my story

textile artist deborah O'Hare

I was introduced to quilt making by a fellow ex-pat Mum, while teaching in overseas.

On returning to the U.K. I went looking for some classes, and jumped feet first into City and Guilds in Patchwork and Quilting. This was closely followed by the same in Machine Embroidery.

It was while completing a project for the Patchwork and Quilting course that I discovered the joys of fabric painting. I continue to explore colouring my own fabric.

I am drawn to the tactile possibilities of cloth and stitch and while my practise used to be all about the sewing machine I am now drawn, more and more, to hand stitching .

While my work is grounded in technique I am always open to the ‘What If’ philosophy of making in my textile art and quilted pieces.

I enjoy sharing my knowledge and encouraging others, aiming to help learners of all levels find their unique voice through fabric and thread and I encourage all to embrace imperfections as part of the creative journey.

I wrote a book

My work has also appeared in the following publications.

  • Book cover titled "Seaside Home" showing a cozy living room corner with pillows and a seahorse plush, nautical banners, and a table setting with red and white linens and cutlery.
  • Book cover titled 'The Complete Guide to Designing and Printing Fabric' with various colorful fabric rolls displayed.
  • Book titled 'Embellish Me' by Laurie Wisbrun with various colorful fabric and embroidery samples on the cover.
  • Book cover titled 'How to Decorate & Embellish Your Fabrics' by Lauree Nisbeth, surrounded by various fabric and craft images, including flowers and sewing supplies.
  • Cover of Art Quilting Studio magazine Winter 2014 featuring a colorful fabric art quilt with various textures and patterns.

  • Cover of Art Quilting Studio magazine, Summer 2016 issue, featuring a colorful quilt depicting a lighthouse on a cliff, with a sailboat on the water and trees in the background.

  • Cover of a magazine titled 'Patchwork Professional' with a quilt made and designed by Deborah O'Hare. The cover features headlines about creative projects, workshops, and interviews with artists.

  • Cover of 'Our Quilting' magazine, Volume 4, featuring a large quilt with shamrock and cross designs, small shamrock embellishments, and various quilting project images at the bottom.

  • Cover of Machine Quilting Unlimited magazine featuring a dog and a horse, with text about Kathryn Harmer Fox, stitching patterns, and Carole Ann Frohillo's art.

  • Cover of Quilting Arts magazine, October/November 2013 issue, featuring a vibrant quilt with geometric and abstract patterns in bright colors.

Get in touch.

A fabric selection of sea themed fabric demonstrating what you can produce when you learn how to paint your own fabric.