About Mandy Pattullo

trained as a Surface Pattern and Textile Designer and now work from an attic studio in a converted manse in rural Northumberland.
I treasure the old and worn, refashioning vintage textiles into new collages which are embellished with stitch and appliqué. I re-cycle and reuse very old and often disintergrating materials which have been passed on or discarded. I particularly like to cut up and unpick utility patchworks and quilts made by women in domestic settings. I consciously relate to the thrift and ‘make- do and mend” culture of past times as well as folk art traditions and techniques.My collages, large wall quilts and garments bring together precious fragments to form evocative compositions. The viewer is forced to re-examine fabrics that have become flawed through wear and tear, to find in them a new beauty.

In 2016 I wrote "Textile Collage" which shows how found and cherished textiles can be used to create visually rich and thoughtful collages. This book is published by Batsford and can be obtained or ordered through your local independent bookshop.

Workshop details

Red work embroidery dates back to the nineteenth century and involves working up a simple design using red thread. Sometimes red work designs were found on quilts and to embellish household linen. In the olden days transfers and stamps were used and you simply worked over them in back stitch. Mandy prefers to research and source her own designs and admit that many of the patterns come from looking carefully at the motifs from an Australian quilt called The Westbury Quilt. In this course you will only use red and white ( or cream) and perhaps combine the traditional redwork technique with some finger turned applique. You will be helped every step of the way by Mandy who will also bring with her inspirational samples worked by her and her daughter Alice ( Curly Locks).

1 day Workshop
10 - 4.30
£90

includes all materials & refreshments - please bring along lunch or alternatively visit one of the two Cafes on site as well as an award winning farm shop.