garden in Harlow.

-Sarah Hopping

Location:  Bishop's Stortford, England, United Kingdom
Online shop:  therainbowgirl
Blog:  Rainbow Dreams
Other social media:  Twitter
Membership:  Embroiderers' Guild
Languages spoken:  English

Hand dyed cotton scrim - blue sky, gray clouds by The Rainbow Girl

Tags:  hand embroidery, fabric, thread, hand dyed, colour, texture, stitch, knit, embellishment, quilt

Wooly Boulevard

http://www.etsy.com/shop/woolyboulevard

Working with wool rovings set me on a journey that started by learning to wet-felt a perfectly round, solid bead.  Soon, I was stringing beads together into jewellry, and adding embellishments, incorporating single needle felted yarn as well as glass and metal beads.  

Graduating to flat felting allowed me to incorporate my old embroidery and crewel techniques. Every creation has taught me something new, both technically and aesthetically.  I now find myself thinking in terms of much bigger pieces, incorporating more detail and other materials.  

Through this new group of gifted artisans I hope to gain the encouragement and mentorship I need to progress to the next stage in this wonderful uncharted adventure.

Artist's statement:  Like so many others, I was brave and comfortable about my creativity when I was younger, but misplaced that understanding as I became an adult.  A diagnosis of cancer re-ignited my passion through a wonderful program called Art as Medicine, offered by our regional cancer care facility to patients, health care professionals, and their supporting friends and family. I had been a professional musician, and re-discovered my love of singing through the vocal music program, but also my love of creating things with my hands.  I am deeply involved now in building a cancer wellness and support facility called Wellspring that will supplement our overburdened cancer care system, where I hope  to help others touched by cancer to express their feelings through arts-based programming.

Location:  Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Online shop:  woolyboulevard

Social Media:  Twitter,  Pinterest

Memberships:

   Handmade Mafia
   Make It! 

Languages spoken:  English

Needle-Felted Brooch by Wooly Boulevard

Tags:  Felted wool bracelets, necklaces, brooches and framed flat-felted vignettes

Waterrose Handcrafted Obsessions

http://waterrosez.blogspot.com/

I'm a textile artist who has a love of  hand embroidery. Not only do I love collecting vintage pieces of embroidery...I love creating new embroidery pieces that I hope will be passed down to other generations. I also enjoy doing research on embroidery and collecting the history of this beautiful handwork.

I initially began creating hand embroidered cuffs, but I have been exploring other artistic mediums utilizing embroidery. Recently I have delved into a 3-dimensional aspect and have been creating pieces based on inventions of the 1800s.

As I explore more of the history of embroidery I gather more ideas on things that I want to create...I have an entire notebook filled with these ideas!

Artist statement:  Enlightening a generation to embroidery by showing that it is a beautiful, valuable and personal art form.

Location:  Arizona

Online shop:   Waterrose

Blog:  waterrosez
Social Media:
     about.me
     pinterest
     tumblr
     stumbleupon
     twitter

Languages spoken:  English

Embroidery, "Umbrella Man" by Waterrose Handcrafted Obsessions

Tags: hand_embroidery, embroidery_art, wrist_cuff, vintage, fabric, thread_art

Karen Henderson

www.karenhendersonfiber.com

When I create my art, I try to tap into the calm center of myself and let myself respond to my environment and the materials I work with.  I love the rhythm of weaving and stitching. Creating my own cloth feels right, and the challenge of re-creating moments in nature is endlessly fascinating for me.  I take time to absorb each piece that I make in all of its stages, until it is complete. 

My work is shown in group or solo shows, and I also create special pieces on commission for individuals, businesses, or through art consultants.  My process for commissions is personal and rewarding for me both me and my clients.  I enjoy learning what it is that people respond to in my work, and what they are looking for in their home or business.  Please visit my links to see more of my artwork, process and inspiration, and feel free to contact me for Exhibit, Commission, or Lecture opportunities.

The other creative hat I wear is as a Freelance Textile / Surface Pattern Designer, working with clients in the Home Furnishings, Fashion and Stationery/Giftware industries.  With this aspect of my work, I create designs using the fiber techniques I love, and incorporate many other art techniques as well.  I also create computer generated designs in Photoshop and Illustrator, and/or my designs are a combination of both hand and computer work.  While this design work is not included on my art website currently,  I'm happy to send design samples upon request, and encourage you to contact me if you have a project in mind.

I’m also working on getting an Etsy site together for the wearable art and other smaller hand crafted items that I enjoy making.  Once I have that shop up, I'll let you know!

Artist statement:  In my work, I am interested in the connections between self, place, emotion and time.  Seasons, atmospheres and the time of day intrigue me.  I try to recreate these natural occurrences, evoking emotions that I associate with them through the use of color, line, and texture.

I use different dye techniques (batik, shibori, color removal, rust print) as well as sewing with my weavings and fabric pieces.  I draw lines by stitching with thread.  Dimension is added with tucks, layers, or other manipulations of fabric.  The lines suggest landscape or other aspects of nature.  Most of the techniques I choose to use are very contemplative, encouraging introspection; other processes are spontaneous and unpredictable.  I try to find a balance between the two approaches, trying to capture those ephemeral, fleeting moments of time.

Short Bio:
Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Karen Henderson now resides in the beautiful Green Mountain state of Vermont.  She learned weaving and print design in the textile design program at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, PA.   Her work has been shown in high-end craft shows and exhibits, and is found in many private and corporate collections.  Her work has been published in entitled “1000 Artisan Textiles” , ""The Guild Sourcebook of Residential Art #6"", and in Fiberarts, Surface Design Journal, and Selvedge magazines.  Recently, some of her work was used on the set of the award winning movie “Black Swan”.  

Location:  Montpelier, Vermont, USA 

Blog:  SDA Vermont

Memberships:

   InLiquid Artist Member
   I volunteer as the Vermont area Rep for Surface Design Association 
   Textile Study Group of New York

Languages spoken:  English

Hand woven textile by Karen Henderson

Tags:  fine art, landscape, stitching, tapestry wall pieces, weaving, commissions, textile, fiber,  textile design, surface pattern design

Nells Embroidery

www.nellsembroidery.com

I am a contemporary fibre artist. I have a love of machine and hand embroidery. For my artwork I essentially draw and paint with thread, using the needle as a pencil and the fabric as my canvas. Combining a variety of threads, fabrics and mediums to create works of two or three dimensional art. I have challenged myself to explore the use of basic straight and zig zag stitch to create cloth with stitch only...with some help from a water soluble fabric! Using this technique and exploring different stitch tensions, I can create 3 dimensional artwork using only thread. Whatever the technique or medium, the detail, design and texture, I always make my artwork unique.

Artist's Statement:  My love of all things fabric and stitch related comes from a childhood spent in the sewing room with my mum. As a result, I have been designing, dressmaking and embroidering for as long as I can remember. Now I like to think of myself as a fabric artist as this fits well with my chosen techniques.

I completed my HND and BA Hons in Fashion and Textile Design in the UK.  During this time, I developed my love of machine embroidery and continued over the years to experiment whenever I could.

In the Summer of 2005 I completed my City & Guilds Level 3 Machine Embroidery Course which helped me to take my ‘playing’ and ‘experimenting’ to a higher level. Shortly after, I moved from the UK to Vancouver, Canada, where I am continuing to develop my design work and creativity, whilst finding new and abundant sources of inspiration.

I am a purist when it comes to my art work. I design and create all my own patterns and everything must include some form of embroidery. I take a lot of photographs which I often refer to for inspiration.

I am stimulated and inspired by my environment, people, cultures, travels, textures and fabrics. All of which I fuse together to create and develop my own style of stitching and art. I like to experiment with unusual materials, pushing the boundaries of design, my imagination, and of course my sewing machine!

Location:  North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Online shop:  nellsembroidery

Memberships:

   EtsyFAST
   Workshop On The Web

Languages spoken:  English

Manipulated wall hanging using only straight stitch and water soluble fabric. 

Detail, Nells Embroidery.

Tags:  embroidery, Machine embroidery, beading, artwork, Fabric, Textile, Texture, Needle arts, Fiber Arts, Mixed media

LaTouchables

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaTouchables

I design mostly body adornment for the modern woman of any age. Much of my work is inspired by nature, history, and culture. I want to create things that are affordable, and become a natural part of the daily wardrobe. Color, texture, wearability...this all plays a role in how it goes in the studio, and of course intuition plays a huge role. That's why most everything is OOAK. (One of a kind)

I like to use vintage and antique cloths in my pieces along with buttons, and beads from around the world. I was lucky to get some Bedouin embroidery dating back from the mid-20th-century, and earlier. My work is always in a process of growth. There are techniques to improve on, designs that architectually need brain-storming, from idea to finished piece, while still keeping the integrity of the original impulse.

I get emotional about hand-stitching, stains, signs of the human touch, beautiful worn textures, and quality. This means I love materials like silk, cotton, linen, bakelite, horn, mudcloth... and I am continually searching, experimenting, and opening up to the new. I see it as a long-term love-affair with developing a soft-sculpture body adornment that crosses genres. My hope is to take the raw materials and make something worthy of showing off their beauty, whether they are a hundred years old or straight off the bolt.

In the long run, I'd like to have a broader audience, and a group of fellow fiber-addicts to get that community dynamic. Of course I'd like to sell more and know that something I make will be worn by someone somewhere. This gives me the impetus to create more, and thus refine my skills.

I'm glad to have found TAFA with the chance to make new friends and contacts.

Location: Germany, Europe
Online shop: LaTouchables
Blog: latouchablesbagsandthings
Languages spoken: English, German

Adornment for the woman of the modern age by LaTouchables.

Tags: body adornment, necklace, africa, levantine, vintage, antique, tribal, cuff, cloth, bead

The Loaded Trunk

http://theloadedtrunk.com/about/

Every piece selected for The Loaded Trunk embodies my approach to life: rich, artistic tradition, creativity and craftsmanship. I believe that both traditional techniques and new interpretations of old traditions bring immeasurable beauty and warmth into the home.

Working with a global network of artisans and designers, each item sold through The Loaded Trunk is personally selected for its ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each piece is either created specifically for The Loaded Trunk, or purchased from a local market across the globe.

I believe in supporting the local economy throughout my travels, and respectfully pay the artisan’s asking price. Fair trade matters. For these reasons, only limited quantities are available for most items, and exact pieces may not be restocked once they’re sold.

I consider The Loaded Trunk my global dinner party. As a fellow citizen of this world, I encourage you to join me.

-Roni Jaco

Mission:  The Loaded Trunk website launched July 2009 and invites shoppers to explore a multi-cultural world of art objects, textiles, artifacts, jewelry and rare finds for the home.  I love cooking and entertaining, and I think of my home as a place where I can really express what my parents did for my family while I was growing up.

I grew up as an Army brat and wherever we lived, my mother filled our home with the art, crafts and home furnishings that represented local culture. I developed a lifelong appreciation for the feeling you get when you’re in a room that reflects the art and passion of other cultures.

With The Loaded Trunk, I try to share that passion with others, taking them on an adventure they can enjoy without a passport – and helping them define their own personal style in a way not easily done by shopping traditional retail stores. It’s purely an online shopping experience for those unafraid to shop outside the box, so to speak.

I look for uncommonly cool items that can create a warm and uniquely beautiful atmosphere. My own home is an eclectic mix of old and new, vintage and contemporary. I shop globally not on a quest for antiques, but rather in pursuit of skilled artistry and craftsmanship, believing it’s important to keep alive the centuries-old techniques and traditions I see during my travels.

When I visit the countries I buy from, I wander off the well-worn path of tourists so I can truly immerse myself in local culture. My products are for lovers of the quirky and unusual, collectors of rare art and ethnic objects, anyone who looks at the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

I collaborate with a network of global artists in the U.S. and abroad to assemble an online catalog of products meant to be both admired and used – whether it’s an exquisite teapot, a piece of jewelry, an exquisite basket that doubles as an end table or a ceremonial object that can hold a candle.  Every item is special in its own way; some are rare finds while others are simply beautiful pieces that inspire me for one reason or another.

I’ve been filling my own treasure trunk my whole life, and I’m excited to open the lid and invite others to come see what the world has to offer.

Location:  Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Online shop: The Loaded Trunk

Blog:  The Loaded Trunk

Languages spoken:  English

The Loaded Trunk: Vintage Hmong fabric used in a fun, contemporary bag.

Tags:  ikat, ralli quilts, ethnic textiles, tribal textiles, umbrella, vintage, asian textiles, rugs, jewelry, home interiors

Silversoles Felted Textiles

www.silversoles.co.uk

I am a British Textile Artist who focuses my work in feltmaking creating textiles for interiors and to wear. I create collections of scarves, bags, corsages, wall pieces and one off commissioned pieces. I also teach feltmaking to groups of all ages and abilities. I am keen to network with other makers, galleries and those interested in my work.

-Emma Jackson

Artist's statment:  Silversoles is the design label of UK textiles artist / designer Emma Jackson who creates sumptuously textile textiles for interiors and to wear. Each piece is unique having been individually handmade in England fusing traditional and contemporary felting techniques. 

Emma utilizes the memory of wool in her work to explore the fibres' potential to form sculptural, textured and raised surfaces. Inspired by organic forms and patterns her work has distinctive colours, striking sculptural shapes and exquisite textures which echo her sources of inspiration. Working with merino wools, silks, soya and velvets Emma makes limited edition collections and works to commission to provide a bespoke service for her clients.

Emma is a qualified teacher who offers feltmaking and a range of other textile techniques workshops, with groups of all ages for recreational or professional development. She holds a textiles teaching post at the Midlands Arts Centre,  Birminghm. She is a member of the International Feltmakers Association, design GAP, the Midlands Textile Forum and Designer Makers West Midlands.


Location:  United Kingdom
Online shops:  Silversoles, Great British Designs 
Memberships:
   International Feltmakers Association
   Design GAP
Languages spoken:  English

Felted Textiles by Silversoles

Tags:  textiles, felt, feltmaking, nuno, embroidery, fibre art, workshops, weddings, gifts, cobweb

Carla Madrigal/Madrigal Embroidery

www.madrigalembroidery.etsy.com

An on-line textile community appears to be a great solution to a  field which can be isolating. I would like to share information and communicate with artists and craftspeople in this arena not only to build friendships but to enhance exposure and to help organize shows and sell. 

Artist's statement:  To continue to create interpretations of the world around me.  Art is a necessary but often neglected part of life which ideally should surround, enlighten, and bring  joy and wonder into our lives. 

Location:  San Francisco, California, USA

Online shop:  madrigalembroidery 

Languages spoken:  English

Embroidered Heart by Madrigal Embroidery

Tags:  colorful, textile art, wearable art, decorative art, re-fashioned, recycled, unique, neck ties, fabric jewelry, custom orders

Coco Kulkarni

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThreadsOfOld

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CocoBags

I have been collecting art for a long time.  All sorts of art:: paintings (oil, water, pastels, ink), sculpture (wood, metal, stone), tribal drawings (some painted on cow dung!), textiles, and even photographs.

The antique textiles I have belong to one particular region in India called Kutch. Many of them are over 70 to 90 years old.  Most of them are in excellent condition. Some are embroidered and some are appliqued.  There's a rich variety of colours, motifs and techniques. All beautiful!

My love of fabrics inspired me to make and sell handbags on Etsy.  I use wool, cashmere, leather, cottons, and some blends to make handbags with clean contemporary lines and beautiful patterned fabrics. I don't use patterns, and I stay clear of 'designer' fabrics. I free cut all my bags, so they're never really the same size or shape. My latest handbags are made from hand spun, hand loomed cottons (khadi) from India, and some have hand blocked prints on them.

Location:  Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Online shops:  ThreadsOfOld

Languages spoken:  English

Ganesh, Embroidered detail of a vintage textile from Kutch, India

Coco Bags

Tags:  Vintage, ethnic, India, Kutch, Gujarat, wall hanging, folk embroidery, folk applique, collections, Saurashtra, bag, purse, khadi

Inside Outside Art

www.insideoutsideart.etsy.com

I grew up with a mother, grandmother and aunts who were skilled quilters and seamstresses willing to share their knowledge.  No matter how hard I tried, my work did not come out as perfect as theirs.  I loved fabric, fibers, color and texture. I tried many different crafts - quilting, embroidery, silk dying, knitting, crocheting  and weaving.   I finally came to the realization that all my work did not have to be perfect. In fact, I liked the idiosyncrasies of my work. I call what I do now "unconventional embroideries."   I finally feel like I have come home. This is where I belong and creating completes me.

Artist's statement:  I chose the name, Inside Outside Art because I felt it described me. I'm a little quirky and I don't always fit inside a box. My work is a little quirky. It's not your standard traditional embroidery.

-Regina Westmoreland

Location:  Benicia, California, USA

Online shop:  insideoutsideart

Memberships:

   Fiber Art/Mixed Media Art
   Stitchin Fingers
   Hand Embroidery Network

Languages spoken:  English

Embroidery by Regina Westmoreland, aka "Inside Outside Art"

Tags:  Embroidery, Etsy, Fabric Art, Textile Art, One of a Kind, Colorful, Handmade, Beaded, Embellished