Ellie Evans

Getting down with the kids..

2012-01-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

2012 sees me coming up to date in the modern technological world, I now have my own Facebook page as an artist. If you're a member of Facebook type 'Ellie Evans' into the search bar and my very own artists page should come up. If you 'like' what I do then please show your support and like it. Spread the word!

New Year get away

2012-01-20T05:16:00.001-08:00

Just last week I returned from my annual get-away to stay in a log cabin in the forest on the North York Moors. It's a peaceful and relaxing start to the year after the hustle and bustle of Christmas. The hot tub on the decking outside the log cabin makes it; on a clear night you can see all the stars from the comfort of a bubbling hot tub, how romantic.

I always like to visit Whitby whilst I'm there, it's only a forty minute pretty drive away. I came across this fabulous fabric shop which the reason for my post. "Judith's Fabrics" (12/13 Brunswick Street, Whitby) is a rare treat these days. Decked out with duck egg blue shelving and fittings, the fabrics are stacked floor to ceiling. Judith also stock a variety of threads, ribbons and handy bits and bobs. Established for forty six years, this lady knows what she's doing! You can see me in my element below...

The selection I went home with.

I spy with my little eye...

2012-01-20T03:48:00.000-08:00

....an Ellie Evans' pincushion and needle-case on the February issue of Homes and Antiques magazine. Not bad for the new year! Can you see it too?

Hard at it..

2011-11-24T10:36:00.000-08:00

If only there were more hours of daylight at the moment! Hand embroidery and the darkness do not mix well. I cannot let this stop me as I really have my work cut out..

All of these Lavender stars are en route to The National Centre for Craft and Design, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire just in time to be part of their Christmas exhibition in the shop.

It's back to the needle and thread for now as I continue to make work for Made By Hand. This runs from 2-4th December and is at Tredeger House, Newport, South Wales.

Selvedge Christmas Fair Saturday 10th December

2011-11-20T02:18:00.000-08:00

Be sure you don't miss one of the loveliest events of the year, good smells, festive music and wonderful gifts to buy, support handmade and get all your Christmas shopping done in a relaxed atmosphere. Well worth the tube ride up the Northern line! This will be my last show of 2011 so don't miss it.

For a full list of exhibitors, click here and how to get there, click here.

Looking for something to do this Saturday?

2011-11-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

I am running my FIRST EVER workshop making Hanging Pockets in the Staffordshire area, click on one of the links below for more details.

Jennifer Collier's wise words...

A place has just come up on the BEAUTIFUL 'Hanging Pockets' workshop at my gallery, unit twelve, with the lovely Ellie Evans this sat. Just £35- it is going to be AMAZING!

www.unittwelveco.uk

New Stockist down South

2011-10-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

This parcel of 'Ellie Evans' is soon to be arriving at a lovely little haberdashery in the centre of Oxford. My friend introduced me to the shop earlier this year, it's off the beaten track but well worth a nosey - lots of lovely buttons and fabrics. They run a series of workshops too so if you live in Oxford, want to get creative but you're not quite sure how then I'm sure you'll find something suitable at Darn It & Stitch.

Check it out; Darn It & Stitch

Enjoy!

Hexagons & Aprons

2011-10-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks I have been painstakingly working on a new piece of work for an exhibition which is very soon to open in the Staffordshire area. The above image is just a detail, to see the real deal you'll have to visit the exhibition. This apron has taken me several weeks to complete, it has been specially made for this exhibition. It is all hand patchworked and then hand embroidered.

Here's a bit of information about the exhibition itself..

Ties that bind - Aprons, stories and hidden lives’ Exhibition at Unit Twelve.

The Private View of this exhibition is Saturday 5th Nov, 2-4pm.

Ties that bind is a curated display of recent and newly-created aprons inspired by women’s lives, published stories, personal memories and imagined futures. Twelve contemporary designer-makers will exhibit aprons using print, paper and stitch.

Ties that bind will reveal twelve different responses to the idea of aprons, through the work of a diverse group of makers, each with their own personal reasons for engaging with this garment form. The use of textile techniques draws these diverse makers together, but their sources, meanings and interpretations will generate a thought-provoking

exploration of the humble apron. It runs from 3 ^rd November 2011- 28 ^th Jan 2012 .

For all details about the exhibition and how to find it, etc please visit www.unittwelve.co.uk

HELLO NOTTINGHAM!

2011-10-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

After last years' success I'm heading

back, in just under a months time,

to Nottingham to do Lustre. I love

the standard of this show and how

coherently it's put together.

All the vital details to come and

pay me a visit below...Don't

forget, Sat 5th and Sun 6th Nov.

I've got a stack of the Friday night

free buyer's preview flyers here

in my hands. If you'd like to attend

email me your postal address at

hello@ellie-evans.co.uk and I'll

send one out.

In the upcoming months you will find me here..

2011-10-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

I will be journeying down to South Wales for this relatively new show. I know it'll be good because it's the sister show to "The Contemporary Craft Fair" in Bovey Tracey, Devon, which I've done a couple of times previously. It's a first for me so all you local Welsh folk and fans please come and say heLo and show your support.

What's on over the weekend...

Holler out and see you in December!

Something I was working on over the summer...

2011-09-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

I had been commissioned to make two hanging pocket's, one for each twin as a 21st Birthday present. I really love working on commissions as they're something all together different, you are allowed a precious insight into someone else's childhood/life. I have to admit however, with this I did struggle to begin with, I think because I was making the pockets for twins and I was very conscious not to make them the same as often twins can be seen as a "unit" rather than individuals. With a lot of deliberation I think the end result did each girl justice.

Katharine Hills' pocket.

Front: Above.

Back: Below.

Detail of Katharine Hills' pocket..

Alice Hills' pocket.

Front: Above.

Back: Below.

Detail of Alice Hills pocket..old school reports have

been used for the lining to both pockets..

If you have a special birthday or anniversary coming up and would like to discuss having a totally unique gift made then please do not hesitate to contact me at hello@ellie-evans.co.uk

Roll up..Roll up...

2011-09-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Come and see me and lots of other beautiful work.

For more details of exhibitors and directions go here

Picture Perfect

2011-06-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

A new idea I came up with recently and have been playing around with, these cute little hand embroidered pictures sit perfectly on any wall. They are only petite so look good in a small cluster or by themselves. Each one measures approximately 5cms x 5cms. They have either a decorative ribbon or piece of leather as a hanging device and are available from me now.

This Sunday, 5th June

2011-06-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

Come and see me on home turf with some new pieces of work this Sunday in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.

Oxford Road Trip

2011-06-02T03:57:00.001-07:00

I went on a road trip to see my friend Sally in Oxford last weekend. We got to go to the Pitt Rivers Museum which is a collection I have wanted to see for quite sometime now. Full of inspiration this place is definitely worth a visit. It is attached to the University of Oxford and was founded in 1884 when Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers (an influential figure in the development of archaeology and anthropology) gave his collection of nearly 20,000 objects to the University. Amongst the thousand of objects I managed to seek out some textiles. Very cute Victorian pincushions above, and hand embroidered pouch and clothing below.

The labelling of all the items intrigued me the most, lots and lots of hand written miniature labels with metal around the edges. I wonder where he got these from? There was so much to see in the museum you could easily spend two or three days looking at it all and I still don't think you would have seen everything.

Paper Wonders

2011-05-31T13:18:00.001-07:00

I went on a little adventure recently to find Unit 12, where Jennifer Collier resides. I went to see the "First Anniversary: Paper exhibition, showcasing a piece of work from 25 of the countries most exciting makers working with paper". A real treat it was. This lovely collection of work is available for you to see until the 30th July 2011.

Images Top to Bottom:
Jennifer Collier
Helen Roberts
Julie Arkell
Magie Hollingworth

These were my favourite pieces in the exhibition. It was great to finally see where Jennifer works from, where her workshops are run and the wonderfully light, airy gallery space. It was really inspiring for me to see what Jennifer has achieved in just a year of opening Unit 12, it gives you hope as a younger maker with determination and hard work what is possible.

I will be running my own hanging pocket workshop from Unit 12 on Saturday the 19th November 2011, so check out the Unit 12 website for booking information, etc.

Thanks Jennifer x

Ties That Bind - My first workshop is booked!

2011-03-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Later this year I will be involved in a group exhibition with Jennifer Collier at her studio, Unit 12, in Staffordshire.

'Ties That Bind - Aprons, stories and hidden lives. 3rd November 2010 - 28th January 2012.

Ties that bind is a curated display of newly created aprons inspired by women's lives, published stories, personal memories and imagined futures. Twelve contemporary designer makers will exhibit aprons using print, paper and embroidery.'

See Unit 12 for more info.

Ellie Evans Hanging Pocket Workshop. 19th Novermber 2011.

'Bring along your own item of clothing with a pocket to be up-cycled into a decorative hanging pocket, inspired by Ellie's own work. She will show you techniques she uses in her work to embellish your pocket, to create a truly unique and personal piece.'

For all booking information please see the Unit 12 website, as before.

Quiet on the Northern front..

2011-03-20T08:04:00.004-07:00

It's been a while since I posted on here; I've been having a bit of a Spring clean as my sewing space had started to feel very claustrophobic towards the end of last year. With the help of some new shelving and re-arranging I feel it is now a better space to work in. I can now see all my beautiful fabrics for one and everything is accessible/to hand.

I have also been busy applying for shows for the coming year. One already confirmed is The Art Market in Holmfirth. I will be there on Sunday 5th June. This is a first for me but I'm really looking forward to it as this is the area I grew up in. My hometown is Denby Dale, very close to Holmfirth. Sometimes it's nice to be on home turf.

In other news, I will soon be revealing a sparkly new website. My boyfriend has kindly been working on this for me over the past few weeks, soon it will be ready to un-veil! There will be a facility to buy directly from my new website so keep your eyes peeled.

Last but by no means least I have a new stockist of a few weeks. Chalet, in Bakewell, Derbyshire is a stunning little shop slightly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Bakewell. This gorgeous shop is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Peak District and have a spare half hour or so.

This is all for now but I will be back soon with something new I've been working on. I promise x

Nottingham - This Sunday!

2010-12-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

New Art Exchange - Nottingham

Treasure Tree Arts & Crafts Fair Christmas Market

This special seasonal arts and crafts fair will showcase a feast of independent artists and craft makers. Enjoy a festive day at the NAE with face painting, henna artists, mulled wine and shopping, all under one roof! Purchase that special one off gift from handmade jewellery to a limited edition art print.

Sunday 12 December, 11am - 5pm
Admission: Free

So, people of Nottingham who didn't buy what they wanted to at Lustre a couple of weeks ago, get along to this!

The best thing about shows..

2010-12-03T12:53:00.000-08:00

...is getting to do 'swaps' with other artists! Recently at Lustre, Nottingham I did a real good swap with my friend Rachel Eardley. I've been a big fan of her work ever since we met a couple of years ago when our stands were next to each other at The Contemporary Craft Fair, Bovey Tracey. Now I have my very own special pieces, below is the first bobby dazzler print of a TUNNOCKS TEACAKE which sits proudly on my kitchen wall..

The next piece is very close to my heart and something special which I asked Rachel to make..I love her jewellery made from old coins and have been waiting for this piece since June!

This necklace is made from a very old Dutch coin of my Grandma's. It was already pretty decorative so I didn't ask for too much to be cut away but the result is still very pretty.

And, so in return my task was to make Rachel a hanging pocket that she can wear on a daily basis to keep her 'hankies' in. Here is the result, I hope she's pleased, the fabrics and everything were all Rachel's choice. As a special treat this has her initials embroidered on it x

I can't wait for December!

2010-10-21T03:01:00.000-07:00

Not only is it my Birthday month but also this great event is happening. The Selvedge Summer fair was probably the nicest event I've done this year, thankfully they're putting on this Christmas fair to round off the year in style. Me and my wares will proudly be attending (Saturday 4th December) so please do come along in force to do some important Christmas shopping.

For more info. on other exciting things happening that day look here

Another date for the diary...

2010-10-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

This show is a new one for me this year. I visited last year and saw the standard of the work was exceptionally high and thought I'd best get applying. To my great satisfaction I succeeded and got a place, so you best come along and show your support. It's held at The Lakeside Art Centre on the 13th-14th November. It's very slickly put together and really worth a gander.

If you would like an invite for the preview night on the 12th Novemeber just send an email to hello@ellie-evans.co.uk with you postal address and I'll send you one.

I'll have a few snazzy new pieces for this show, pockets and framed pieces so please come and support an independent maker trying to succeed.

Hello Sheffield..

2010-10-21T02:10:00.000-07:00

I've just delivered a box of work to the Millennium Gallery, Sheffield for this upcoming exhibition,

'A feast of original craft and design, Christmas Crackers provides an inspired alternative to the High Street for this year’s Christmas shopping. Choose affordable gifts, from beautiful jewellery to stylish glassware and ceramics, all hand-made by UK-based craftspeople.'

Have a look here for more info on the exhibition and other lovely stuff that's happening at the Millennium Gallery.

Book feature

2010-10-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

This nearly passed me by, then my friend Effie (whose work is also featured) reminded me of it's existence. A fascinating insight into 'the creative potential of stitch through a variety of machines'. It's written by a number of contributors/a few of my tutors from my time at University. Thankyou for the kind words.

My work features in the chapter, Stitched Words by Lynn Setterington.

The Klompen Dance

2010-10-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

In the Summer two of my Dutch relatives came over to visit, it's been about ten years since I last saw them so I really did enjoy myself spending time with them.

They brought me these as a gift, pretty cool so I thought I'd share. They have a traditional Dutch pattern on them and were bought from a farmers' store. All hand carved, a wonderful piece of craftsmanship.

I've been on my holidays

2010-08-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I went to Snowdonia for a week on a Summer jaunt. I stayed in a very cute old cottage near Blaenau ffestiniog. The cottage belongs to a lovely lady who has a passion for making rag rugs. Slate floors covered with rag rugs, walls decorated with them, as you can imagine it was right up my street. The cottage is around 150 years old and was built as a farm workers dwelling, the owner has spent a lot of time and effort attempting to restore it to how she believed it would have been at the time..

A couple of my favourite snaps...

Not only was staying in the cottage a real treat but being in this particular area was very important for me. This is because this is the area my grandparents first lived in when they came to the UK. My grandad worked down the Slate mine at Llechwedd Slate Caverns (I visited these on my trip). I went and found the house they lived in, the very house my mum and aunt grew up in in their early years..

At the bottom of a little valley very near to Blaenau ffestiniog is the house they lived in..

One of my most memorable trips of the week was on the ffestiniog Steam Railway. We caught the train from Porthmadog to Tan y Bwlch. it was very jiggly and smelly but cool non the less!

Those of you who know me and the concepts behind my work, will realise how important and inspiring this holiday was for me.

Hello Birmingham..

2010-08-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

My work, and some other great peoples' work is there - get to it!

The wonderful world of Selvedge

2010-07-11T13:21:00.001-07:00

I know it's a couple of weeks since it was the Selvedge summer fair but I felt it deserved a few words on here as it turned out to be such a brilliant day. Both profitable and well attended, it was worth every minute heaving a very heavy suitcase around in the baking heat of London to get to! The attention to detail with the decoration of the hall, the layout and even the music was ever so thoughtfully done. I only hope they have another x

Photo courtesy of Linda Marie-Young

Hello again Leeds!

2010-07-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

This week I have sent a parcel of work off to The Craft Centre And Design Gallery in Leeds for general display in the shop there. I did my Art Foundation course in Leeds at The College of Art before going to Uni in Manchester, it feels good to have work in a city where you once studied, knowing that it all contributed to where/who you are now..

(Old school photo from being at college in Leeds - Can you find me?)

In the local area

2010-07-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I delivered some pieces of work to a new stockist, Gallery Top, in Rowsley, Derbyshire. This is a lovely little gallery in a beautiful setting selling mainly ceramics, jewellery, painting and sculpture.

I've been wanting to get some work in a gallery close to where I live for a while now so lets' see how it is received!

This is where you will next find me..

2010-05-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

You can find more information about the event here

Lets hope the sun has it's hat on for us this year!

Just because

2010-05-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

I found this gold whilst digging around at my parents' last week.

Top image: In the very old caravan with my dad.
Bottom image: On top of the Cheesewring with my dad.

Oh what a Wonderful evening..

2010-05-19T01:21:00.001-07:00

I was invited down to London on Monday
to go to the second Selvedge cinema evening,
I was very excited about seeing Bright Star
as my sister had told me many good things..
It most definitely lived up to expectations,
such beautiful scenery and light. The Phoenix
cinema itself is well worth a visit, the
architecture and features within were quite
incredible.

It was a really nice touch to have the speakers
beforehand, they made me think about things
and see things within the film I wouldn't
necessarily have thought about or maybe not
noticed otherwise. Well done Selvedge, always
one step ahead of the rest!

May is upon us

2010-05-01T03:16:00.000-07:00

Pincushions, needle-cases
and hot off the press
lavender bags have been
sent down for this event in
Newhaven. The Old Forge
will be open each weekend
in May, so if you're in the
area or live near by go and
check it out yeah..

How cute

2010-04-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am ever so pleased
to announce that I
have been picked to
be part of this event.

More details of makers
participating, etc
available here

Ladies Love Lavender

2010-04-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

A little something I've been working on recently. Lavender bags based on the traditional Star patchwork design. Each one has a leather hanging loop so that it can be hung in a wardrobe or simply placed in a draw. The fabrics are a combination of vintage and digital prints. They each feature my hand-stitched 'EE' monogram and the lavender within comes from Provence.

Available from me at £18.

A trip down memory lane

2010-04-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

A week camping in my tent, in a very beautiful, isolated part of Cornwall. A well earned break. It's so wonderful when you re-visit a place you used to go to frequently, I hadn't been back here for almost ten years. So many memories came flooding back to me, mostly ones that reminded me of how strange a child I was!

Perhaps my favourite place in Britain; The Cheesewring, on Bodmin Moor.

Sunset is the most beautiful time to be up there.

What a lovely week x

Hearts Of Desire

2010-03-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

I think it's about time I showed you my Valentines window display for the Selvedge shop in London...

In progress..

" Love Hearts. A collection of origami hearts made from love letters and documents gathered and kept as keepsakes from previous relationships. The folding of the heart and the varying sizes of letters has resulted in an interesting display of text and images. I am particularly fond of the hearts where only fractions of a sentence can be read, leaving it to the imagination to work out what was or wasn't said.

It was quite a strange time digging the letters out of my loft, a box that hasn't been touched for at least five years. I couldn't help but re-read them when I started working with them, curious to what was written, re-living particular events and memories.

It's a first that I have created a body of work without fabric or stitch being integral. Qualities that are inherent in my textile work did seem to emerge with the hearts. The repetitive process that is part of cross stitch became apparent. The intricate, precise qualities of hand stitch seemed the same as all the folding involved with the origami hearts. The ever so personal element that I always seem to put into textiles, was most definitely put into this project."

It was difficult to photograph because of the glare from the window. Once completed the wall behind was painted red and some of the paper hearts were scattered on the floor. I am still waiting to see how it finally looked..

Nottingham Lace

2010-02-04T03:05:00.001-08:00

A preview of the Pincushions I made using Nottingham Lace For Debbie Bryan..

Selvedge Lovers

2010-01-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

As my new edition of Selvedge dropped through the letter box this morning I was already busy making my latest work for them. Origami hearts (by the hundred). This is again a very personal project, the hearts are made from old love letters sent to me over the past ten or so years. It's a first that there is no stitching or fabric involved....This project is going to form a St Valentines window display for their store in London for the whole of February.

The latest edition of the magazine looks like it's a good one, here's what I came across on p.53..

So, if you live in London or are planning a visit in February be sure to pay a visit.

Limited Edition Ellie Evans' Pincushions

2010-01-23T04:36:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to announce this collaboration. I am creating a small number of limited edition pincushions featuring the beautiful and incredibly intricate Nottingham Lace for a showcase at Debbie Bryans' studio. There won't be many made so get there quick..

' Nottingham Lace Showcase

The 3 month Nottingham Lace Showcase will include beautiful craft & design collections, sunday tea parties & creative design workshops.

A collective of designers have created a limited edition Lace Inspired Collection especially for Debbie Bryan Studio & Shop. '

It's on from 18:00 Thu 4th Feb 2010 to 17:00 Sun 2nd May 2010

For more info. see www.debbiebryan.co.uk

Exhibiting in York real soon

2010-01-23T04:28:00.001-08:00

Some pieces of my work are going to be included in this exhibition at The New School House Gallery, exciting stuff yeah.

Christmas 2009 has past now..

2010-01-23T03:58:00.000-08:00

This was the piece I created for the Selvedge advent Calendar, I was number 10. I wanted the piece to be quite naive and to reference childhood associations with Christmas; the idea of writing a letter to Father Christmas requesting your wishes. It also says 'Merry Christmas' in each of the languages that makes up my identity; English, Welsh, Polish and Dutch.

The first frost and...

2009-12-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked to participate in the Advent window display for the Selvedge shop, what a privilege! Keep your eyes pealed, my piece will be revealed real soon.

I love the idea behind this, not enough traditions are kept alive today. Enjoy x

Christmas Art & Food Market

2009-11-26T02:33:00.000-08:00

This weekend i'll be travelling to The Harley Gallery on The Wellbeck Estate to participate in their Christmas Art Market.

It's open from 10am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday and is free to attend.

'Our popular annual Arts Market returns, with over 30 local artists and 20 local food producers selling their wares, along with the chance to visit the Harley Foundation Artists in their studios.
We are situated on the Welbeck Estate, 10 minutes from M1 junction 30 and the A1 Worksop exit, 15 minutes from Ollerton and 30 minutes from Sheffield, Nottingham and Lincoln. Our entrance is on the A60 Mansfield Road.'

For more information please see:

www.harleygallery.co.uk/event.php?pg_id=56

Fix it, break it.

2009-11-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

I have been written about in this really interesting book..

Check it out yo!

Drygoods

2009-11-14T04:53:00.000-08:00

My pincushions are now being stocked by Selvedge at their store in London.

You can now visit the Selvedge shop to peruse copies of the magazine and our range of drygoods and books.

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm

162 Archway Road
London
N6 5BB

Closest tube station - Highgate (Northern Line)
Bus routes - 43, 134 and 263

I Say..

2009-11-05T12:26:00.001-08:00

Last week I posted an order of needle-cases to the beautiful shop Few and Far, in time for their new Christmas window display. These are exciting times for Ellie Evans.

'Few and Far is a seasonally changing collection of furniture, clothes, tableware, toys, jewellery and craft personally selected by Priscilla Carluccio.

Our shop on the Brompton Road in London completely changes every three months and our windows feature the largest and most exciting pieces from each collection.'

The window displays are something pretty special, I went to have a look last Winter and was quite taken with it all. Definitely worth a visit I'd say.

http://www.fewandfar.net/

Welsh Roots

2009-11-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

I am proud to announce that one of my school report hankies is being included in the Christmas exhibition, titled 'A Winter's Tale' at the Oriel Myrddin Gallery in Wales. I'm pleased that some of my work can now be found in Wales, The Evans clan would be proud.

The gallery shop is also stocking Ellie Evans pincushions and needle-cases, Yippee!

http://www.orielmyrddingallery.co.uk/home.html

Needlecases

2009-11-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

I made a select few of these needlecases to go with my pincushions. I've wanted to make needlecases for sometime now, ever since finding a tiny little old one at The Antique Textile Fair in Manchester a couple of years back. I launched them at Origin and then showed them a few days later at The Great Northern in Manchester. I'm pleased to say that they went down a treat!

Inside view: Each one varies but has an inner made from an old wool blanket, I then hand blanket stitch around the edge to prevent any fraying.

How time does fly

2009-11-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

For those who didn't manage to make it to Origin this year...

...this was my home for the week. Check out my new piece of furniture at the back of my stand (christened the wendy house..) courtesy of Mr Tim Warren.

See http://timjoinerywork.blogspot.com/

2009-10-21T02:09:00.001-07:00

Come and view my new collection of box framed samples this weekend at The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair at Spinningfields, Manchester.

See the flyer below for more info..

Manchester People

2009-08-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

I'll be there x

Studio Love

2009-07-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

Those croissants are a distant memory

2009-07-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Having been away for a while to Nice for a break from the stitching it's back to Life, back to reality. I'm finding the transition in temperatures, etc a little difficult. I'll hopefully get back into the swing of things soon and be sewing like there's no tomorrow...

October 2009

2009-07-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

I'll be there. Week 2. Stand B3. With new work. Come and holler buy...

" Keep some things close to Your chest "

2009-06-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some images of a commission that I had the opportunity to work on recently. This was a present from one sister to the other. A 30th Birthday gift. I was asked to emphasize the close relationship between the sisters'. This project was a joy to be part of and to meet such a close, lovely family.

Front

Lining Detail. An old school report, a section which was particularly poignant has been highlighted with hand embroidery.

Back

The family have a lovely traditional jewellers.
www.tollhousejewellery.co.uk

Brilliant!

2009-06-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

I was presented with a lovely vessel, kind words and the promise of a feature in Selvedge. I will update when I know more.

THANK YOU

2009-06-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to The Eaton Fund who have awarded me £250 to put towards buying a new laptop. Since mine exploded in February it's been a real struggle, it's an essential tool for my business so thankyou very much.

www.eaton-fund.co.uk

It's really really soon..

2009-05-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

I think pre show delirium has hit. Next Wednesday I head down to Bovey Tracey for The Contemporary Craft Fair. If you happen to be in the area, do come and say hello.

This flyer is in the May/June edition of Selvedge magazine and features an image of my work. Very nice.

www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk

NOW ONLINE

2009-05-04T01:33:00.000-07:00

see www.theshopfloorproject.com/folkexhibition1.htm

It looks really lovely, if you scoll through the pages you'll get to this...

Re-tracing old steps

2009-04-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

One of the most vivid memories I have of my childhood is that of a box of Tunnocks Teacakes, sat on a high wooden shelving unit in a long, narrow kitchen, in a cottage that looks out to sea in a place called Rockcliffe. Scotland.

Last week I went to re-visit that place.

The old and the new memories now entwined. Highland cows. Beaches of cockle shells. Mabie Forest and no spiders' web. The Clonyard and Hudson the parrot. Beeswing campsite with Beryll the Peril and donkey rides. Yellow flowers against lush greenery. Sandy hills. Dumfries. Loch Arthur Community. A sea of stars. A frost on the tent, crisp to the touch. Down jacket worn at night under a patchwork quilt and knitted blanket.

Andy Goldsworthy you beauty. The Byre, the meeting point, a taster of what's to come. A heavy hike up Bail Hill in search of one of your Striding Arches. Almonds and raisins for energy. Bogs. Lots of them but we still found it. Triumphant at the top. It's a shame the day didn't brighten up for us. View of the landscape through the arch, wind whistling in my ears. Sodden feet. Fruit cake treat for the way down.

So many places I did not recall, so much more to explore. I want to ride my bike in Mabie Forest.

A satisfied Texan

2009-04-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

I found this delightful email in my Inbox this morning:

'Afternoon Ellie: It's Thursday the 16th and my postman has just delivered the pkg to me and how thrilled I am with these darling pincushions....... and you were so thoughtful to put MY initials on one! They are the perfect size to sit on the arm of my recliner chair.....(which is my stitching chair) and weighted as they are, will STAY PUT rather than tumbling off onto the floor with the least little movement of my arm. I'm happy that you were willing to go to the time and not to forget the TROUBLE of sending them off to me...............thank you very much and best wishes with your continued work. Keep me advised please of any new things you've come up with? Yours Phyllis'

I aim to please, I'm glad you liked them Phyllis.

The Shop Floor Project

2009-04-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Coming soon, a new exhibition to The Shop Floor Project...

A selection of my work will be included in this online exhibition, there's even going to be an exclusive commissioning service for my Hanging Pockets, so keep checking back for more.

www.theshopfloorproject.com

The website is definitely worth a visit, there's some beautiful work on there and it's a lovely Mother-Daughter duo who are responsible for it all!

Country Living Magazine

2009-02-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

My Pin cushions have been featured in the March edition of Country Living Magazine, P16 to be precise!

Thankyou

This summer I will be exhibiting at...

2009-01-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

I've just found out that I have been selected and will be exhibiting at this years show. I even get to camp, exciting!

New stockist - Platform Gallery

2008-11-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

I ventured over to Clitheroe today for a meeting at The Platform Gallery. They now stock my work. There's all sorts of treats for Christmas, my new cards are available, along with bags, pin cushions, purses and badges.

There's some really lovely work in there at the moment, well worth a visit I'd say.

Platform Gallery,
Station Rd,
Clitheroe,
Lancashire,
BB7 2JT

01200 443071

Sew, copy, cut, stick

2008-11-14T03:39:00.001-08:00

Amidst going for rides on my bike, walking the dogs and reading my book, this week I have been working on some new Christmas cards for the festive season. They'll be available at the events I'm doing on the run up to Christmas

That's all for now x

Somewhere new to be Ellie Evans

2008-11-06T06:40:00.000-08:00

This week has finally seen me move into the studio and claim my own space to work! It's all a bit sparse at present and has been neglected somewhat but with a bit of work I believe we'll be able to get it looking good.

I really enjoyed getting on with some work in there yesterday.I'd forgotten what I really loved about the studio at uni, you don't get distracted by silly things like you do at home! After a while away from the sketchbooks I'm itching to get on with some drawing again. I'll keep you posted on how it goes..

Christmas at The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester

2008-11-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

The time has come again. I will have a stall at the Whitworth on Saturday 13th December, 10am - 4pm as part of Manchester Craft Mafia. I will be selling some Christmas treats and some other lovely textiles which you might want to give as gifts (or keep for yourselves!)

See you there x

New stockist LIBERTY, ta da!

2008-11-06T05:28:00.000-08:00

One of the successes from showing at Origin, Liberty wanted to stock a range of my pincushions. They can be found in the store now.

Each one is sand filled and hand embroidered. They have a solid oval base.

Liberty of London
Regent Street
London

(The pincushions are stocked in the haberdashery department)

Origin follow up

2008-11-06T04:31:00.000-08:00

(I know it's blurred but i like it!)

Wow, It's almost a month since I've been back from from Origin, about time I told you a bit about it I think.

What a whirlwind week it was, it was another world in Somerset House. A very exhausting world but a highly rewarding one. The week saw me selling some pieces to a celebrity (Thank you Una Stubbs), a textile artist (Thank you Julie Arkell) and Liberty placing an order with me, among many other exciting happenings.

I owe great thanks to my brother, David Evans and his workmen for all the help with my stand. And, Hugh Gummett, my own private graphic designer! It wouldn't have been possible without them.

A few of my favourite images of the stand

The quilt is still for sale, it fits a double bed. If you like what you see don't hesitate to contact me!

Origin 2008

2008-10-02T02:16:00.001-07:00

You are invited to visit my stand and view new work at Origin: The London Craft Fair. I am in Week 1 (7th - 12th October), stand K9. I'd be delighted to see you there.

For visitor information, please go to www.craftscouncil.org.uk/origin

Platform Gallery Textiles Open Exhibition

2008-08-16T04:57:00.001-07:00

I have just been informed that my work has been selected to be part of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Textiles Open exhibition 2008.

If you can make it, go and have a look. See below for details.

Art in Action

2008-07-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Come and see me making my work at this years' Art in Action in the Textiles tent.

Thursday 17th - Sunday 20th July

10.30am - 5.30pm each day

Venue: Waterperry Gardens, Waterperry, Nr Wheatley, Oxon, OX33 1JZ

For more information see www.artinaction.org.uk

Urbis, Manchester.

2008-07-11T08:53:00.001-07:00

My work is now on display/for sale in one of the glass Showcases at Urbis. On show are some of the pieces from my degree collection and a variety of keepsake purses and badges.

There's some other really lovely work in the cases too so go and have a peek!

Thanks Bethan

A recent commission

2008-06-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of images. I made a precious letter into a hankerchief; using hand embroidery to highlight information in the letter which was particularly poignant to the client.

When I'm asked to complete a commission for someone it always feels like a real privlige. It is such an honour to be able to work so closely with people's memories and to know that I am making those memories come alive again is really something quite special.

Snaps from the show

2008-05-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Well done ladies you pulled it off! I'm so glad that I made it down to Bath, not only did the exhibition look great but Bath is a beautiful city to explore, the sun was shining and the atmosphere on Friday night was a good one. I didn't take many photo's but here's some to give you an idea..

Elizabeths' work

Sea serpents

261 Cowcliffe Hill Road - Ellie Evans

Tabitha Kyoko Moses

Get down to Bath!

2008-05-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

This was taken last Sunday, slightly delirious I'd finished all my work and packaged it up to send down to Bath for this 'Cabinets of Curiosuty' exhibition. The preview night is tomorrow, from 6-9pm, I'm heading down for it to see how it's all come together.

If you want to see some of this....

..and some of the other beauties I've been creating over the past month (that's why I've been a bit illusive on here..) then get to Bath within the next two weeks. It's a group exhibition, there's some really interesting work in it, definitely worth a visit for all the other exciting stuff that's going on in the city (and it's a bank holiday this weekend!). The exhibition ends on June 8th. Location: 12 Dorchester Street. For more info see: www.fringeartsbath.co.uk (Cabinets of Curiosity)

Fringe Arts Bath 'CABINETS OF CURIOSITY' - Opening night 23rd May

2008-04-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

(Anne-Laure Franchette, untitled)

A new collection I've been working away on is going to be part of Fringe Arts Bath. 'Cabinets of Curiosity' will showcase a number of artists from the North West. It's pretty exciting.

'A whole host of contemporary arty stuff happening in some odd and unusual places....
This year's loose theme is 'location'. We will be using underhand and overhand means to present recent and new work by artists from the region and beyond, interpreting the context of the city and drawing your attention to things you may not have noticed or thought of before. Keep your eyes peeled

Fringe Arts Bath (the little sister of Bath Fringe Festival) aims to celebrate and promote contemporary art, showcasing the work of early-career artists and those who find it hard to break into (or prefer to operate outside of) the gallery circuit. Each year we organise a 16-day programme of events and exhibitions in Bath.'

To find out EVEN more look at...

www.fringeartsbath.co.uk/cabinets.htm

The Postman

2008-04-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, instead of the Postman delivering the usual bank statements and horrid stuff like that, he posted a good letter through the door. It was from the Crafts Council. I knew what it was, I was waiting for this, be it good or bad news..but, eeek, upon opening it, I found out that I have been offered a place at Origin for 2008! Obviously a good day. So, me and my work will be found at Somerset House, in October at Origin.

As my mum would say, now it's time to get weaving...

http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/whats-on/view/origin-2008/detail

Feautre in Embroiderers' Guild Magazine

2008-04-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

As I was part of the 2007 Graduate Showcase at The Knit & Stitch Show, my work has been featured in the latest edition of 'Stitch with the Embroiderers' Guild.' Here it is;

Issue 52, April/May 2008 if you'd like to read more...

I'm excited about this..

2008-04-04T02:57:00.000-07:00

Whilst reading the new edition of Selvedge I saw an advert for an exhibition I really really want to go to; 'Cloth and Culture NOW'. I was so excited to hear that this exhibiton exlpores the cultural identity of the selected artists through the medium of textiles. It couldn't be anymore directly related to my work! I was going to go on a day trip to Norwich to see it but I think it's better to wait, as the exhibition is going to be on at The Whitworth this Autumn, eeeeeek. I can't wait.

www.clothandculturenow.com/exhibition.html

Tomorrow I head to London

2008-03-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

It's back down to London for me again tomorrow as I am exhibiting at Olympia at 'Stitch & Craft 2008' in the Graduate Showcase. The show is on from the 27th - 30th March. For more information see

www.twistedthread.com

Easter treats

2008-03-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

Lots of things to blog about, my third post of the day....but I found this cute old book in Oxfam yesterday and thought it deserved to be on here.

One of the best entries I've found in it so far

A useful find x

sun, snow and hail in Denby Dale

2008-03-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

I went out for a really nice walk this afternoon (in all of the above weather conditions) and I came across this dead good find:

Once cleaned up I think it may work very nicely as a new display case for a piece/pieces of work..Take note Jan and Anne-Laure!

New work

2008-03-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak preview of some new work in progress. It's an experimentation with some ideas I had during my final stay at 261 Cowcliffe Hill Road.

This new work will be part of an exhibition I'm going to be in around the end of May in Bath, it's to do with Cabinets of Curiosity..

I am back

2008-03-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have just about caught my breath and am from the Contemporary Textiles Fair feeling inspired and extremely excited about the prospects ahead of me. I spoke to some really really interesting people during the show and fingers crossed, as a result there will be some pretty good stuff happening for me during the next few months. More will be revealed as things develop.

I owe big thanks to all the people who helped me whilst I was down there, friends of freinds and freinds of the family for letting me stay with them, ferrying me and my work about and most importantly feeding me! I wouldn't be able to do these events if it weren't for the generosity of all these people so Thankyou.

Bobbydazzlers

2008-03-11T14:31:00.001-07:00

My mum delivered these to me when I was at my aunts' the other week. I love them and they're so warm..

With everything being mass produced these days it's quite odd to think that there was once a time when all socks were knitted by hand..It's made me realise all the skill and time that's needed to knit just one pair of socks.

It's a lot.

This weekend

2008-03-06T03:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is now upon me, time to get down to London and exhibit my work at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington. If you live in the area do come along, keep me company or even buy me a cup of tea and see my cocky bits of handstitch!

I will return from the big scary city on Monday...

43 years

2008-03-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

..is how long this house has been in the Pogodzinski family. I've just spent the last time I'll ever be able to spend there. It was quite a strange weekend. I took in as much information as I could and documented what I felt was right. Then we started pakcing the house up...weird.

And now I'm going to create some new work from it all. More to follow

(Photograph in the coal shed)

Alphabet badges

2008-02-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

I've been working on these little beauties today. Initial badges cross stitched by hand. More images and information to come soon..

Changes ahead

2008-02-21T02:48:00.000-08:00

Lots of things are changing around me at present but this perhaps is one of the biggest. The house my grandparents lived in and that my aunt now owns is up for sale and is currently in the process of being sold. This house was pivotal to my degree show work, had I not been able to access it, photograph parts of it and just spend time remembering I believe that my work would not have had the impact it does now. There are many memories of my grandparents attached to that house. A lot of time was spent there when I was younger. It's a sad but exciting time for everyone. I keep being told that things change and people move on and that I have to accept...

I owe thanks to my aunt for her patience last year whilst I was going around photographing every inch of the house. I'm sure she thought I was mad.

Before the move takes place I intend to go and stay for a few days and create some new work. I want to spend as much time gathering information and getting details down before it no longer belongs to the Pogodzinzki's.

A collaboration of sorts

2008-02-19T13:21:00.000-08:00

My mum has been knitting hats all winter. We've not been able to stop her. I went to see my aunt the other weekend, we went for a walk and it was pretty cold, I saw her putting a hat on and thought it looked familiar, I took a closer look, not only was it one of my mums' handknits but it also had two of my cross stitch initial badges on it that i'd given her as a Christmas present. It made me smile so here's a photo..

Hats combined with badges are appearing left, right and centre now, for friends and relatives. I like it.

(Individual images of my range of cross stitch badges will be appearing on here soon)

Last weekend..

2008-02-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

I went home to see the countryside and get away from Manchester for a bit. We had snow. It was good. I went for a long walk. Me and my mum popped into The Yorkshire Sculpture Park on Sunday to see what's going on there at present. We looked around the Made exhibition, YSP's annual exhibition showcasing Contemporary Craft and Design.

This was my favourite work:

Interview in CrossStitcher magazine

2008-02-02T04:04:00.000-08:00

Pah - I never thought I'd see the day!!

Thankyou

Look at how lovely these are..

2008-01-31T13:25:00.000-08:00

Above: Mrs Joyce Kirby modelling the commemorative Hanging Pocket I made as a special birthday gift back in October.

It's a really good feeling to be asked to make something so personal for someone. To see and hear such positive responses is equally as heart warming. Thanks Joyce, for letting me in.

Feedback on previous commissions

2008-01-31T10:44:00.000-08:00

I have just had a lovely email from Tiffany Rawson, the daughter of Diane Rawson, whom I have previosly made two commissions for. Tiffany sent me some images of the pockets I made for her and her family, just thought I'd share some of them on here because they're really really lovely!

New range of cards

2008-01-31T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneaky peek at my new range of greetings cards I've been working on..

Love Hearts

The Little Old Dutchwoman

The Windmill

These are currently for sale in Francesca Salvini's shop in The Craft & Deisgn Centre, Manchester. Keep an eye out because I will be working on some more designs..

Contemporary Textiles Fair - 'Promoting the Individual'

2008-01-27T13:28:00.000-08:00

On the weekend of the 8th - 9th March 2008 I will be found exhibiting my work at the Contemporary Textiles Fair at the Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington, London.

"The Landmark Arts Centre continues to champion cutting-edge design, showcasing recent graduates and seasoned exhibitors from across the UK. With over 70 textile designers and artists taking part, this is a wonderful opportunity to purchase direct from the maker"

For more information see: www.landmarkartscentre.org