Interview on TextileArtist.org with Mary Carson

I did an interview earlier this year (pre COVID19) with Mary Carson on TextileArtist.org anout my work, influences and techniques. You can read it here.

Victoria Line Embroideries

Most of my work is based on walking and what I see. I don't know if my day job this year has meant that I'm outdoors less and more eager to get home but I observe more on transport. These two embroideries show other commuters on the Victoria Line (I do have a preference for getting the train back home though...). From the top 'King's Cross to Brixton' and 'Pug on the Victoria Line'.

International Contemporary Stitched Art Exhibition at The Clerkenwell Gallery

Some photographs of my two artworks 'King's Cross to Brixton' and 'Pug on the Victoria Line' at the Society for Embroidered Work exhibition at The Clerkenwell Gallery. Have a look on their website for more information on the artists involved.

Brum Zine Fest 2019

Thanks to everyone who came down to the snack themed embroidery workshop today, a very talented bunch stitching chips, cakes, sushi, gherkins, party rings, doughnuts, cherry macaroons and wine!

Had a great time looking around Brum Zine Fest 2019 and picked up a few goodies before heading home. Thanks to Shaheen Kasmani and Louise Byng for getting me involved!

Embroidery workshop at Brum Zine Fest 2019

I'm going to be at Brum Zine Fest 2019 on Saturday 6th July! I'll be doing a embroidery workshop on the theme of favourite snacks from 1.15pm to 2.30pm, a pot luck lunch. Check out their website to RSVP, see the all the events during the day and get the details!

Interview with Kate Davies: KDD & co

Kate Davies of KKD & co spoke to me for her new series of 'chain reaction' interview, talking to female creatives about their practice. I talk about how I got into embroidery, my process and inspirations and nominated the wonderful Catherine Mountford as the next link! You can find the interview here. Thanks so much to Kate for interviewing me!

Eclectic Row, Jamaica Hills, Queens, NY: All The Queens Houses collaboration

I've been working on a collaboration with All The Queens Houses over the past few weeks. Rafael approached me to convert one of his photographs into a cross stitch. I selected 'Eclectic Row', Jamaica Hills, Queens because I loved the different brickwork and the contrast of the yellow and pinks against the variety of reds.

Bootle Library, Embroidery Workshop

I'll be returning to Bootle Library with Our Human Library for Stitch Club on Friday 16th November, 11am~1pm. Looking forward to seeing all the emrbroiderers and progressing with embroidery and collaborative embroidery ideas.

Christmas Cracker cards

I've made my Christmas card this year and just posted it on my Etsy to buy. I cross~stitched four Christmas crackers onto aida fabric and had them printed on A6 sized card. You can buy a set of four with envelopes for £8 here.

Embroidery Stages 1 2 3

Transferring drawing to fabric (Euston), stitching details (Herne Hill) and the finished embroidery (Lambeth Country Show).

Simple Stitches zine

A small zine I made of stitches for the embroidery workshop at Bootle Library.

Introduction to Embroidery workshop at Bootle Library

I worked with The Human Library yesterday at Bootle Library to put on an 'Introduction to Embroidery' workshop. Our workshop participants used drawings from the weekly Sketch Club run by artist Jayne Lawless or drawings they made during the workshop. We draw onto greaseproof paper and stitched through onto fabric using back stitch. I love that when people sew, it's like drawing, everyone has a different style. Hopefully we'll be collaborating on some more fun projects and workshops in the future.

Journal Errratum Issue 17 Urbex

Journal Errratum's issue 17 'Urbex' is out now and my embroidery of Coldharbour Lane features in it, alongside many very talented illustrators, including Kissi Ussuki who features on the front cover.

Brixton Sampler

The last couple of weeks working on this sampler of a quartet of signs in Brixton.

Electric Avenue, Brixton

'Electric Avenue' embroidery, taken from a series of drawings I made in October 2016 inspired by a walk through Brixton's varying food markets. Exhibited at 'South of the River' at The Douglas Fir, Crystal Palace last month.

'South of the River' at The Douglas Fir, Crystal Palace

Thanks to everyone who made it over to The Douglas Fir to see my exhibition 'South of the River'. All pieces remain for sale (currently) so get in touch in there's anything you would like to purchase. Large embroideries priced at £600, 'Bowie's in Space' at £475 and 'Deptford High Street' at £375. All framed.

Interview with Jamie Allendorf for majestic disorder

I was interviewed by writer Jamie Allendorf for majestic disorder about my work. You can read the full interview here.

Fashion Revolution zine - Money Fashion Power

I stitched a portrait of Chandra Singh, a tailor for Creative Handicrafts, a supplier of @peopletreeuk, embroidered for Fashion Revolution fanzine MONEY FASHION POWER.

The proceeds of this non-profit fanzine will go towards growing the @fash_rev movement and to help keep on pushing for positive change in the fashion industry.

You can buy the zine here - fashionrevolution.org/resources/fanzine

'South of the River' - The Douglas Fir

My solo exhibition 'South of the River' opens next Friday 3rd March and runs until 24th March at The Douglas Fir pub in Crystal Palace. The exhibition comprises of embroideries of Peckham, Walworth and Brixton made over the past five years. I will be making a new embroidery of Electric Avenue for the show and also showing a large drawing 'Deptford High Street' alongside my Bowie embroidery. A solo exhibition of old, new and unexhibited.

Address: The Douglas Fir, 144 Anerley Road, London, SE20 8DL. Nearest overground: Crystal Palace.

Bespoke embroidery

My camera broke a couple of months ago (which is why some of my photos aren't so great at the moment!) I've been working on embroidery commissions to save up for a new one. These embroideries measure 16cm in diameter. If you are interested, I'm producing these very simple embroideries for £85 each. Contact me on hi@reenamakwana.com