Joyce Thistlethwaite: a lifetime of colour and creativity
From Fair Isle berets to colourful crochet, local textile artist Joyce Thistlethwaite has spent more than six decades enjoying the creative possibilities of knitting and making.
Inspired by the changing colours of the local moors and countryside, Joyce creates practical, handmade pieces that bring colour and craftsmanship into everyday life.
Joyce is one of six local artists among the 14 Brigantia artists taking part in the Brigantia Art and Crafts Christmas Fair at Land of Iron this December.
More than 60 years ago, Joyce was knitting Fair Isle berets for friends and neighbours.
This early interest in making was followed by a career creating collectors' teddy bears. On retiring from bear making, Joyce returned to a first love of knitting, adding crochet to an established collection of creative skills.
Today, Joyce continues to create colourful, practical pieces, combining a lifetime of experience with an enthusiasm for working with yarn.
The local moors and countryside provide inspiration for Joyce's choice of colours.
Rich purples, earthy browns, warm yellows and vibrant greens come together in combinations that echo the changing colours of the surrounding landscape.
Through knitting and crochet, Joyce transforms these colours into useful everyday items, celebrating the possibilities of traditional textile crafts.
A selection of Joyce's handmade work is available to purchase in the Land of Iron shop.
As each piece is individually made, the items available may differ from those pictured in this article.
Joyce joins a growing number of local artists and makers whose work is available at Land of Iron, reflecting the variety of creative talent found across East Cleveland and North Yorkshire.
By showcasing traditional skills alongside contemporary art and design, Land of Iron hopes to introduce more visitors to the work of our local creative community.
Joyce is a member of Brigantia, a collective of artists, craftspeople and designers celebrating a wide range of traditional and contemporary creative disciplines.
This December, Joyce will join five other local artists and eight artists from further afield for the Brigantia Art and Crafts Christmas Fair at Land of Iron.
Taking place from Friday 4 to Sunday 13 December 2026, the ten-day fair offers visitors an opportunity to discover handmade textiles, pottery, jewellery, paintings and other artwork by 14 artists and makers.
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.
This December, Land of Iron welcomes 14 Brigantia artists and makers, including six from our local area and eight from further afield, for a ten-day celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
Our local artists:
Amanda Scott | Clothylde Vergnes | Jane Carpenter | Jill Christie / Wold Pottery | Joyce Thistlethwaite | Margaret Jackson
Artists from further afield:
Ian Mennell | Liz Ogden | Lyn Bailey | Sue Meredith | Sally Parkin | Therese Freeman | Elli Sarri-Neate | Sandra Fullbrook
For enquiries about Joyce's handmade textiles, contact the artist directly:
Email: [email protected]
Land of Iron’s programme of events and activities is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
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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