Join me on Facebook :)
Wowzers, what a week it has been! If there was ever a time that I didn't expect to drop everything for a work-related excitement, it was the first day of school. Who would have thought that Angelina Jolie's wedding dress would have been literally covered with Versace's version of Doodlebroidery by Hop Stitch Jump? Wait, scrap that! Who would have thought that Versace embroider children's drawings?! Not me, that's for sure, and I can't believe how many people have been in touch to let me know they've told people that they saw it at Hop Stitch Jump first! Huge thanks to those of you who have championed me this week: you're amazing.
When the photographs were released by Hello on Tuesday, my phone began to beep almost instantly as my more celeb-savvy friends saw the link between the gown and my work. It was a busy couple of days, culminating lots of lovely and exciting new orders, some possible new working relationships with bridal stores and this press release. But first, one more look at THE dress of the week!
Amazing, isn't it? I've often been asked to embroider children's drawings or messages from loved ones as a wedding gift, and I have thought it would be nice to include something really unique into a wedding dress - possibly in the lining - but I never imagined a celebrity couple of Brangelina's stature would incorporate so much into their wedding day, and so boldly! I respect Angelina's efforts to shun fashion in favour of family on possibly the most talked-about day of her life. Never has she been in a brighter spotlight and still she kept her beautiful children at the forefront.
There's no doubt that this dress is not for every bride, and I imagine that those without children of their own would be horrified at the thought of childish scribbles on their beautiful gown, but not Angelina. She embraced everything it means to be a mum and paraded it beautifully. I admire her for it.
And here's the press release...
When the photographs were released by Hello on Tuesday, my phone began to beep almost instantly as my more celeb-savvy friends saw the link between the gown and my work. It was a busy couple of days, culminating lots of lovely and exciting new orders, some possible new working relationships with bridal stores and this press release. But first, one more look at THE dress of the week!
There's no doubt that this dress is not for every bride, and I imagine that those without children of their own would be horrified at the thought of childish scribbles on their beautiful gown, but not Angelina. She embraced everything it means to be a mum and paraded it beautifully. I admire her for it.
And here's the press release...
Yorkshire Business Woman Paves The Way For Angelina’s Statement Wedding Dress
Wakefield textile artist Catherine Knowles has been inundated with orders from around the world since the photos of Angelina Jolie’s wedding dress were made public this week. Specialising in the embroidery of children’s drawings similar to those adorning the Hollywood bride’s gown and veil since 2010, Catherine is now being recognised as a leader in her field as the A-List couple follow suit.
“My inbox has been pinging away since the photos of Angelina Jolie’s dress hit the media earlier this week! Versace’s embroidery on Angelina’s wedding gown mirrors the type of work I do every day. It’s a beautiful way to involve children in a big day, and I’m not at all surprised that other brides are inspired.”
The wedding dress, designed by Atelier Versace, was covered in embroidered versions of drawings created by Brad and Angelina’s six children, and has been at the centre of fashion and celebrity news coverage this week. Catherine said, “Angelina managed to incorporate her family story into her wedding dress, and made their children feel like a special part of the special day, just as they are every day. With every commission, my customers tell me that they want to create something that captures a moment in time and that will include their children in their home. By including their children’s artwork in the very fabric of their wedding, Brad and Angelina have echoed their sentiments exactly.”
Doodlebroidery from Hop Stitch Jump transforms a child's drawing into a wonderful, and entirely unique fabric keepsake, perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers or even for the budding artists to keep for themselves. There are no computerised embroidery machines involved; it’s all about understanding the child’s interpretation and paying close attention to detail. Catherine tells us that she works tirelessly to remain as true to the original artwork as possible, studying the drawing closely and using the colours the child has used.
Catherine’s commissions are many and varied, and have included the restoration of 40-year-old handwritten notes, special first drawings to be hung on the wall and collaborative pictures from a class of five-year-olds to present to their teacher. “I can recreate drawings and messages onto almost any textile item. Most of my work is framed or on cushions, but I especially love working on heirloom table runners embroidered with messages and drawings from a whole family: I love the thought that a moment in time has been captured for the family and will be at the centre of the table for every celebration for years to come.”
Featured in a special 2013 edition of the BBC show Songs of Praise, which focussed on Wakefield’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit, Catherine’s work is commissioned by parents and grandparents alike. “In my opinion, there is no better way to preserve the magic of a child’s imagination, and it appeals to anyone who can see that magic sparkle.” Although her customers haven’t yet included big-screen stars, Catherine has an established customer base both in the UK and overseas, with commissions coming from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand, and even from remote places such as Ascension Island. “My clients tend to email me photographs of the child’s drawings, which means they can be in any part of the country, or even the world!” She is also part of Created In Yorkshire, a cooperative craft shop in The Ridings Shopping Centre in the centre of Wakefield.
Originally from Leeds, mum-of-three Catherine had a fulfilling career as a teacher at schools in Chesterfield and Doncaster before following her creative yearnings and starting her textile career and her business, Hop Stitch Jump. She now works from a home studio in Normanton.
The wedding dress, designed by Atelier Versace, was covered in embroidered versions of drawings created by Brad and Angelina’s six children, and has been at the centre of fashion and celebrity news coverage this week. Catherine said, “Angelina managed to incorporate her family story into her wedding dress, and made their children feel like a special part of the special day, just as they are every day. With every commission, my customers tell me that they want to create something that captures a moment in time and that will include their children in their home. By including their children’s artwork in the very fabric of their wedding, Brad and Angelina have echoed their sentiments exactly.”
Doodlebroidery from Hop Stitch Jump transforms a child's drawing into a wonderful, and entirely unique fabric keepsake, perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers or even for the budding artists to keep for themselves. There are no computerised embroidery machines involved; it’s all about understanding the child’s interpretation and paying close attention to detail. Catherine tells us that she works tirelessly to remain as true to the original artwork as possible, studying the drawing closely and using the colours the child has used.
Catherine’s commissions are many and varied, and have included the restoration of 40-year-old handwritten notes, special first drawings to be hung on the wall and collaborative pictures from a class of five-year-olds to present to their teacher. “I can recreate drawings and messages onto almost any textile item. Most of my work is framed or on cushions, but I especially love working on heirloom table runners embroidered with messages and drawings from a whole family: I love the thought that a moment in time has been captured for the family and will be at the centre of the table for every celebration for years to come.”Originally from Leeds, mum-of-three Catherine had a fulfilling career as a teacher at schools in Chesterfield and Doncaster before following her creative yearnings and starting her textile career and her business, Hop Stitch Jump. She now works from a home studio in Normanton.
