Cathy

My passion for needlework began as a child with many exciting adventures on my grandmother’s old treddle Singer sewing machine, together with hand sewing projects which always seemed to involve lots of felt and Aida. She was a needlework teacher and taught me the foundations of embroidery.  I then became interested in music which I studied at University, whilst continuing to make all my own clothes without the aid of a sewing machine! I would now describe myself as a self-taught embroiderer. I enjoy collecting old needlework books and keeping alive the traditional techniques is particularly important to me, although I like to look for an easy way to help beginners! I also love travelling and taking photographs, and gain much inspiration from that (and if you follow me on facebook, you will see many photos!). My eventual career was in human resources, which inspired a love of training. And so to combine that with my needlecraft addiction seemed like a natural progression. 

John

My husband, John, is our 'man in the kitchen'. His skills don't quite extend to baking,  but he serves our tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits with a smile!  Our cake and biscuit recipes can be found on Pinterest. Click below.

Jani

Picture
Jani (pictured left) started Threads with me in 2012, after we had both spent many years leading the Alstonefield Arts & Craft Group, together organising two major exhibitions, Images of Spring in 2008 and Festival of Angels in 2011. We were also heavily involved in the Christmas Tree Exhibition in 2003. Jani still provides great support to me, as well as helping out with tutoring for larger groups. Jani has also worked some of the designs for the workshops. Read more about Threads 'beginnings' in a Derbyshire Life magazine article from 2013. Click below.