Hello, my name is Marina! I am a textile artist, but also a researcher. I hold a first MA in English, French, and Scandinavian languages from the University of Helsinki, a Diploma in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from the University of Lausanne, a Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery from the Royal School of Needlework, as well as a Professional Holistic Coach Diploma.
In 2022, I completed a second MA in English Linguistics and Digital Humanities and then worked for a while as a Junior Researcher. I am currently working on a PhD in historical sociolinguistics. The title of my thesis is:
Late Modern English language use across gender and class: A historical sociolinguistic investigation.
My thesis focuses on the ability of women in the 18th and 19th centuries to express themselves in “writing” through embroidery. I worked on letters from poor people (relief requests), letters that are part of the digital corpus LALP, or The Language of Artisans and the Labouring Poor, created by Tony Fairman and Professor Anita Auer (University of Lausanne) with her team, of which I was a member. I studied the language in these letters and discovered that the language on the embroidered textile by Elizabeth Parker, dating from around 1830 (Victoria and Albert Museum, London), contained the same type of language. I began examining traditional English samplers, worked by young girls from all social classes, from a linguistic perspective.
It seems I have discovered something I call needle literacy among these women, and I believe that working-class women—at least those who entered domestic service and had little schooling—maintained or developed their literacy through marking household textiles.
It is a fascinating subject that leads me to write an interdisciplinary thesis, which is very demanding.
When it comes to embroidery, my favourite techniques are Goldwork, Appliqué, Stumpwork, and Blackwork. In fact, I love all embroidery techniques, and I usually choose several for a given project or creation. I currently have several pieces in progress. My projects move slowly since I am focusing on my thesis and working (very) part-time.
Visit my professional site Ediwee Edition!
I’ve always had a needle in my (left) hand. At the age of six, I went to learn embroidery with a group of ladies much older than me—the embroidery group in my hometown Jakobstad, Finland. Since then, I’ve worked on cross-stitch, wool work on canvas, and petit point. In 2002, I attended the intensive summer course at the Royal School of Needlework for two months. I learned the school’s four basic techniques. After eight weeks of intense textile work, I earned the Certificate in Technical Hand Embroidery. In 2009, I began the Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery in modules and completed it in 2012. In 2011, I was part of the RSN embroidery team that worked on the tulle for Miss Kate Middleton’s wedding dress when she married Prince William.
I’ve also continued with ongoing embroidery training, including the excellent online course by Jessica Grimm on medieval embroidery. That was really something—amazing!
For years, I worked professionally as an adult trainer in the textile field, teaching and coaching textile projects. I also hold a Lace Instructor Diploma from the Swiss Lace Federation VSS-FDS and taught bobbin lace as well as needle lace—a true passion—for many years. I have also trained in tatting, hand weaving and card weaving, felting, and spinning. I began creating textile art in 2010, when I discovered the technique of appliqué. I love mixing techniques in my creations. Honestly, I find it a bit boring to use only one technique when a combination can produce exactly the effects I want!
I’m a workaholic… I never stop. I always have projects on the go. My cupboards are full of unfinished work—maybe yours are too?
Have a look at my Facebook page MB Marina Berts, I’m putting in a few photos and images there.
