Jill Crowther
I’ve stitched all of my life. I had well-dressed dolls at a young age and spent my pocket money on squares of felt every time we went into town. I hated needlework at school until I got a new teacher in the third year and that changed my life. I trained as a Secondary school textile teacher and have taught all ages, particularly enjoying A level work.
A recurring thread that runs through my work is about a Sense of Place. I take inspiration from my everyday surroundings and am particularly drawn to texture, shape and colour. I really enjoy keeping a sketchbook to record the sampling and experimental processes for the development of new work. How one thing leads to another; I’m constantly surprised at those ‘what if moments’ that take me down an unexpected path. The pulling together of ideas and fabrics to create an original piece of work is very satisfying.
I’m definitely a hand stitcher; I like the visual effects of playing with straight stitches and use them a lot in my work. Mark making on both paper and fabric is a common theme. I enjoy colouring my own fabric; sometimes dye but often acrylic and inks. Adding texture with oil pastels or manipulation, pushing the boundaries. Recent exploration has included Eco – dyeing and Cyanotypes which I’ve used in an abstract way.
My preferred fabrics & threads to work with tend to be natural – cottons, linen, wool, silk and are increasingly from recycled sources. Reused envelopes, postcards and paper bags also feature in my work.
My motto is Create, draw, paint, stitch, travel, aspire. Life is short.
B.Ed. (Hons) – Dress & Textiles.
Member of S.E.W. (Society of Embroidered Textiles)
Instagram name - @jillcrdo
