Materials: various fabrics

Technique: cut-paper lettering design, hand appliqué, hand quilting, sewing

Size: 225 x 45 cm (less when draped and folded)

Description: Each diamond shape contains a design based on one letter of the alphabet. The letter A is at the top, then B and C, then D .... continuing in this pattern until the last few letters .... W and X, then Y, then & (ampersand) and Z, and finally my logo.

Each pattern was created by mirroring and repeating the letter to produce a circular pattern. I deliberately tried to create designs which included heart shapes and flower-like effects, so as to construct pleasing motifs which had an overall sense of unity when combined together. 

These letter-lace designs were then transferred to black satin and appliquéd (hand-buttonhole stitched) over a variety of background fabrics (in my favourite colours) to create a rich, sensuous ‘stained-glass’ tapestry of the alphabet, reminiscent of William Massey’s words: 

“Whence did the wondrous mystic art arise, of painting speech and speaking with the eyes? That we, by tracing magic lines, are taught how to embody and to colour thoughts.” 

This piece is designed to be hung vertically as a wall-hanging (reminiscent of the elongated stained glass windows in Gothic cathedrals), or else worn draped over the shoulders as a shawl or stole.

Displayed in my “Designing with Letters” presentation at the Brisbane Art & Craft Fair in 1998, and in Indooroopilly Library in 2001.

Exhibited in “Fibres ’n’ Threads” at Pine Rivers Regional Gallery in 2002, 

Displayed in “A Passion for Paper” in Coffs Harbour in 2003.

Displayed in my solo exhibition “Colourful Language” at Gallery 119  and in Toowong Library in 2004, and at Gallery 159 in 2007.

Exhibited at Scattered Arts in 2008 and in “Undercurrents” at Art Factory Gallery in 2011.