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
A Grand Quilting & Textile Tour of India with ECT Travel
Calling all quilters – don't miss our holiday on an immersive journey into the unique textile traditions of Rajasthan and Gujarat - A Grand Quilting & Textile Tour of India. (All our tours all fully protected).
Quilting Weekend in Hampshire, 22 and 23 February 2025
Date: 22 – 23 February 2025
Location: New Place Hotel, Shirrell Heath, Hampshire
Price: £440 Early Bird Special before 22 August 2024 / £470 after this
Spend the weekend with Anita Birtles exploring different piecing and patchwork methods, making your own interpretation of a Modern Stars Quilt.
Announcing the winners of Prize Draw 2023
Announcing the winner of the Janome UK and justhands-on.tv Prize Draw 2023. The Grand Prize: a Janome HORIZON MC9480 QC PROFESSIONAL, and A.S.R. (Accurate Stitch Regulator). Plus 50, one year subscriptions to justhands-on.tv.