Recent Commissions by Anne Menary

One of the most interesting aspects of my work as a Textile Artist is the variety of commissions I am asked to do. I am usually approached by people who see my pictures as part of an exhibition or craft fair and can see that the style of work would suit interpreting their personal story in embroidery. There are many events which can be celebrated in stitch such as a child’s birth, a special birthday, an anniversary or simply the joys of life. During 2009 I completed three different types of work for three different occasions; all in my distinctive hand stitched and collaged fabric style.

Family Picture

Anniversary Picture

I was approached at a Craft Fair and asked if I would be able to make and frame an anniversary picture to give as a gift in six weeks time! Once again I made a paper collage with images describing hobbies, interests and special places to be included. This was approved and I went ahead with the hand stitch and fabric picture which was finished – and framed – well within the time scale!

Detail of Anniversary Commission

Wallhanging commission

As a hand stitcher it’s always a challenge to be asked to create large 3’ x 4’ Wallhanging. I have completed a few now and make them in sections in order to be able to hand sew the entire piece. I was approached in June to create the Wallhanging for a special birthday surprise in December. This gave me plenty of time to gather all the information required, create a design and make a large scale pattern.

The theme of the Wallhanging is ‘Family Tree’. Having been given themes and details to be included I researched the common themes of the family and created a design which was agreed and then appliquéd and hand stitched onto the separate sections. The Tree itself was made out of hand made felt with family names hand stitched up the trunk and branches. This was applied to the hanging after the sections had been joined together. There is a strong Indian theme to the family and I was able to include many lovely Indian embroidery techniques such as shisha glass and kantha quilting. The Wallhanging is suspended from an iron pole which I commissioned from a local blacksmith.

Previous Wall Hangings

Past commissions in a similar style have included WallHangings to celebrate the births of children; a detail of which is illustrated below. I stitched scenes from the family’s life which mingled together with characters from Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes.

Detail from Birth WallHanging (3’ x 4’) 2007

Its always great fun to tell people stories in such a visual way. As the pictures are often surprise gifts, it can mean that a certain amount of subterfuge is called for, but I haven’t been found out yet! If you decide you would like to commission a Picture or WallHanging we would discuss ideas about what you would like to include and I will create a design for you.  If you wish to provide fabrics of your own (e.g. from wedding dress, christening gown, children's clothes) these can also be incorporated.

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