I am currently principally a textile artist based in Perthshire, Scotland. My main inspiration in all my work is the myriads of textures and patterns found in nature. 

I much prefer the feel and look of natural fibres over man-made, and try to use natural resources as much as possible. 
With an eye on sustainable and slow fashion, I like to re-use, alter and change natural fibres and fabrics to make new items. 

This is not a new approach. Fabric and fibre are woven through the story of my life, My father was a shepherd. My parents both knitted and my mother made most of our clothing at home. Unloved jumpers and unworn clothing were unravelled, deconstructed and made into something new. That was standard practice at the time. Nothing was wasted.



My professional career took me into Community Education and eventually Community Arts and for that I gained both Community Education and Contemporary Art qualifications. I value all of this experience of working with people.

Over the years I have become a crochet specialist, and tutor standard and specialist techniques, such as broomstick, hairpin and Tunisian crochet. As one venture leads to another, I learned to process, dye and spin yarn prompted initially by a desire to make my own yarn for wall hangings.

The interest in dyeing has led me into the field of ecoprinting, and specifically to using a process, the “dirty pot” method, which does not require the use of additional powdered mordants.

Where my interests will take me now I know not. I find myself being drawn back to the workd of mixed media, which is an excellent arena to explore colours, patterns and textures.

Feel free to browse through website, elliefiddes.com,and get in touch if you are interested in commissioning work that is tailored to your vision and needs.