About Dionne
Dionne paints with stitches to create dynamic, vibrantly coloured textiles. Her needle becomes her pen and thread her ink. The scale, emotion, and energy of her landscapes are inspirational.
Dionne is a graduate of Goldsmith’s College, London University. She has a Masters in Textiles from UCE. And she has been recognised by the industry for her incredible work, e.g. Shortlisted Finalist in the Fine Art Textiles Award at The Festival of Quilts 2020.
Now based between Yorkshire [UK] and Abruzzo [Italy], she exhibits and tutors internationally.
You can watch Dionne demonstrate how to use free motion embroidery to create a range of patterns, textures, tones, and shades in an episode of The Makers Studio series, brought to you by Janome and justhands-on.tv.
Signature Technique
Painting with stitches
Top Tips
- Use a vibrant mix of thread weights, colours, and styles to build up a more dynamic texture.
- A machine with an extra wide throat makes it easier to manipulate your piece.
- Cover your hoop with fabric to give it more grip. You need the fabric to stay drum like as you manoeuvre it.
- Drawing your subject first, with pencil on paper, can help improve your observation and knowledge of your subject – try not to work from a photograph.
- Practice by stitching your signature to get started. Your muscle memory will help you.
- Think of painting with stitches as an orchestra with the sewing machine, threads, fabric, hoop, and you (!) coming together to work as one.
- Don’t be afraid of the machine. After a few hours of speed sewing it becomes second nature.
- Try not to have a set image of the outcome. You are not stitching an exact replica. The result is where you get to. There is no wrong in there. Enjoy the journey.
Videos
Patterns
Posts
Sewing Me Time in Hampshire, 21 and 22 June 2025
Date: 21 – 22 June 2025
Location: New Place Hotel, Shirrell Heath, Hampshire
Price: £440
Join us for a very special Sewing Me Time weekend. Hang out, get your projects finished, enjoy pampering time at a stunning countryside hotel..
ECT Travel Goes QUILTING USA in 2025
Go QUILTING USA with two inspiring trips. QuiltCon Modern Quilt Guild Phoenix Arizona 2025. This 8 night/9 day tour combines two inspiring days at the Modern Quilt Guild’s world class show, QuiltCon with the chance to experience the unforgettable natural wonders of Arizona. Bask in the beauty of iconic red rock formations, discover the hidden secrets of the Grand Canyon and marvel at the natural sandstone masterpieces of Monument Valley. Tuesday 18th to Wednesday 26th February 2025 AQS QuiltWeek, Paducah 2025 & the American Midwest. This 10 days/ 9 nights tour programme is filled with textile treats, including two days at the inspirational AQS Quilt Week Paducah 2025. Other quilt-themed highlights include a guided tour of the internationally renowned National Quilt Museum and Missouri Quilt Museum and a visit to Hamilton - known as 'Quilt Town USA' - home of quilter Jenny Doan and her Missouri Star Company!
AQS QuiltWeek, Paducah 2025 & the American Midwest
10 days/ 9 nights tour programme filled with textile treats, including two days at the inspirational AQS Quilt Week Paducah 2025. Plus, guided tour of the internationally renowned National Quilt Museum and Missouri Quilt Museum. A visit to Hamilton - known as 'Quilt Town USA' - home of quilter Jenny Doan and her Missouri Star Company.