The forest spoke to me, and I listened...Where it began and how it's going. Celebrating the achievement with a book!
Just recently there has been a lot going on. I'm juggling the balls, or in my case the cotton reels, and any rogue acorns that find their way into my pocket. Did you know about the Embroidered Nature Book that is due to be published on 12th November? it's a celebration of embroidery and nature and like minds. (Details below) And the Lichen exhibition that is currently on at Middle Temple Library, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Appointment to view email: library@middletemple.org.uk. On my desk is an exhibition piece for the Royal School of Needlework and two commissions that need to be finalised.
It's easy to jog along and forget where you've been, how far you've come along the journey. I know that when I lock in and focus on my embroidery I'm purely living in the moment, no time for reflection. So when promoting the book became a thing, it gave me a chance to think about where it started and why I'm still doing it! I realise that I spend an inordinate amount of time bimbling around a forest, in all of the seasons and all weather. If I'm feeling stuck, I head there, it's really the only place that allows me to think a problem through, not just an embroidery problem. Any problem.
13 or so years ago I was at a crossroads, my career in Printed textile design was not as fulfilling as it used to be and I needed a new focus. The forest gave me all the answers. Slow dog walks with my beloved, ancient black Labrador allowed me to take time and take notice, my natural curiosity combined with everything that I had learnt up to this point culminated in one crazy idea, to replicate the forest in thread using the most basic sewing machine. Challenge accepted!
I've always believed that those who don't write for a living, can still find ways to tell a story visually and expressively. My hope is that the embroidery in Embroidered Nature does tell that story, the connection between the Buccleuch landscape and the house's treasures that inspired some of the decisions to make specific embroideries in such a vastly abundant landscape. You'll see when you get your hands on a copy of the book that my written words come from my heart. It's difficult to explain a feeling that is deeply personal but what I do know is that when speaking to Richard Duke of Buccleuch about nature and the landscape, that we come from the same place. We both believe that protecting nature is everything. To marvel at the tiny details, where colour and pattern blow your mind. Amongst other things, nature is the most skilful architect, it wins EVERY SINGLE TIME.
To have done nature a small amount of justice in the pieces I've created for Richard and this book has been such a pleasure. Go see for yourselves if you think I actually have!
Embroidered Nature-The Art of Amanda Cobbett In The Buccleuch Collection
Published 12 November 2026
Order online from https://www.cornucopia.net/store/books/category/bellendaine-books
Signed and dedicated copies available hello@amandacobbett.com
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