a companion to...
inspiration for Lace Designers
Pat Gibson

As a child, Pat was always stitching.  Her dolls had hand-made clothes, some made by her mother, others altered from child’s clothes originally made by her maternal grandmother.  You could say it is in the genes!   Lace making, particularly needlelace has fascinated her for many years, which gives her the excuse to continue stitching.

She has a large collection of antique lace, much of which is fine needlelace. As a result, she has been able to study at close hand its structure and design. Much of her early work was based on the designs found in her collection.

Pats next step was to experiment with thread colours and texture changes but still maintain the stitch formation. This led to interesting and exciting effects and a constant desire to experiment further. The ability to use a needle and to be so creative gives her a great deal of satisfaction. Her present work, though still very stitcherly, also involves the use of other mediums. Paper and felt give interesting dimensions to the work, along with machine embroidery, particularly lace like machining.

Pat considers herself more of a textile artist than a lace maker, but the needlelace still remains her primary interest. Some years ago she joined forces with Ros Hills to write a book of needlelace stitches.   As a result of her love of needlelace, she has spent many years making and teaching and continues to teach at private workshops where ever there is a demand for the subject, as well as from her home.  She has also exhibited  work at numerous exhibitions including Madeira Fashion and Embroidery in Harrogate, 1989, 1992, 1994,and 1997 as well as working to commission.

NEEDLELACE SPECIALIST

Baskets

Needlelace Purses

Octangle - a mixed media piece using mathematical shapes as containers with their faces embroidered with hand and machine stiching. The main basket contains five further shapes

Click on picture to see a more detailed photo

Click on picture to see a more detailed photo

Jewellery

Example of brooch representing a Scarab Beetle

Mixed media

Boulder Bay - a mixed media piece using dyed fabrics, threads and hand made felt, smocking, needlelace and found objects.  Won first prize in the Guild of Needlelaces Competition 1996

Domestic Embroidery

Click on picture to see a more detailed photo

Casalguidi Linen - a modern interpretation of this form of Italian domestic embroidery. Incorporates pulled work, needlelace, bullion knots and tassel decorations

Accessories

Handkerchief - a pocket accessory using machine embroidery, needlelace and beadwork

You can now make this beautiful brooch, using a design based on a Scarab Beetle.  All the details are on the ‘to make’ page

Available again in print, Pat’s classic book

Needlelace Stitches, Classic and Contemporary
by Pat Gibson
NEW REVISED EDITION - with even more stitches.

To obtain a copy, please send a cheque (payable to Pat Gibson) for £15.50 (includes £1.50 postage in the UK) to:
Pat Gibson, Swn-y-Gwynt, Caersws, Powys, SY17 5HH.

Also available in New Zealand from:
 James Gibson, 9A Domain Terrace, Spreydon, Christchurch, NZ
Price $40 (NZ) inc postage - cheques payable to James Gibson.

Holidays in Wales

Derserve a break?  Pat arranges textile related holidays in Mid-Wales.
Give her a call and get away from it all! 
01686 689048

For further details of how to attend or arrange one of Pat’s workshops please email: p_v_gibson@yahoo.co.uk

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