Priscilla Jones: Tool kit
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Priscilla Jones has been producing mixed media pieces since completing her degree in Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University in 1997. Her practice focuses on themes of identity, memory and nostalgia, exploring embellishment and stitch techniques that use fabric, wire, wax and porcelain.
Priscilla’s work is exhibited across the UK, Europe and USA, with many pieces held in public and private collections, including the Embroiders Guild Educational Archive. She has received various accolades including Award for Excellence, British Craft Trade Fair 2002, Best Product at Flair, Belfast 2006, Best Stand at The Art Market in Holmfirth 2009.
She has taught in FE, HE and Adult Education for 20 years and is currently a Unit Leader and Tutor on the BA Textile Programme at the Open College of the Arts. Priscilla also runs independent workshops for schools, colleges, museums and galleries.
In this final edition of our Tool kit series, Priscilla tells us about the products which are essential to her practice. We learn precisely how each item is utilised and where to find them; from Manchester to Meerut!
Priscilla Jones, Sewing Machine
Item 1 – Sewing Machine
Brand: Bernina
Model: 1000 – Special
Year: 1995
How do you use this item in your practice?
My Bernina sewing machine is my most important piece of equipment and I can’t imagine life without it. I use a darning foot attachment to stitch across a fabric surface in any direction I choose.
It is a liberating experience taking the needle and thread on a journey and just like drawing with a pencil it allows me to create a range of different marks and textures. I’ve been working this way for over 25 years, it’s a fantastic way to draw, the possibilities are truly endless.
Priscilla Jones, Sewing Machine (detail)
Why do you use this specific item?
Bernina’s are the best sewing machines around when it comes to free machine embroidery. The quality of the machine is second to none and has always been considered the Rolls Royce of the sewing machine. I wouldn’t use anything else.
And where did you buy it from?
I bought the sewing machine from a friend at University in1996 a year before I graduated. It was originally from Bambers on Oldham St in Manchester.
Priscilla Jones, Fabric Scissors
Item 2 – Fabric Scissors
Brand: Passion
Year: 2015
How do you use this item in your practice?
I chop up a lot of cloth during my working day; these scissors are great for cutting giving you a clean accurate edge. I bought them because they had a comfortable handle and they have proved to be a great purchase. I use them all the time, particularly when cutting a long length of fabric.
Why do you use this specific item?
These scissors are lovely to hold and are very sharp – perfect for all cutting all types of cloth.
And where did you buy it from?
The scissors came from the Cloth House on Berwick Street in Soho, I fell in love with the packaging at first they came in a beautiful triangular shaped box held together with fine string and a brightly coloured label.
The scissors were made in Meerut, India and so the packaging has a lovely hand-made quality. I was delighted when I opened the box to find these attractive steel scissors with gold handles, I just had to have them.
Priscilla Jones, Embroidery Needles
Item 3 – Embroidery Needles
How do you use this item in your practice?
I hand stitch into my textile pieces to add decoration and embellishments, including buttons.
Why do you use this specific item?
I’ve always preferred to use twisted vintage silk and rayon threads and because embroidery needles have bigger eyes these are the most suitable for these particular threads.
And where did you buy it from?
Fabrix, North Road Lancaster
Priscilla Jones, Pliers
Item 4 – Pliers
Model: Jewellery Pliers
Year: 1997
How do you use this item in your practice?
I create sculptures in fine lightweight wire using my fingertips. When more intricate manipulation is required I use pliers to shape the wire and also twist and finish off the ends. I also sometimes use bent nose pliers, as these are fantastic at getting into hard to reach areas.
Why do you use this specific item?
Jewellery pliers are smaller and more suited to working with finer weights of wire.
And where did you buy it from?
Fred Aldous, Lever Street Manchester
Priscilla Jones, Batik Pot
Item 5 – Batik Pot
Brand: Hive
Model: Wax Heater 500cc
Year: 2014
How do you use this item in your practice?
I create 3D textile and wire sculptures and while forming a surface I apply a thin layer of hot wax to the inside and outside of the piece. This produces a lovely hard opaque surface as the wax cools down. Once the wax is completely cold it is still soft enough to stitch into by hand.
Why do you use this specific item?
The heat the wax to a temperature that is high enough to melt the wax.
And where did you buy it from?
For more information visit: www.priscillajones.co.uk
Give us your thoughts on this series by leaving a comment below. We’d also love to hear what you have hidden in your tool kit!
