rachel coleman designs

I started creating my textile artwork after graduating with my degree in embroidery in 1996. Since then I have exhibited my work widely and had many commission including working for card companies. My work currently can be seen in many galleries and interiors shops and I often have a stand at shows such as the country living fair and Lustre contemporary craft fair. So watch the events page for forthcoming shows and exhibitions.

My artwork use simple naive imagery to create multilayered embroidered textile pictures that explore personal anecdotes, memories and childhood narratives. I use recycled fragments of vintage fabrics,machine embroidered graphic lines, traditional embroidery techniques and reclaimed ephemera to evoke a sense of nostalgia. It is the small everyday things that I find most interesting, such as a smell or a word or colour that reminds me of my childhood. I try to let my work develop organically so that I retain the vibrancy of the moment I am trying to convey.

I use the sewing machine as a drawing tool, creating embroidery with movement and spontaneity. I add fragments of colour and build up layers using 3D appliqué techniques and found objects.

I have a selection of ranges all inspired by my personal sketch books .Each piece is unique and I hope you enjoy the artwork as much as I have fun creating it.

Rachel