Artist Harriet Riddell takes her sewing machine out of the studio and into the world, stitching portraits and landscapes directly from life. Travelling through streets, marketplaces and mountainsides, she uses thread to capture the energy of place and the people she meets. Along the way, her sewing machine becomes an unlikely tool for communication, breaking down barriers and sparking conversations. With power generated by a bicycle — often pedalled by willing onlookers — Harriet transforms sewing into performance. Midway through the lecture, she will create a fast-paced stitched portrait live, so you can watch the process unfold.

Harriet Riddell

Harriet travels with her sewing machine pitching up in unusual locations from the informal settlements of Nairobi to the tea fields of the Himalayas. Through free motion embroidery she captures her surrounding environment and the people she meets.Adventure, interaction and finding a deeper connection with people are key elements to each piece of Harriet’s work. Behind every ‘stitch’ lies a narrative of people, place and culture. Finding ways to power a sewing machine in remote locations as been an ongoing theme.

Harriet encourages her street audience to pedal a bicycle which generates electricity and powers the art. This increases the interaction between her, her subject and the art its self. Other times, batteries and solar panels are used to generate energy for her stitches.

InStitchYou started in 2012 at the University of Hertfordshire, Harriet created a body of work in local pubs, cafés and laundrettes (anywhere with a table, chair and plug) then after graduating, InStitchYou took to Greenwich market, festivals and art fairs performing live Stitched Portraits, Stitching weddings and finding an intrepid spark with her sewing machine.

Harriet has been fortunate to be a self employed full-time artist since 2012. Her work is always evolving and she takes great pleasure in sharing this adventure through lectures and invites students to have a go during study days.

The Artist's prints, books, kits and courses can also be bought after the lecture.