Free motion embroidered textile waste, naturally dyed and incorporated into woodwork.

This post was originally published in 2017 and is now reposted here.

What started off as an idea in the middle of 2016 has come to fruition.

Nature in Stitches was originally going to be a catalog of stitched bark from the trees found in Singapore but then it grew into an upcycled piece comprising textile waste, reclaimed wood and metal. It's now being displayed at the Art Science Museum from 1 - 3 September 2017 as part of the Singapore Eco Film Festival.

None of this would have been possible without the support of Jacqui Hocking, Adeline Seah and Tulika Kapoor, the amazing team behind the film festival. And of course, the lovely guys, Robin and Poh Hong responsible for making the upcycled and embroidered tables, Designed.

Combining embroidery with furniture. Natural dyes, free motion embroidery and woodwork. Behind the scenes video.

What is Nature in Stitches?

Nature in Stitches interactive installation comprises a stitched interpretation of bark encased in reclaimed wooden and metal coffee tables. It is used to portray the connection between slowing down and appreciating nature and what it has to offer to us.

The Trees

I featured 5 trees that I see regularly on my walks in Singapore and have extremely interesting textures. They are the candle nut tree, the broad-leafed mahogany, golden shower, and the yellow flame.

Photos of tree bark taken around Singapore

The Textile Art Process

I used free motion embroidery, hand stitching, applique and natural dyeing techniques. I think the most difficult part was getting the natural dyes right, and finding the right materials for the tree bark.

Materials: textile waste, reclaimed wood, metal
Techniques: upcycling, free motion embroidery, hand stitching, applique
Natural dyes: mango leaves, eucalyptus leaves

Video of textile artist, Agatha Lee ‘Agy’ making embroidery marks on her art piece.