About Niamh
Niamh Wimperis is one of the most colourful and dynamic embroidery artists currently practicing.
According to Niamh, she’s “all about feminism and plants”, and finds a lot of her inspiration from her vast collection of house plants, and childhood memories of her grandparents house, Selsley Herb and Goat Farm. Her work has evolved from ultra political – – with her feminist pieces featured in Ms Magazine, Buzzfeed and The Huff Post – – to this more calming botanical style.
Niamh achieved a Masters Degree in Contemporary Craft in 2017 from Plymouth College of Art. Her final piece, an interactive installation titled ‘A Feeling Of Safety, Perhaps’ was exhibited in the MA show and as part of Dwell, a two woman collaboration for Plymouth Art Weekend at Plymouth Art Centre.
In 2018 Niamh was chosen to be on the BBC2 programme, The Victorian House of Arts and Crafts. This was a “living history” reality show in which Niamh and 5 other talented crafts people lived in a William Morris-esque arts and crafts commune for a month, complete with wearing Victorian clothes, eating Victorian food and using Victorian tools. The 4 part BBC2 show aired in January 2019. You can read more about her experience here, and watch the series here.
Niamh now lives in Camden Town with her partner Alex, a watch maker. She is currently writing her first book, continues to make work (including commissions), and has launched her #WEStitchKit – a monthly embroidery kit subscription box. You can find about more about her kit subscription here.
Signature Technique
Botanical Embroidery
Top Tips
- Use the Satin Stitch for a shimmer and shine effect.
- Stitch on two layers to avoid warp and seeing stitches on the back.
- Keep your fabric tight as a drum in your hoop or your piece will pucker.
- Nothing in nature is perfect, so don’t be afraid if a stitch appears strange or off the centre line. That’s how it appears in real life.
- The Fly Stitch is wonderfully versatile; use it for pine branches, flowers and leaves.
- If you find your thread is suddenly shorter, you probably have a knot. Use your needle to pull the knot apart.
Videos
Books and 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..
02 August 2024
Videos Part 6. Trust Your Senses with [...]
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!