Memory and Celebratory Textiles
Julia has worked as a professional artist, designer and maker for more than 30 years. She has sold and exhibited her work nationally and internationally, and has co-written two books on Textile Art. Her own textile practice is concerned with issues such as memories in cloth, identity and sustainability.
Textiles are personal items, clothes are described as our ‘second skin’.
Jumpers and shirts or jeans, dresses and skirts can hold special memories of the wearer, a holiday, a wedding, a special occasion, a life once lived…. Julia is interested in the memories that textiles hold and the power of how a certain outfit or garment can hold strong recollections of a loved one, whether still alive or deceased.
Julia deconstructs textiles and reconstructs them with a new identity. The new textiles can take many forms, from cushions and throws to pictures and soft toys.
Julia will work with you to transform your textiles into personalised pieces with a new energy. The original memories will remain, but a new lease of life will be given to the ‘old clothes’ to make new, significant pieces.
Cushions
Having a cushion made from some clothing of a loved one (eg Granny’s jumpers) is a lovely and unique way to remember someone. Cushions can be made in different shapes and sizes, and can be embellished with appliqué designs. Each cushion will be bespoke; they can be chunky and cuddly or designed as a memory textile for show.
Quilts and Throws
A ‘memory’ quilt or throw is an ideal way to upcycle old clothing (eg Grandad’s shirts) into a new, useable item that holds fond memories. Quilts are washable and can be made to a variety of sizes, depending on the materials supplied.
Cuddle Buddies
Cuddle buddies can be made in many different shapes and sizes and each will have their own character. They can be designed from children’s own drawings and can resemble a ‘doll’, an ‘animal’, a ‘teddy’ or be a completely new form with their own personality! Cuddle Buddies can provide comforting memories as they will be constructed with familiar household textiles or clothing from someone they loved.
Albums
A bespoke album makes an amazing gift for a significant birthday, or can be a perfect way of collating memories of a loved one who has passed away.
Album covers will usually be designed around a central photograph, name and date and reflect that person’s personality, trade or hobby – fuses for an electrician, or hairgrips for a hair stylist can be incorporated as surface embellishments for example.
Pictures
Julia is happy to commission pictures for significant events such as anniversaries, weddings, retirements etc. These can include photographs, quotations, and items that reflect an occasion or personality (for example confetti, flowers, or tin for a tenth wedding anniversary).
Julia will design and tailor each new textile to your specific requirements. Each piece is guaranteed to spark special memories or mark new special moments of comfort, reflection or joy.