The words Shetland and Scotland caught my eye as I skimmed an article in TextileArtist.org because I have a crush on Jimmy Perez, the detective in Ann Cleeves’ Shetland mysteries. After I looked at the photos of machine embroidery by Shona Skinner, who lives on Yell in the Shetlands, I investigated her work further.
The interview with Skinner centers on the creation of a small (15 cm by 11 cm or 6 by 4.33 inches) free motion machine embroidered seascape called “Low Winter Sky,” inspired by the aftermath of a big storm. I was impressed at the amount of preparation that went into the piece. She doesn’t just stitch over a photograph. Skinner says, ” I did several drawings and samples of layering fabrics before I started the piece plus I had photos to remind me of the day.”

Her creation process begins with a base of organdies fused to calico. The fusible stiffens the work enough no hoop is needed.


The photo above really shows the scale of Skinner’s work. Note she works without a foot.
Here are other works by Skinner that caught my eye.

I’m drawn to the texture in the sunrise and can see enjoying it in my private space. It’s small enough you could pack it in your suitcase for a long trip.
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Artistic Endeavors – Shona Skinner
The words Shetland and Scotland caught my eye as I skimmed an article in TextileArtist.org because I have a crush on Jimmy Perez, the detective in Ann Cleeves’ Shetland mysteries. After I looked at the photos of machine embroidery by Shona Skinner, who lives on Yell in the Shetlands, I investigated her work further.
The interview with Skinner centers on the creation of a small (15 cm by 11 cm or 6 by 4.33 inches) free motion machine embroidered seascape called “Low Winter Sky,” inspired by the aftermath of a big storm. I was impressed at the amount of preparation that went into the piece. She doesn’t just stitch over a photograph. Skinner says, ” I did several drawings and samples of layering fabrics before I started the piece plus I had photos to remind me of the day.”
Her creation process begins with a base of organdies fused to calico. The fusible stiffens the work enough no hoop is needed.
The photo above really shows the scale of Skinner’s work. Note she works without a foot.
Here are other works by Skinner that caught my eye.
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Tagged as free machine embroidery, Shetland, Shona Skinner, Textile Artist, Yell