SarahAmesTextileArt

Using my sewing machine as a drawing tool, I create applique and free-machine embroidered images which I develop into ranges of homeware and accessories. I like to have fun with my work and I hope it shows through.

Welcome to the 'Shedquarters'
​It’s a little messy as I’m not the best at tidying up, pull up a chair and make yourself at home.
This is where I hang out with my studio assistant Maisie (head of recreation/meet and greet) and occasional fellow shed-workers who are on hand for a brain storm, market research, cup of tea and sometimes even some cutting out!.
It's a lovely space to work, with plenty of space for the huge amount of fabric and 'stuff' I collect, but I have to confess that I have expanded ever so slightly into the house too!

My Journey
The journey into my business began when my children (now adults) had just started school. I had the mad idea to return to university, and so began a hectic few years of throwing the children into school, rushing up to Carlisle where I studied Contemporary Applied Arts, and back to school for 3 - always the last parent there!
I managed to eke this out for as long as possible and eventually, thanks to a very patient and supportive family, I graduated with a BA and MA in Contemporary Applied Arts, specialising in printed and embroidered textiles.

After several years secondary school teaching, I decided the time was right to take the plunge and concentrate full time on my business. I am also ably assisted by my daughters who, although they have moved away from home, are always on hand to offer a critical eye and keep the social media on track!

​My Work
My work is a quirky look at our surroundings with a bit of a bird theme going on at the moment. ​My characters start life as doodles and drawings which are then given colourful outfits and plumage using applique and free-machine embroidery. I’m a hoarder of buttons and fabrics (no scrap too small) and can spend hours (really!) hunting out just the right tiny piece for a particular detail.

Many of my images have been developed into a range of embroidered and printed fabric designs using the magic of photoshop, gallons of tea and much frustration.