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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 or Instagram you will see the evidence! My eventual career was in human resources, which inspired a love of training. And so to combine that with my embroidery addiction seemed like a natural progression. I started Threads in 2012 with my friend Jani after we had spent many years leading the Alstonefield Arts & Craft Group. Since 2015 I have been running Threads 'solo'. I exhibit and demonstrate annually at the British Quilt & Stitch Village at the Uttoxeter Racecourse. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I developed my YouTube channel and spent a lot of time turning my workshops into stand-alone kits with YouTube tutorial. My latest challenge is that in January 2023 I enrolled onto the Royal School of Needlework's Certificate and Diploma training programme in technical hand embroidery. In Spring 2025, I finished the Certificate and started working on my Diploma. Read about my progress here.
My husband, John, provides endless support and advice and is also our 'man in the kitchen'. His skills don't quite extend to baking, but he serves our workshop tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits with a smile! |
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