Stitched Stories Textile Art Exhibition

Those Days Textile Artwork

Stitched Stories is my solo textile art exhibition to be held at Bottleworks, Ouseburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne during 7th to 12th May 2026. The exhibition narrates hidden stories, protecting and honouring them in stitch.

Much of the exhibition artwork is from my Reflections Collection. Reflections is inspired by the connections we have with those who have gone before us; perhaps in certain traits, identity or looks or perhaps through the special things we keep and pass on to others. Fabrics often in the form of clothing, letters, photos and ephemera are all collected and stored to remind us of times past and to help us treasure memories. This work explores why we keep those specific things and the stories it can tell about us.

Fading Textile Artwork

Each piece in the Reflections collection narrates a story; these stories are often hidden within the artwork. Different people may see a different story within the work - and this is intentional. I made these artworks for people who find stories fascinating, who like to add their own narration and who value conversation with others. The story I intended to tell with this work is known to me, but not the viewer and this makes it our collaborative story, creating a connection between the art, the artist, the viewer and those who own it.

Perfect Recollections framed textile artwork

The Reflections artwork is full of memories - those held in the ephemera, the fabric snippets and the real leaves and petals that are layered with careful, intricate stitches. These are combined with my memories of designing and making the artwork and the memories of those who purchase the artwork. I enjoy bringing out the past memories, making them relevant to a more modern audience, yet honouring those that have gone before us.

Elderberry - textile artwork on naturally dyed fabrics

Also showing in the Stitched Stories exhibition will be some of my work on naturally dyed fabrics, that explore our memories of and connections to the natural world around us. Taking a small amount of abundant plants, flowers and leaves I create the natural dye in my studio. Using methods I've developed over the years, snippets of fabrics are dyed to give a range of shades. These are carefully pieced together, much as stories are over time, and then embroidered - often with naturally dyed threads or vintage machine thread.

Through naturally dyeing I create the connection to the place that inspired the artwork, the memory or the snapshot of time. It's also more sustainable and allows me to create the colour needed for the background.

I'd love to see you at the Stitched Stories exhibition, and if you are unable to make it, I'll be showing it all on my social media channels and website.