Amanda Scott: turning textiles into wearable art
From traditional kilts and Japanese kimonos to colourful, individually handmade bags, North Yorkshire textile artist Amanda Scott gives carefully selected fabrics a new life.
Drawing on a background in fashion and a love of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Amanda creates practical bags that combine traditional sewing techniques with artistic design.
Amanda's work is now available in the Land of Iron shop, and Amanda is one of six artists taking part in the Brigantia Art and Crafts Christmas Fair at Land of Iron this December.
Amanda originally trained in fashion and worked in the bridal industry before joining the family clothing business, which specialised in protective workwear.
Following the closure of the family factory and a move to North Yorkshire, Amanda found the opportunity to develop an interest in the Arts and Crafts Movement, with its emphasis on craftsmanship, thoughtful design and the relationship between art and everyday objects.
This led to the creation of handbags that bring together experience of working with textiles and an interest in making functional pieces of art.
The sea and moorland landscapes surrounding Amanda's North Yorkshire home provide inspiration for the work, alongside the colours, patterns and textures of carefully selected fabrics.
Each of Amanda's bags is individually made using a combination of machine and hand sewing techniques.
The designs often incorporate upcycled natural fabrics, particularly textiles originally used in kilts and kimonos, transforming them into practical accessories with their own character.
The patterns and colours of these materials play an important part in the finished designs. Rich floral decoration, intricate woven patterns and carefully chosen details give each bag its individual appearance.
By bringing together existing textiles, traditional sewing skills and creative design, Amanda produces what the artist describes as pieces of "wearable art".
No two bags are exactly alike.
A selection of Amanda's handmade bags is now available to purchase in the Land of Iron shop.
As each piece is individually made, the collection will vary, with different fabrics, colours, patterns and designs available at different times. The bags currently in the shop may therefore differ from those pictured in this article.
Amanda's work forms part of a growing collection of handmade art and craft available at Land of Iron, alongside pottery, jewellery, textiles and other pieces created by artists and makers from the surrounding area.
By providing space for local craftspeople, Land of Iron hopes to introduce their work to new audiences and support the creative talent found across East Cleveland and North Yorkshire.
Visitors are welcome to browse the shop and discover the changing selection of locally made pieces.
Amanda is a member of Brigantia, a collective bringing together artists, craftspeople and designers from across North Yorkshire.
The group celebrates a wide range of creative disciplines, from textiles and ceramics to painting, jewellery and other traditional and contemporary crafts.
Amanda will be one of six artists whose work features in the Brigantia Art and Crafts Christmas Fair, taking place at Land of Iron from Friday 4 to Sunday 13 December 2026.
Visitors will be able to explore a variety of handmade pieces, discover the work of independent makers and find Christmas gifts created with individual care and craftsmanship.
The Christmas Fair is open daily from 10am to 4pm, with free admission to the fair. Normal admission charges apply to museum visits and tours.
Find out more:
Six Brigantia artists are taking part in this year's Christmas Fair at Land of Iron. Discover more about their work:
Amanda Scott | Clothylde Vergnes | Jane Carpenter | Jill Christie / Wold Pottery | Joyce Thistlethwaite | Margaret Jackson
Links to the remaining artist features will be added as their articles are published.
For enquiries about Amanda's work, contact the artist directly:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07981 190636
Land of Iron’s programme of events and activities is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
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