hello leeds: easter fair preview of 'magasin'

I'm not keen on much cross stitch - not because I don't appreciate the skill and patience involved in it - but mostly because much of it has been done before. However, throw in something a little bit different and make it new - and I'm on it like a scotch bonnet!! On etsy my friend mother eagle is doing some amazing work, and at april reetsweet Sarah Fordham will be showing you some of her work in this super cute medium...

Introducing 'Magasin' by Sarah Fordham; specialising in Cross Stitch and Embroidery, she has created a selection of Jewellery, Accessories and Decorative Homewares.

Most known for her over-sized Cross Stitch Badges which have been worn by the likes of Radio DJ and TV presenter Fearne Cotton! Her work features moustaches, birds, 'jerk' badges...Ooh - fancy! (and funny!) Check out her etsy coverage here!

reetsweet sheffield: march 10th previews (and a surprise for saturday!)

We can reveal that the first ten people through the door on saturday's fair will get a free gift! We open at 11am upstairs at the Millennium Gallery - in the Arundel Room - now back to the previews!

One of my favourite things to collect is embroidery, I like quirky pieces, and have an awful lot of time for this lady - Hayley Wright who runs 'Born Restless'...

'Born Restless is a collection of embroidered art and jewellery, made by someone who is trying to live a little better and work a little less. Currently living in Manchester, I make most of the things you’ll see on here in my bedroom at night, whilst listening to ghost stories on the radio.





I’m inspired by ideas of home and memory, the occult, and the psychology of serial killers, as well as anything else that seems like a great idea at the time.'

See you soon Sheffield!

Introducing Maneggi!

Recently featured in both Elle and Look magazine, Maneggi aka Nikki Ainscow, tells us a bit about what to expect from her stall at april's reetsweet... 'As an embroiderer I strive to achieve the unconventional, creating unusual pieces combining contemporary with traditional techniques.

Maneggi accessories concentrate predominately on embellishment wether that be the embellishment of a fabric or a jewellery piece that embellishes the body. I aim to create unusual statement pieces through the use of manipulating and origami techniques as well as embroidery and decoration.

The concept behind my art necklace range is to distort the conventional appearance of a necklace and create an entirely new shape to reside against the body, embellishing a humble outfit. '

All the pieces are either one-off or limited edition, and you will be able to see Maneggi on April 3rd at the Corn Exchange....this fair should be really special!

Leeds' Mother Eagle...

Also appearing at Reetsweet: Mother Eagle AKA Katie Tume is having a reincarnation as an embroidery label, although you may know her work through the original focus of the little Leeds brand - handmade jewellery. Mother Eagle is in its 3rd year, and Katie will be selling lots of her charm-based silver and gold-plated necklaces and charm bracelets at the reetsweet event on 7th November. The boutique at Redbrick Mill - 'We are Devoted' is also the sole stockist of her work. Mother Eagle jewellery is inspired by several themes including folklore, mythology, dark fairy tales and pirates (everyone loves a pirate). Pretty much all Mother Pieces include semi precious stones and are completely hand made.


So what about the shift to needlework? It's been a passion of the designer's for a while, and the decision to shift her focus completely towards embroidered pieces and objects has happened really recently - so it's a reetsweet exclusive! You can follow her work at her blog http://madebymothereagle.wordpress.com, where you can also click through to Mother Eagle's facebook page, which features a lot more of her jewellery. Katie will be working on some of her embroidery pieces at the Reetsweet event, so come and check it out!