Chloe Tells You How... To Sew
by Chloe Owens · Published by CICO Books
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Sample Projects
Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Chloe and I’m a fabricoholic.
I’m a textile artist and make a range of products using vintage and vintage inspired fabrics, using applique and free hand machine embroidery. I’m inspired most by the 1960s, the colour and pattern from that era was so playful, and I like to incorporate these elements into my own work.
Tell us a bit about the book?
You’ll find a mixture of beginner and more advanced projects to make with fabric. Characters in the book, for example Thrifty Thelma and her trusty sidekick Woolly the lamb, Cyril the squirrel and my cat Twiggy, teach us how to make a range of different things, such as how to up-cycle an old chair, how to convert a sewing stool into a cat bed, plus easier, and fun projects like how to make a felt beard. There are also craft related games and puzzles throughout the book.
What was the inspiration behind it?
It was inspired by my love of vintage children’s annuals, like Jackie, Girl and Playhour. I used to read my older brother and sisters ones from the 70’s that were passed down to me and I loved the quirky illustrations, and silly little stories. There are so many craft books out there, I wanted to do something a little different, and something that would appeal to both adults and children alike.
Which is your favourite project?
I think my favourite is the converted cat bed. It was the most challenging for me, it’s a great way of up-cycling and I think the transformation is beautiful.
What is your craft space like?
I work from a few different places, I have a little desk area at home, where I’m kept company by Twiggy the cat, my dog Ringo and Cyril the Squirrel (who features in the book), he sits on my windowsill every day.
My studio at Cockpit Arts is very colourful and vintage inspired, the room I work from at my mums is a tardis of vintage fabric.
Have you always been creative?
Yes but I think everyone is creative when they’re a child, it just takes practice to keep it up. A lot of people lose confidence or get out of the habit, but it’s still in there somewhere.
When did you first start crafting?
It was a humpty Dumpty Egg warmer with dangly legs, I made in nursery. My mum still has it!
Who are your crafty heroes?
I love interior design books like Decorate by Holly Becker and Selina Lake’s books are great. Also, designers like Jane Foster and illustrators like Alice Apple are doing great things whilst juggling family life, which is always inspiring.
Where do you find inspiration?
I look back to the past, to the 1960s. At the clothes and fabrics, wallpaper, colour palette, music, children’s books, and toys. That’s where pretty much all my inspiration stems from.
What's next for you?
I loved working on both my books so much, that they left a book shaped hole in my life. I want to continue working on a regular creative publication and am planning on starting a magazine. Watch this space.
Publisher's Description
Chloe Owens brings the past to life. Textile artist Chloe Owens is inspired by all things vintage - much of her work is made with groovy fabrics designed in the 1960s. But she also has a passion for the annuals she read as a child, with their story strips, brightly-coloured two-tone illustrations, and snippets of instruction mixed in with activities, puzzles and games. Following the success of her first book, All Sewn Up, she has created a truly unique blend of beautiful craft projects and stylish, retro artworks and design in this blend of old and new. The projects include everything from egg cozies to upcycled chairs, and display her trademark eye for fabrics, and embellishment with applique and embroidery. Whether you are already a fan of Chloe's work or you are discovering her for the first time, this combination of practical projects with illustrations by some of the best contemporary artists will delight you.
