March 10, 2007
March 9, 2007
Rag Dolls
Here are the three rag dolls which have been made into craft kits by Anchor, from left to right Emma, Lucy and Katy.
Below, is from the packaging of the kit, available to buy from Anchor or Coats Crafts UK.
Magazine Editorial for 'Classic Stitches' and other felt applique projects.
A very simple, yet effective project. My daughter would love the pink one for her bedroom.
A close up view. I used Rowan patchwork fabrics but you could really use whatever you had to hand.
Here are some more felt applique designs, this time it was using the licensed image of 'Tatty Teddy'. Anchor already had a set of hugely popular counted cross stitch designs using the little grey bear in the range and wanted to branch out into other techniques including crewel embroidery, applique and rugs.
My own take on stumpwork
These are four of my stumpwork designs which appeared within the range of 'Card It' products. Someone obviously liked them as the originals were pinched from the trade fair stand at the NEC, Birmingham!.
Here is a close up of the 'Just Married' gift card.
Here is a close up of the 'Just Married' gift card.
In the begining... and starting a fresh...
After 11 years as a designer, and latterly design manager for a leading UK based needlecraft kit manufacturer, Coats Craft UK, I now work freelance.
Under the Anchor brand name, I produced needlecraft kits covering a wide variety of techniques including, cross stitch, embroidery, applique, tapestry, and many three dimensional crafts. I also had the opportunity to create many items for editorial features with a variety of magazines including The World of Cross Stitching, 'Stitch' with the Embroiderers Guild, and Classic Stitches. Whilst in the role of Design Manager, I worked on a selection of external projects with The Embroiderers Guild, putting together 3 kits for them as a special project; Ehrman Tapestry, I co-ordinated the manufacturing process from initial design through to the completed kit; and Marks and Spencer, I designed a tapestry cushion to match a range of stationary which was made into a kit.
As LucyKate Crafts, I am continuing to add to my portfolio with some book work, and branching out into other techniques including feltmaking, papercrafts, more stumpwork and doll making.
Whilst with Coats, the majority of time was spent designing counted cross stitch kits using a wide variety of imagery such as animals, birds, countryside scenes and also some licensed products including brands such as Humphrey's Corner, Forever Friends and Newton's Law. Here are some of my favourites and most successfull.
Owl and Woodland Wildlife, in response to the use of sepia toned work in illustration, greetings cards and books at the time, I decided to see if this could be translated into cross stitch. This design was extreamly successful as a kit, became one of the first designs to be launched in the Anchor Premier Range, and still features in the current catalogue today.
CROSS STITCH MAGAZINE EDITORIALS
CROSS STITCH GOLD issue 30
CROSS STITCH COLLECTION issue 119
CROSS STITCH COLLECTION issue 127
Under the Anchor brand name, I produced needlecraft kits covering a wide variety of techniques including, cross stitch, embroidery, applique, tapestry, and many three dimensional crafts. I also had the opportunity to create many items for editorial features with a variety of magazines including The World of Cross Stitching, 'Stitch' with the Embroiderers Guild, and Classic Stitches. Whilst in the role of Design Manager, I worked on a selection of external projects with The Embroiderers Guild, putting together 3 kits for them as a special project; Ehrman Tapestry, I co-ordinated the manufacturing process from initial design through to the completed kit; and Marks and Spencer, I designed a tapestry cushion to match a range of stationary which was made into a kit.
As LucyKate Crafts, I am continuing to add to my portfolio with some book work, and branching out into other techniques including feltmaking, papercrafts, more stumpwork and doll making.
Whilst with Coats, the majority of time was spent designing counted cross stitch kits using a wide variety of imagery such as animals, birds, countryside scenes and also some licensed products including brands such as Humphrey's Corner, Forever Friends and Newton's Law. Here are some of my favourites and most successfull.
Owl and Woodland Wildlife, in response to the use of sepia toned work in illustration, greetings cards and books at the time, I decided to see if this could be translated into cross stitch. This design was extreamly successful as a kit, became one of the first designs to be launched in the Anchor Premier Range, and still features in the current catalogue today.
Border Collie Sampler, also using sepia tonal work.
Countryside, you will be able to see clearer on this image how the sketchlike effect has been achieved using backstitch.
Some quirky bathroom mini kits on green aida.
One of a set of figures coupled with intricate borders and backgrounds.
Two examples of licensed products, here is Newton from Newton's Law, a range of greetings cards and gifts.
Something for the less experienced stitcher!.
Cross stitch used for more crafty items, a range of needlecases, pin cushions, scissor keeps and bookmarks.
CROSS STITCH MAGAZINE EDITORIALS
CROSS STITCH GOLD issue 30
CROSS STITCH COLLECTION issue 119
CROSS STITCH COLLECTION issue 127
March 8, 2007
March 7, 2007
March 6, 2007
Latest news,
There is no latest news right now, unless you count the fact that I've eaten a whole (big) bar of Aero chocolate today.
About,
It was a visit to an exhibition of historical embroidery which began to evoke the notion of a career in Textiles. After studying for a degree in weaving and embroidery at De Montford University in the UK, Amy began what was to become 12 years as a professional designer creating counted cross stitch, tapestry and embroidery kits. As the product range diversified, Amy began to engage in designing kits encompassing paper crafts, patchwork, soft toys and rag dolls. It was the transition of fabrics and embroidery from 2D to 3D which captured her imagination the most, and after a family relocation, an opportunity arose to begin following this new path.
‘Lucykate Crafts…’ began as a channel for new ideas and has grown into a busy and resourceful site amongst the online crafting community. Amy’s Softie designs are showcased here in addition to features in many crafting magazines and books both in the UK and USA.
Amy lives in a small village within the county of Rutland, United Kingdom, with her portrait painter husband and their 2 children.