Adventure, interaction and finding a deeper connection with people are key elements to each piece of Harriet’s work. Behind every ‘stitch’ lies a narrative of people, place and culture. Finding ways to power a sewing machine in remote locations as been an ongoing theme.

Harriet encourages her street audience to pedal a bicycle which generates electricity and powers the art. This increases the interaction between her, her subject and the art its self. Other times, batteries and solar panels are used to generate energy for her stitches.

InStitchYou started in 2012 at the University of Hertfordshire, Harriet created a body of work in local pubs, café’s and laundrettes (anywhere with a table, chair and plug) then after graduating, InStitchYou took to Greenwich market, festivals and art fair’s performing live Stitched Portraits, Stitching weddings and finding an intrepid spark with her sewing machine.

The pandemic gave Harriet the idea of stitching portraits live over Zoom. This allowed her to “travel” and hear stories from new people and stitch portraits from her home. This was such a success, Harriet continues to take portrait commissions over Zoom today and posts the artwork to you.

Life has changed again for Harriet since the birth of her first child in 2022. Harriet is currently working part-time whilst learning the new and exciting juggling act of being both artist and mother.

Watch Harriets TED Talk on InStitchYou and keep scrolling down for Harriet's CV.