Artwork for Ruth Gibbins
repurposed waistcoat
repurposed tie purses
liberty tablet cases
silk and polyester ties vest
repurposed denim skirt
repurposed jacket
repurposed denim purse
repurposed wool purses
Details
My ethos is sustainability and I work mostly with textiles, using repurposed quality clothing. I make a range of colourful clothing from pre-loved items, constructing waistcoats and accessories from pre loved ties. I transform jackets and clothing with furnishing samples and swatches, turning them into wearable artwork using methods such as embroidery, appliqué and surface decoration.
I aim to encourage the customers and visitors to my workshop to appreciate quality and sustainability and to avoid the temptation to subscribe to a throw-away society.
First and foremost I love what I do, and nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing a customer appreciate my desire to work with ethically sourced fabrics. My aim in my work is not to be an artist, but to produce quality repurposed items and to inspire others to a life and the future of sustainable living.
AltertedEcoClothing
My workshop is open to the public and I will mostly be working on a project while I have visitors. This will often promote conversation and if I can give advice or instruction I am happy to give one to one teaching on the basics of sewing and needlework.
I have no formal training in what I do, my life instead led me to professional work in the NHS and I gained qualifications and practiced in Oral Health Education and Radiography in the Dental Profession.
However, I have sewn from a young child and having a grandmother who was a tailor, by the age of 14 I was a competent seamstress and would tackle most projects. I continued sewing while I was caring for my young children, and on a 18 year break from employment started my business making quilted and appliqué jackets and selling them at large craft fairs.
I have been an active member of a local Etsy team, have had a shop on Etsy for 10 years, and have exhibited at the Left Bank in Hereford at our large Christmas event over the last few years along with other Etsy team members. With our Etsy team I was part of a group running an online virtual Market during which I contributed open video sessions from my workshop talking about my work and demonstrating techniques live on the internet. The video is still out there and has a video of my workshop and work area.
I have a large workshop on the B4348 between Peterchurch and Dorstone which is open 6 days a week holding my full range of clothing and accessories and I am open other times by arrangement to discuss commissions. I also supply and help staff a successful craft shop in nearby Hay on Wye.
