Saturday 31 March 2018

Jan Seys

We are extremely sad to announce the death of our dear friend Jan.  She was a kindhearted and talented woman, a great teacher and a lovely friend.

Knitting & talking

Today let's celebrate Jan's work and some of the happy moments we had recently at the NEC.

Jan & Dia with Deborah, the Creative Director from Janome

Small pieces of work on canvas



Orkney: a knitted and wet-felted vessel

Brancaster: free machined and handstitched

Mordor: needle felted, machine & hand stitched

Off the Beaten Track: bonded applique and hand stitched

Knitted and felted brooches

Knitting at the NEC exhibition

We will miss Jan and her contribution to the group immensely.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Jan's family.
Bernice

I have known Jan since the Experimental textile course which we began together in early 2016. Jan was an unique person, warm, kind, helpful, quiet, knowledgeable, an excellent teacher and did beautiful work. At our Traverse NEC Exhibition she was so happy. She showed me how to use the embellisher and embellish knitted work. I thought that technique was very special and started a piece myself and was excited to show Jan, sadly she passed away.

Dia's work using Jan's technique
It was a privilege to be her friend and I have fond memories of her. Jan rest in peace.
Dia

Jan, your determination was inspirational.  I loved your down to earth attitude and your advice was always spot on ... you gave so much but had so much more to give.  I'm going to miss you but am happy I was able to call you my friend ... sleep well lovely lady ... lots of love
Deb

I met Jan for the first time in 2016 when all of us in Traverse met at Inkberrow Design Centre for the initial weekend of Experimental Textiles. She was a quiet, softly spoken lady but always had a warm smile and willingness to offer suggestions to anyone of us needing advice. Jan’s own work was always so beautiful and detailed and much admired by all. Jan was a wonderful friend and will be very much missed.
Becca

Jan was a very special person - a gifted quilter and embroiderer, who was always looking to expand her considerable knowledge of working with textiles, approaching new techniques with such enthusiasm - a teacher and maker of wonderful things, who brought so much to Traverse. She shared with us a wealth of experience and always had a positive response if we had a problem with a particular project, calmly coming up with a reassuring smile and a solution. I'll remember Jan's courage, her generosity of spirit, the warmth of that smile and the twinkle in her eye. I'm thankful for the chance to know her and glad to have been her friend.
Cath