Design Challenge and Design Ideas

With the throw away culture of today’s Fashion/ Textile industry I felt strongly about creating pieces that are sustainable, quality heirlooms, with a foothold in tradition. The work we produce combines a modern aesthetic with the craftsmanship and quality of traditional techniques. We make a variety of bespoke fabric/pieces from veils and dress’s for brides, wall hangings for interior spaces to custom embroidery for private clients.

The studio specialises in contemporary high-end Irish embroidery. I am quite passionate about continuing traditional techniques which are a dying art. In particular the use of this highly specialised machine that ceased production in the 1950’s. The free-motion satin stitch embroidery that can be produced on an Irish machine is unique in terms of creativity, quality and aesthetics. Each creation is individual as the nature of the stitching is like sketching with thread. We offer a complete service from research, design and artwork development.

How the brief was fulfilled

The piece” Love Birds “was created when a client approached me for a bespoke piece for her wedding. She didn’t want the traditional veil but something more contemporary and personal. We spoke about what she would like to include and I incorporated these into a template of the final artwork for a cape. The piece is steeped in symbolism and personal references of love. Because of this, the piece is to be kept as a heirloom.

Sustainability and slow fashion are both hugely present and apparent in our process. Because we design, embroider and make everything in our studio in Ireland there is a transparency to the work. Wastage is kept as low as possible and as it is a bespoke service no mass production or outsourcing. The aim of the studio is to create beautiful quality pieces with meaning to last for generations.

The artwork is original and created bespoke for the client. Traditional techniques are used throughout the rendering of the embroidery. From tracing the artwork onto the fabric, satin stitching the design using the Irish Singer, cutting out of embroideries, placement and hand applique followed by hand beading. Materials used include silk organza, silk tulle and viscose threads.