StudioHalt

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Hi I’m Judith from Studio Halt Textiles. I am a textile/fibre artist based in Donaghadee, Co.Down, specialising in needle felted and embroidered pieces including beloved pets, local landscapes and iconic landmarks. I welcome commission pieces.

I have always enjoyed making things and will give anything a go – I like a challenge! I knit, crochet, quilt, dressmake and create homewares such as cushions and tote bags. My favourite sewing techniques are applique and free motion embroidery/sketching.

While I studied Art to A-level, I moved into the beauty industry for over 20 years. Art in the form of painting and drawing had fallen by the wayside but watching Grayson Perry’s Art Club in first lockdown in 2020 reignited something in me. I started to paint again, mainly using watercolour and then started to develop that into painting on fabric and combining it with free motion.

‘During lockdown I bought myself a needle felting kit to make a bunny and was instantly addicted! ‘I have now developed that into 2d needle felting art pieces inspired by local landmarks traditions and culture. I like to use New Zealand short fibre carded wool, and I add detail with free motion, some hand embroidery and at times some embellishments such as beads and ribbons.’

I love colour and textile and adore using bright colours which pop against each other. The texture of the wool really allows for a sense of depth and perspective and the nature of it means that no two pieces will ever be exactly the same.