Artist Louise Gardiner (right), of the United Kingdom,
shows Janine Smith, of Oamaru, the technique of machine
embroidery at a workshop in Dunedin. Photo by Jane Dawber.
Learning how to use a sewing machine in a non-traditional
manner has kept a group of 15 embroiderers busy in Dunedin.
They were attending a recent two-day workshop with United
Kingdom artist and illustrator Louise Gardiner who, for the
past 16 years, has used sewing machines to create bright,
contemporary embroidery pieces.
She spoke at the Association of New Zealand Embroiderers'
Guilds' national conference in Hamilton last month and has
since been touring the country and teaching others her
techniques.
Viewing the sewing machine as a "mechanised pen" was key, she
said.
"I want to dispel the myth of embroidery being an older, more
boring pastime.
"I'm breaking preconceptions about what it's all about," Ms
Gardiner said.
Janine Smith, of Oamaru, said the workshop had been "really
good".
Having embroidered for years, she had started off
traditionally and slowly branched out into different
techniques as the world of the craft grew.
It was great to see how the "slightly different approach"
presented by Ms Gardiner pushed people outside their comfort
zones, she said.
ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz
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