

SUE COOKE
about Sue
I have always loved arts and crafts, from kits as a child to leading craft clubs during my teaching career in primary schools. Having taken an embroidery class in adult education with Anne Butcher from the Royal School of Needlework, I was inspired and encouraged to take this further which led to me completing the City and Guilds Certificate and Diploma in Creative Embroidery at Great Missenden. I loved the courses which allowed me to design, practise a wide range of techniques and understand the history of embroidery in context. Now I enjoy the freedom to explore, develop and follow my personal interests within the Work in Progress group.
It has become a personal goal to transform fabric scraps (of which I have many!) and other materials to create a variety of new cloth. I love to create new fabric by re-using fragments of existing materials and thread, thus incorporating an essence of those personal memories that certain fabrics and materials evoke from events and occasions in my past. My work is often linked to the ancient art of ‘kantha’ – creating new fabric from layering old or worn cloth – but with a contemporary twist. My favourite stitches include running stitch, seed stitch and fly stitch. I am also inspired by colour and the combination of textures and fabrics.
Working by hand, the creation of the new fabric pieces is time consuming. However, the process of selecting and hand stitching is calming and I love the feel, weight and added texture of each piece as the layered fabrics become one. Also, I enjoy the process of creating unique pieces that are often practical and decorative.