About me

Hello there, I'm an artist/designer whose creativity spans across many disciplines. If something can be made by hand then I am giving it a go! One thing to know about me is I am always making, whether that be with textiles, paint, or harder materials such as wood or glass. I'm originally from Honiton in Devon, which seems to inform all of my creativity in one way or another (even if not obviously) and I have a huge and unwavering attachment to the area surrounding my home town and it's history.

Upon leaving school, I attended Exeter Art College where I was textiles rather than art focused. From there, I worked for a number of years in sewing workrooms before attending UWE in Bristol where I studied for my BA in fashion and textiles. My designs featured a lot of knitwear and print, but there was also a considerable pattern drafting element to the course. Surprised by my enjoyment of pattern drafting, I spent 10 glorious years designing sewing patterns for my own label and built up great working relationships during that time with companies such as, Love Sewing magazine, The Foldline and Beyond Measure.

I am no longer designing for a living, but my need for a creative outlet never stops. My current ambition is to keep exploring my art practice and continue to build on my love of colour and texture that was so present within my design work.

Marilla x

SEWING PATTERNS

When designing and producing my line of women's sewing patterns, I took on every aspect of the production process. From grading patterns, sewing samples and screen printing the packaging. This was a large undertaking, but allowed me flexibility to work around my young children (at the time) and always be carrying the minimum amount of stock.

SEWING ZINES

I published a selection of sewing themed, zines. A brilliant format for sharing smaller sewing projects as well as exercising my illustration skills. As someone who grew up making small books for fun, this was a dream (self appointed) commission.