Fibre Artist, Author, Tutor, Edutainer
Anne is a pioneer in contemporary textile techniques in the 21st century-her major tool, the humble overlocker. In her hands the overlockers' potential is challenged, creating sensational works of uncompromising simplicity and design innovation. Raising the overlocker to #1 status for fibre art is a personal quest for this multi talented individual, who has managed to surpass and challenge traditional practices and create work which can only be described as 'sensationally simple'. Anne has dubbed herself 'The Thread Sergin' with as much of a sense of fun and adventure as you are sure to experience in any of her classes or presentations.
Anne has sewn since she was a teenager, throughout her nursing career and for her children when they were young. For her, sewing was always a mental health break, and a safety valve from the pressures of combining motherhood and career. Anne's nursing background gives her scope for quirky names to describe what she calls 'exploratory' and 'developmental' work. Surface embellishment has become her forum and has been expressed in such diverse forms from funky appliquéd dolls to 3D leaves and flowers: she is a regular contributor to some of Australia's leading creative magazines.
For most of us, writing any book would be the ultimate testimony to our skills. For Anne, Serging Australia-Overlocker Artistry was the start of her personal quest to challenge all the standard techniques associated with overlockers. Her development of 3D art pieces explodes perceptions of what the overlocker is capable of and is unique pioneering work with what she considers an underrated textile medium. Her creation of Australian wildflowers, presented as The Banksia Bouquet, was the catalyst for her quest. Her second specialty overlocker book, The Art of Creative Overlocking, develops the art theme and is a groundbreaking reference offering cutting-edge techniques and inspirational projects. Book number three, Creative Serging-Innovative Techniques to get the Most from your Serger is a co-authored book which takes on a head to head challenges in quilting, garment and the home décor arena.
Her relaxed, fun and informative teaching style combined with her sewing innovation, has seen her become a sought after independent freelance consultant and tutor. From basic to seemingly complex, her philosophy is that while her work may look challenging, it has to be simple enough to be readily reproduced by her students.
Anne travels widely, conducting workshops at major consumer shows and teaching throughout both the length and breadth of Australia and the USA. Many of her projects, whether Art to Wear, Art Quilts or Art Sculptures have attracted accolades as well as prizes both in Australia and internationally. Most recently, Anne took out second place in the prestigious Sulky Challenge in the Professional Wearable Art category plus 3rd place from Amazing Designs in the same category for use of embroidery designs within the project, "Dream Weaver-Rhythm of Life". She is exceedingly proud of the fact that more than 90% of the project was created at the overlocker with her signature "Threadfabric" technique. Anne followed up with an Honourable Mention the following year in the same category using fibres from the overlocker which were then crocheted or knitted into flowers and incorporated into a retro garment with both free motion and hooped embroidery.
Anne has taught and presented at the International Husqvarna Viking convention, Bernina University, Janome Institute, American Stitches Expo and with the Original Sewing and Craft Expo in the United States. She is teaching, lecturing and demonstrating at Houston for Quilts Inc. in October 2005.
The range of Anne's skills and imagination defies category, allowing her the freedom to roam artistically across many areas of embellishment. Feel truly comfortable as you go exploring with her on any stitching adventure. You are sure to come away with a smile on your face and be ready to tackle anything.