Welcome to my wonderful world of embroidered art and illustration.

Lou Gardiner

Birds of a Feather My next Exhibition ‘Birds of a Feather’ is at The Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool 23rd Jan – 27th February.

I will also be talking about my work on Thursday 25th February, from 2.30 - 3.30pm. Tickets are priced at £4.95 (concessions: £3.95).

When it comes to drawing with a sewing machine you won’t find many artists who can lean into a bend on a Bernina like me. I am a modern ‘Super Stitcher’ who has thrown mending socks out of the window to create a weird and wonderful world of colourful creatures and characters with this dynamic and exciting drawing medium.

I cross the boundaries between art, illustration and craft creating bespoke illustrations and wall pieces. My work is like me, full of life, a bit daft and over enthusiastic. The most important thing about my embroidered art and illustration is that in a sensitive and soulful stitched way it celebrates life, has a dance and makes people smile.

Latest News
For the latest work/ exhibition and workshop info, please keep an eye on my blog for the very latest news. 2010 so far…

  • I have recently been commissioned by LIBERTY to produce a large embroidered artwork for their window displays on Regent Street, London, which will be on display in March 2010.
    • Lou Gardiner
  • Presently I am exhibiting 7 large canvasses for Gallery Espace in New Delhi, India, at a show called Marvellous Reality.
  • Awarded ‘Best Northern Maker’ by The Co-operative Bank at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair November 2009.
  • In October 2009 I chatted about ‘Contemporary Embroidery’ with Jenny Murray, Woman’s Hour, Radio 4, and embroidered live on air!
  • An exciting new range of Lou Gardiner Greeting Card designs will be published by Woodmansterne publications Ltd called In Stitches.
  • I will be teaching a one day workshop SuperStitchers at the V&A, May 14th as part of the Quilts Exhibition 20th March – 4th July 2010.
  • In July 2010 I will be speaking at the New Zealand Embroiderers’ Guild Bi-annual Conference at Hamilton, NZ and following this will be doing a workshop tour of New Zealand North and South Islands.

Click here to see examples of my current work

Lou Gardiner