Dionne Swift: Textile Artist reviews

8 Jun 21'

Helen Leigh-Rush reviewed: 'Print & Repeat' Accessible Silk Screen Printing book by Dionne Swift

"Dionne, thank you I’m so pleased with your wonderful book! Best wishes H ☺️"

13 May 20'

Liz reviewed: Developing Sketchbooks

"I’d never done an online workshop before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but a friend had recommended it and I needed a bit of a kick up the proverbial to get my creative mojo working again. In fact I found the online aspect really helpful – you can work at your own pace to fit in with other commitments and surrounded by your own materials, sources and inspiration. The Facebook group gives you interaction if you want it, and also provides helpful individual feedback from Dionne plus the motivation to try and keep pace with course-mates so you can share work at the relevant time. Having a bit of breathing space between tasks also helps as you can mull things over as you go about your day, and see inspiration everywhere which you can bring back into the sketchbook. I found Dionne’s approach really helpful, with the videos clear and to the point with helpful examples. The course was as inspirational as I had hoped it would be – encouraging you at all times to play, explore and follow your instincts, but within a really nicely structured framework which helped you to gradually develop your ideas. I’ll be using the techniques for years to come, I’m sure."

13 May 20'

Caroline reviewed: Silk screen printing online course

"I have been inspired by you: your online workshops helped me overcome being locked in my house with depression. In one year I've built a workshop, printed with two old screens and sold my first thousand pounds worth of work. I can't thank you enough. Everyone who's finding it tough should try your online workshops."

13 May 20'

Jackie reviewed: Silk screen printing online course

"The videos are brilliant - very clear and easy to follow. Just enough information to be able to get started without overwhelming my limited brainspace! I have to admit to feeling a bit pressured at first when the workshops came thick and fast, but once I started, I found it was good to have all the information at hand when I needed it, rather than having to wait for more to come, so I think getting it all upfront was great - I just needed to calm myself and do it at my own pace! Although I would have liked to be able to do a workshop with other people around (always great to share ideas and experiences), this has been an invaluable alternative - I have certainly been able to take more time perhaps to consider what I have done before I make the next move, without knowing I have to complete it all by the end of the day, so I have probably spent more time on it than I would have done on a workshop. However, I have tried to treat it like one of your studio workshops and learn the techniques without getting bogged down in developing ideas at this stage. The course has been fantastic for this and I have been inspired by what I have learned - I had never done breakdown printing or used flour paste before, and I am wowed by them both - can't wait to develop them further. It has been a great way to learn the techniques - I can't think of any constructive criticism to give - it has been a well planned and structured programme and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Great value, great education and great inspiration!! Thank you very much for a wonderful time with stimulating ideas and a wealth of inspiration!"

9 Dec 19'

Kathryn Wilkinson reviewed: Thread illustrations: stitch masterclasses, Janome HQ Stockport, nr. Manchester

"I found this course extremely inspirational. I learnt so much about machine embroidery and how it could be used to create a “masterpiece”. Dionne is an excellent teacher and I look forward to doing more of her courses."

9 Dec 19'

Gill Griffiths reviewed: Thread illustrations: stitch masterclasses, Janome HQ Stockport, nr. Manchester

"I absolutely loved this course. I learnt so much both technically and artistically. Dionne is a very inspiring teacher. I will definitely be looking out for more of her courses."

9 Dec 19'

Jeanette Owen reviewed: Thread illustrations: stitch masterclasses, Janome HQ Stockport, nr. Manchester

"Really enjoyed the 2 day course. I learned a lot about machine embroidery and how to transfer a favourite picture into stitch."

9 Dec 19'

Allison James reviewed: Thread illustrations: stitch masterclasses, Janome HQ Stockport, nr. Manchester

"Dionne is always an inspiration! I always learn something new from her courses and come away feeling re-energised for developing my own artistic practice."

9 Dec 19'

Ellen Fairfull reviewed: Thread illustrations: stitch masterclasses, Janome HQ Stockport, nr. Manchester

"Dionne is an excellent tutor and an accomplished textile designer. She is supportive, encouraging and skilled at managing a group with a mixed levels of ability. I have no hesitation in strongly recommending her."

9 Dec 19'

Annette Bruton reviewed: Thread illustrations: stitch masterclasses, Janome HQ Stockport, nr. Manchester

"I’ve taken a number of Dionne’s courses and they are always excellent. Professional first class teaching combined with the inspiration you get from her own practice."

7 Mar 18'

Trisha James reviewed: Textile art summer school, Abruzzo, Italy

"I just loved everything about this course. From the moment Dionne met me at the airport to getting the flight home it was fun, friendly, creative, relaxing, energising, challenging and inspirational. Dionne had organised everything superbly, she is such an excellent tutor and great fun to be with. The hotel, the food the wine and the gelato could not be improved on. I cannot recommend this workshop holiday highly enough, I sincerly hope to go again another year. If you are thinking of going then just book it, you will not regret it. xxx"

25 Feb 18'

Jane Pagler reviewed: Textile art summer school, Abruzzo, Italy

"Dionne did a brilliant job of tailoring the course to the needs and skill levels of the participants whilst inspiring confidence and encouraging us to try new techniques. What was particularly good was that everything that we did could be done at home with minimal outlay, no fancy or expensive equipment and materials required. Atessa, Torrareccio, Abruzzo and the coastline were delightful and inspirational. Just when you thought that the week could not get any better - it did, with fantastic food, local wines and such a warm welcome from the locals. I shouldn’t be writing such a glowing review as there may not be space when I want to go again, it’s so good. Just go, you will not regret it for an instant."

24 Feb 18'

catherine bailey reviewed: Textile art summer school, Abruzzo, Italy

"I can’t recommend enough attending any of Dionnes classes or summer schools. She devotes so much time and attention on ensuring you get the best out of your experience. Italy was stunningly inspiring because Dionne made it so utterly accessible and with meticulous attention to detail, from the travel arrangements to the hotel the itinerary. It was magical and spellbinding and you come away with a head full of ideas armed with new skills and confidence, and a promise to return. The food, the company, the coursework, the visual delights. Dionne could inspire anyone - even on a wet November day sitting on soggy cardboard. When you add Abruzzo to the mix it’s heady and addictive. Don’t miss it. Just wonderful xxxx"

19 Nov 13'

Jo Priest reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I Just cant say enough about the content and the excellent method Dionne has of teaching. I have completed 3 of Dionnes workshops at home, they are so manageable, she sets out what will be covered, and all the materials you will need in advance. She explains everything in a straight forward easily understood way, in bite sized pieces too, via a short video each day. which can be watched over & over again. Dionne also provides notes to print out too. So you are able to take your at home tutorials at a later date.The support given on line & meeting your fellow students is fun too and really makes you feel a part of the group."

13 Nov 13'

Jenn Legg reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I loved this concept of learning in my own time, at my own pace, in my space, knowing I had collated all the equipment to continue after the course was finished. Each step was easy to follow and I achieved some fantastic results (I surprised myself) and I have become hooked on the mono printing technique. It contributed to the end of my 6 year part-time journey in a degree in Applied Art. Mixing it with other techniques to make it my own. If your creative it is a need not a want.............. Thank you Dionne xx"

12 Nov 13'

Maura Summers reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I have now participated in three of Dionne's on-line courses. I love Dionne's enthusiasm for textile art and her ability to share her extensive knowledge in such a concise, interesting and encouraging way. I find interaction between other course participants on Facebook a stimulating experience. Thank you Dionne. ."

12 Nov 13'

carole reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I had always wanted to do screen printing, but did not think it was possible without complicated equipment and chemicals. This course proved that it was possible and I learned so much. I particularly enjoyed the breakdown and mono printing as it was suited to what I hoped to achieve for my own work. I enjoyed the structure as it was good for my poor self discipline and the contact with other participants through the Facebook group also proved very useful as the sharing of information brought me up to date with what was going on in the textile world. Altogether a very good experience."

12 Nov 13'

Julie Mackinder reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I was a bit nervous about doing an online course for such a practical skill but I needn't have worried. Dionne's course was excellently constructed with clear and concise videos demonstrating the techniques and notes to refer to. A Facebook group set up by Dionne for the course was an excellent place to share experiences, to interact with other students wherever they were in the world and to get feedback from Dionne. I have taken three online courses with Dionne and can firmly recommend her as a teacher."

12 Nov 13'

Shona reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"Took part in this course and loved it. I was totally new to screen printing and was amazed how easy it was to set up at home and have a go. Instructional videos were really clear and the private Facebook Community created for feedback from Dionne and to comment on each others work was brilliant. A great way to learn at your own pace and my only complaint being that it is now costing me a fortune in fabric to keep trying out new ideas!!"