Text-Isles: Shetland's Contemporary Textile Group

It has been one of those days.  I worked all day as a science technician at two of the high schools in Shetland (my original training was in marine biology), then went straight to Shetland Arts to look at a piece of work I am going to help install in the next exhibition at the Bonhoga Gallery.  I rushed from there to my weekly pilates class, then drove across the town to catch the end of the Text-Isle group meeting.  Phew!

Text-Isles is a small group of designers and artists working in textiles living and working in Shetland.

The members are (from left to right): Aamos Designs, Joanna Hunter Kintwear, Donna Smith Designs, Andrea Williamson, Burra Bears, Phatsheep Textiles and Barbara Ridland

The group was originally formed to provide a small network of contemporary textile artists.  We also wanted to establish a more formal method of working and collaborating on projects together.  We meet now and again, when we can, its always good to bounce ideas off each other, find out whats going on in the textile world and to swap information.  We are currently looking at future projects and collaborations, so watch this space!  Although there are only 7 of us in the group, the biggest problem is getting everybody together at the same time, we all lead such busy lives!  

Have a look at the website for more information:  http://www.text-isles.com/

First Ever Post

I love reading blogs and can spend hours browsing so I thought it was about time I wrote one myself.  My husband has been saying for a while now that he is a computer widower, and blogging won't help!  I am a textile designer working mainly with 100% wool felt.  I love the way it cuts without fraying and its uniform quality.  I make a wide range of products using felt: handbags, notebook covers, brooches, and more recently jewellery.  Have a little look at my website to see the full range and to buy online.

I work from home and find Shetland a very inspirational place to live and work - I am surrounded by beautiful scenery, wildlife and a rich heritage of music and textiles.  I hope to keep you updated on my work, inspiration, and anything else I feel like sharing!

View from my conservatory a couple of weeks ago