Bloom, Grow, Root

There is something beautiful about creating with materials that have already lived a life. In this piece, I set out to make an 18th-century inspired pocket, drawing not only on historical form but also on the stories held within antique textiles.

The base of the pocket is made from antique French linen—softened by time, bearing the subtle irregularities that only age can create. This linen, once part of another purpose, now becomes the foundation for something entirely new. Its durability and understated beauty make it the perfect canvas for both structure and storytelling.

Building on this base, I carefully patched together fragments of antique fabrics. Each piece was chosen for its texture, tone, and history, creating a layered composition that feels both organic and intentional. The patches are not meant to hide wear, but to celebrate it—each one adding depth and character, echoing the tradition of mending and making do that defined everyday textiles of the 18th century.

At the heart of the pocket, I embroidered an echinacea flower. Known for its resilience and healing qualities, the flower felt like a natural symbol for this piece. The embroidery was worked in tiny, careful hand stitches and French knots, allowing the form to emerge with a meditative rhythm. Along side it, I stitched the word “Bloom”, with other words including “Grow” and “rooted in Thyme”. These phrases weave meaning into the cloth—celebrating growth, grounding, and the passage of time, with a gentle nod to both nature and history.

Every stitch in the piece is done by hand, each one small and deliberate, contributing to a sense of care. While the exterior honours age and fragility, the interior is lined with new fabric, chosen to make the pocket more durable and practical for use. This hidden layer balances preservation with function, ensuring the piece can be both admired and lived with and used.

At the top, I created a soft closure from chiffon fabric, adding extra length so the pocket can be hung, you could add extra length to be able to wear the pocket. This detail introduces a lightness and fluidity that contrasts beautifully with the weight of the antique linen, while also offering versatility in how the piece is displayed or used.

This pocket is more than a functional object; it is a reflection on time, care, and transformation. By combining antique materials with hand embroidery, it bridges past and present—honouring tradition while allowing space for personal expression. In its layers, textures, and stitches, it tells a story of endurance, of being rooted, and of the quiet, persistent act of blooming.

This one is being hung in my bedroom filled with cotton wool by my dressing table!

I am doing a workshop this month to make these in Shaftesbury in Dorset. Ask me for details if you are interested in coming along 🌺