GraceB designer, Alison Spanyol grew up in Suffolk. After gaining a first class degree in Fine Art at Staffordshire University, she went to complete an MA in Printmaking at Camberwell School of Art.

It was at Camberwell that she specialised in screen-printing incorporating sewn elements within both paper and fabric prints. After college she continued to sew and experimented with applique and cut work, layering and cutting away fabric in the same way as she had done with colour in her screen-prints. She sold her handmade appliqued bags at London’s Columbia Road and Spitalfields markets.

She went on to make larger works which were elaborate embroidered and appliqued patchwork blankets. Their theme was ‘The Joy of Life’ and they depicted flowers, fruit and domestic objects.

This has led to the use of recycled cashmere where a number of pieces are sewn together and overlain with a single image using embroidery and applique. They depict animals, birds, fruit, flowers and images inspired by Mediterranean holidays and memories of a rural childhood. She also has a range of cashmere and cotton scarves.

Every piece that Alison makes is unique and is entirely designed and handmade by her.