Meet the maker

I live in rural Cheshire where I am fortunate to have a large garden which I have developed over many years from nothing (brambles, bracken, nettles etc - and loads of rubbish) and now have many trees and unusual plants. When the weather is too wet or cold for gardening I enjoy doing wood turning.

I have been collecting Japanese silks since I first saw them at a textile fair in Manchester. The variety and subtlety of textures, techniques and designs they use for weaving and dyeing are endlessly fascinating.

I have found that the best way to display and enjoy them is as wall hangings. Using my woodturning skills I make the rods and finials to mount them. I have also made a "marudai" which I use to make the decorative kumihimo cords to suspend them.

The silks are all sourced from contacts in Japan where the vintage kimonos, mostly from the 1950's - 60's are unpicked. They have nearly all been used so there may be small marks or seamlines showing slightly (though I will always point this out). I think this history adds to their interest.

The "Silk Pieces" section of my shop contains offcuts of silks which have been used to make hangings, and longer pieces which are unsuitable for this use. The designs may be awkwardly placed, or marks from usage may be too obvious. They are all in good condition and suitable for patchwork, collage, or other smaller projects.

My home is smoke and pet free, but because these are reused fabrics I cannot answer for their full history.

It is difficult to show full length pictures in the format used by Folksy, so if you would like a better one please contact me.