Stitch Insects

Style Constructed | Holly Farley

Stitch Insects is a lovingly handcrafted exploration of insects, surface patterning and material exploration using a mixture of fabrics, cottons, decorative stitching and tea.

“I love making things with my hands. Objects that reveal the human element, the processes involved and the imperfections of the hand crafted. Stitch Insects has taken time to complete, and I enjoy the slow process as a contradiction to the accelerated nature and current AI leaning culture of our society. Each seam, stitch and knot are unique.  I have loved, hated and felt ambivalent about it. Finally completing the piece, running my hands over its surface, there is a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Looking at all the insects in their various forms, I marvel at these precious little creatures the basically run the world. And I wonder what on earth I am going to do with all my newly found spare time… 

This piece was created using primarily second-hand or left over fabrics, manifesting themselves as surface patterning, material experimentation and transformation of shapes.  

The base of the garment is a left-over toile from a sewing pattern overworked with Victorian style ‘crazy’ patchwork in scraps of silk, cotton, polyester and other fabrics. As with traditional Victorian patchwork the seams are embroidered with a variety of decorative stitches. The surface has been overlayed with a variety of insects using cross-stitch and stumpwork embroidery. The sleeves are worked with different knots and stitches to create ‘wildscapes’ that reflect microenvironments.”
– Style Constructed | Holly Farley