Miriam Stevenson

Midge Porter Design: I live and create in the rural Glenkens region of Galloway, within Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – internationally recognised as a world class environment for people and nature.

I am both a Cross-stitch and Blackwork embroidery designer, and yarn/embroidery floss hand dyer. My particular passion is natural hand dyeing (though I use professional dye products too), where I love to forage from my natural environment to create unique dye colours. Living in such a beautiful and naturally diverse region I find that I am constantly inspired to explore how I can replicate similar colours within my work. Following the biosphere’s ethos of supporting local community, reducing environmental impact, and supporting local economy, my ambition is to grow my own dye products and to support local spinners by sourcing my yarn within the region. I have also shared my dyeing and craft skills with local school children in community projects aimed to help pass on knowledge to the next generation.

I love to create Cross stitch and Blackwork embroidery designs that reflect my quirky sense of humour and that offer something a little different for people to stitch – bringing traditional stitching skills right up-to-date. I sell my work both online and at local markets and venues within the region. My wish is to create unique creative textiles that are accessible to all.