Martine Farrant
Martine’s first memory of stitching is of a patchwork cushion made from her mothers dressmaking ragbag when she was about 11, although she also remembers loathing needlework at school! Over the years she has tried many crafts including lacemaking but always returned to some form of stitch.
In the 80’s an interest in dressmaking led to a tailoring course which in turn led to making a number of wedding dresses and bridesmaids outfits. She also tried quilting and other forms of needlework learning from books and magazines and there was lots of cross stitch in the 90’s.
Martine then enrolled on the City & Guilds Creative embroidery course and for the first time began to design for herself. The work displayed here has been produced since finishing that course.

 
 
    
about us

Frances C. Fitzgerald
Frances studied painting at Teacher Training College before going on to teach in main stream education, including art in Primary and Secondary Schools and Adult Community College.
Frances later studied spinning and weaving in Shannon, Eire. Early embroidery consisted of cross stitch and she has designed cross stitch kits for DMC and had designs published in “Cross Stitcher” and other cross stitch magazines.
Her work in pastel and water colours have been exhibited in local parish exhibitions in 1998, 2000 and 2003 and a textile piece was selected for inclusion in the Essex Open Exhibition 2005 in Westcliffe on Sea.
Since completing City & Guilds Diploma in Design and Craft (Stitched Textiles), Frances has worked towards combining life drawing with stitch.