Patricia West textile artist

I am mad about fabric, stitch and colour. I wear lots of colour as well as use it liberally in my pictures. I put my heart and soul into any picture I create and the need to sew and free motion embroider is so strong that it feels like it runs in my blood.

I was taught to sew by my Grandmother and we had lots of fun making outrageous dresses. At school I developed my interest further and took a GCSE and an A Level in Textiles. While there I started to learn about free motion embroidery, using a sturdy Bernina to create my designs. I have fond memories of those days and that sewing machine.

I went onto University and studied a BA (HONS) History of Design with Textile Practice and MA Textiles. I discovered a love of architecture which means that I now take more photos of random barns, bits of stone, windows etc than I do of my two boys. Sometimes I can get the boys in front of the random stone etc so we are covering all bases. I also looked at the construction of corsets through the ages and investigated how clothing is displayed in museums.

Since leaving those carefree student years behind I have been self employed as a dressmaker, baby blanket maker and finally after a break to look after said babies I am now doing what I really really love – free motion embroidery.

I live in Lanark, Scotland, with my husband and 2 boys.  I love the outdoors, walking, cycling, forest school and yoga.

I care deeply about every picture I make and invest a lot of time getting it right for my clients. I love to tell people’s stories through stitch and I look forward to creating yours. Please contact me to discuss a commission and have a colourful free motion embroidery picture in your life or to give as a gift.

Do you need a very special and unique gift? Or perhaps you want to celebrate a place or events in your own life?

I take commissions to create stitched pictures of special buildings – wedding venues, homes or places significant to you. I just need you to supply a good photo to work from then I go to work with stitch magic to create your bespoke masterpiece. If you would like personal words or a house name included then that’s just fine too.

I also create life story pictures in fabric too. These contain all the loves and likes, hobbies, travel, and anything else significant about the person.  They make great birthday and anniversary gifts.

If you would like to discuss a commission then please do contact me for more information and to discuss your requirements.

All commissions come framed and I will provide a quote for courier postage if you require it.

Come and explore my wonderful creative world at one of my free motion machine embroidery workshops. I love telling stories through stitch and use my machine needle like a pencil to draw onto fabric making pictures to reflect the lives and loves of the people I meet.

You can learn this technique too at one of my small size (max 6 people) workshops. I will take you through everything from setting up the machine to helping you produce a finished picture.

We host embroidery workshops at the work space at Biggar Stitches, 81 High Street, Biggar, ML12 6DL and at Fabric & More, 6 Market Street, Bo’ness, EH51 9AD. All materials & sewing machines are provided as well as tea/coffee and biscuits. Please bring a packed lunch or you can purchase lunch at one of several delicious cafes in either town.