from the studio

So this week I can happily announce that the little jars are full!



Each jar contains all the fabric someone needs to make each deisgn. Each comes with the pattern, full instructions, pattern pieces and stitch guide as well as enough fusible webbing. They really are a labour of love.



My next task is to upload them onto the website with nice descriptions and great photographs. So in preparation i've been playing around with my camera and some of the made-up jars and have taken some fun shots. I'm just trying to be a little bit more creative with my photography as well as creating informative pictures I want them to tell a story, entice you to look closer at their contents.


I felt a little like David Bailey positioning them in my windowsill, i'm sure I got a handfull of funny looks from my neighbours but I choose that window as it is well lit, flat (it helps, Cornish Cottages are known for their lack of straight walls) and painted white, the perfect neutral space in which to take photos.



I really am passionate about these little fellas, they are such a great way to help kick start your creative impulses. Just a quiet nudge in the right direction, learning a new skill and encouraging your artistic endeavours too. It's a win win situation!

All of the designs are available as Patterns only if you decide you've got enough fabric at home already, I know i've got enough to insulate a loft! All of the above can be found on my website textile illustration.

textile illustration workshop at cowslip

Towards Launceston and the castle.

This weekend I had the pleasure of teaching a workshop at Cowslip workshops in Launceston, Cornwall. Set a little outside the town Cowslip's views back across the valley are stunning and I always find lots of new things to inspire me. From the fanstastic flavours of soup served in the organic cafe or the fabulous selection fabrics available from the shop it is always a delight to come back time and time again.



Everywhere you look there is something to attract your attention, from teapots and old boots used as plant pots to small white bird boxes hung from beams and branches.

Cowslip Quilt (c) Jo Colwill

This weekend's students were fabulous and I always feel that it's a real pleasure and privilage to lead a workshop here. It's a joy to meet such lovely people who all share a passion for textiles and fabric.

I definately recommend a visit!

my creative space

Creative space at Kootoyoo,

I thought i'd join in this week and post what i've been up to and share my space with creative folk around the globe.



My life has been full of spure-of-the-minute moments today. Random meetings in the middle of the supermarket, family and friends, little ones and cake (everywhere) and strangest tasting tea (I'm sure it was meant to be earl grey!). But isn't that what life is, the best laid plans of mice and men?




'My creative space' therefore looks entirely different to how I'd imagined it would look when I came to share it with you. This is the nuts and bolts of my studio, tiny pieces of fabric, out of control and trying to be tamed!

This weeks mission has been to make up more Applique kits of my textile illustrations, these kits are fantastic as starter projects or as a helpful nudge in a creative direction. Packaged in simple kilner jars they really are scrumptious things, and look more like jars containing sweeties than pieces of fabric.... well who can resist sweeties!


So I should be further on with them than I am, but hey, I've had a great day and enjoyed lots of wonderful company and i'm still smiling!

Happy Stitching!