For our April Meeting we welcomed Susan Cariello who came to talk about her handmade bags. Susan studied at St Martin’s before going off to New York to work in a design studio. The studio had an embroidery archive and this sparked an interest in embroidery techniques. Susan returned to the UK and set up her own business working freelance designing and making handbags from scratch. She has spent the last 18 years designing and making handbags, each one is individual with spectacular embroidered decoration. Her work also extends to cushions, purses, headbands and wall art. Many examples of her work were on display and available to buy.
Next it was our turn to have a go at creating some simple embroidery work. Members had been asked to bring an embroidery hoop, a square of material and a needle. Once we were all set up Susan talked us through how to embroider a simple flower and a leaf. Results were mixed to say the least but the expressions of deep concentration on members’ faces were a testament to their efforts!
