Based in the Cotswolds in the South West of England, I began my textile business through a love of making beautiful things from unwanted and discarded materials, along with access to the perfect workshop (my cottage attic!) with its wonderful views across the surrounding countryside.

I create handmade textile products and artwork designed with environmental considerations in mind. My inspiration comes from the world around me, particularly the Cotswold countryside where I currently live, and the beautiful architecture of Bath where I grew up and is still my 'home town'. My resources are gathered from remnants, recycled, discarded and unwanted materials. I love to look for bargain fabrics which can be re-used and made into something else by trawling around local charity shops looking for cottons, linens and silks that can be re-dyed and used again. The enormous range of textures, colours and techniques made possible through the medium of textiles is endless, and the more experienced I become, the more I fall in love with the freedom and creativity that this medium has to offer.

My love of working with textiles began at a very early age having been influenced and encouraged by my grandmother who taught me how to use her old treadle ‘Singer’ sewing machine and provided me with my first bag of discarded fabrics for ‘dressing up’. I began making my own clothes 'properly' at the age of 11 when I discovered commercial sewing patterns at senior school, and was a great fan of the 'bargain bucket' when Laura Ashley opened up in Bath back in the '70's where my friend and I could buy lovely fashionable cotton fabric for just 25p a yard (yes - a yard in those days!). At last I could have affordable fashionable clothes rather than hand-me-downs! And they were always well made!

Having trained as a Textiles Teacher in my 30’s, I eventually became Head of Textiles at a large comprehensive school in Gloucester. I then had the opportunity to complete an MA in Design & Technology Education. Since retiring from my permanent teaching post I now have more time to devote to creating and making using this wonderful medium, from functional high quality accessories to beautiful textile artwork using a vast range of fabrics, threads, fibres and techniques. Techniques include free machine embroidery, heat distorted fabrics, felting and embellishments, colourful fabric collage, 2D and 3D embroidery, and more. In fact my repertoire of techniques grows each time I tackle a new project.

I am a huge fabric hoarder and hate to see anything go to waste. No matter how small the fabric remnant, trim or thread, I will make sure I find a use for it. All products are made to the highest standard possible, irrelevant of the source of the fabric, and I pride myself in my workmanship and expertise shown in the finished product. I am constantly experimenting and expanding my knowledge base by researching other artists and trying out new techniques.

I offer free postage on many of my products for UK customers and customisation for any of the products on sale. Just contact me with your requirements.
Please visit my website at www.suebatemantextiles.com or my blog at www.suebatemantextiles.com/blog for further information about my work.