LIZZIE SCARLETT TOWNDROW
When starting a quilt I have a rough idea of how I want it to look and make a quick sketch and play with fabric swatches for colour and textures. I then cut and lay all the patches out and play around with the composition, a little like a painting.
“I aim in all my work to create something unique that can be traditionally used as an object for warmth, but also as a keepsake or heirloom that can be passed on and treasured, both as a practical object and also as a beautiful piece to display.”
Once basting the quilt, one of my favorite steps is the quilting, hand stitching all the layers together - this is a time-consuming process. I then add details with embroidery.
I tend to collect and look for vintage fabrics and upcycle textiles from clothing and household furnishings to use in my quilts and hangings, usually cotton and linens.
Patchwork quilts throughout history have always been objects of use and sentiment. I like the idea that each patch holds its own story and history, which lives on when stitched into something new.
Lizzie has a background in Illustration and Textiles, graduating in 2016 with an MFA degree in Craft, at Konstfack, Stockholm. Her main practice is Patchwork Quilting, In recent years Lizzie has also worked with ceramics, developing her ideas in her South London studio.
