Stitchbook Studio FAQs
What is Stitchbooking? I've never heard of it before...
Stitchbooking is a new craft that I have developed which combines the techniques from Scrapbooking and textiles to create handmade fabric keepsakes.
What is a Stitchbook?
A Stitchbook is a fabric scrapbook. It usually contains photos that have been transferred onto fabric and then sewn into the pages. They can be any size and bound together in a variety of ways. The thing that makes them ‘Stitchbooks’ is the combination of scrapbook and textile techniques. I make blank Stitchbooks that you can use to easily add these elements.
How do you get the photographs onto fabric?
I use a photo transfer paper to add my photos to fabric. It is really easy to use and you get fantastic results from a standard home printer. I also offer a fabric printing service if you don’t have a printer.
Doesn't it take a really long time?
To make a whole Stitchbook does take some time – although not as much time as some other crafts! I can, for instance, make several Stitchbooks in the time it would take me to make a quilt or knit a jumper.
I have tried to simplify the techniques for you in my kits and tutorials to allow as many levels of experience take part, and some of them are surprisingly quick and simple.
There are also some smaller Stitchbooks which I would recommend as a starting point if you don't have much time. These are the cotton and linen mini Stitchbooks. These are quick to create as they don't need much decoration on each page to look complete.
I'm a beginner stitcher, can I still do it?
Yes, of course! I developed this craft in schools with 14 year old’s when working as a teacher, so it can be done at a variety of levels. Many of the techniques I use can be completed by anyone. The Stitchbooks are all pre-made with the focus on page decoration, so you don't need a sewing machine (although you can use one).
I would recommend the Stitchbook Starter Kit for beginner stitchers as that includes an instruction booklet that includes some simple methods for decorating your pages. I also have a Rainbow Stitchbook which is great for kids to learn to sew and comes with full instructions.
I'm a Scrapbooker - will this help?
The scrapbook element is the design and layout of the Stitchbook pages – so you will definitely have a head start at the creative side of Stitchbooking. Your next step will be to bone up on the textiles techniques you might need to make your grand visions into stitched reality.
Will you make a finished Stitchbook for me?
I don't make decorated Stitchbooks to order, i'm afraid, as they would be too time consuming to be cost-efficient. However I will print the photos for you through my Photo Transfer Service which may make things quicker and easier for you.
Do you do Workshops?
Yes, I started out as a textiles teacher in a school, so I love leading workshops. I do both short and long workshops at my studio in Portsmouth, UK. I also love to spread the word about Stitchbooking and will also travel to do talks and workshops – get in touch if you’d like me to speak or teach at your venue or group.