My Background
I am a textiles artist and designer/maker. After spending 20 years home educating my family, and with a background in making wedding dresses, I returned to studying. In 2020 I completed an HNC in Contemporary Constructed Textiles at Bradford School of Art and continued my studies to achieve an FdA in Textiles Practice in 2023, gaining distinctions for both. I also received the travel award for excellence in textile design from The Bradford Textile Society, in their national design competition 2021-22 and was awarded a sponsorship from Madeira for my FdA final collection.
I moved from Stockport to South Cumbria, in February 2025, where I continue to create and am available for commissions, speaking and workshops.
I regularly exhibit my work with the textile group, 'Gathered Threads,' and have had work displayed at The Knitting and Stitching Exhibition in Harrogate and The Dye House Gallery in Bradford.
My Practice
Using free machine embroidery, fabric manipulation and print, I take fading memories and narratives and work them into something new and tangible that can be carried forward into the future. I enjoy historical research and often use a technique called 'material cultural analysis' to gain a deeper understanding of sources of inspiration. With a background in designing and making wedding dresses, my work is detailed and personal and often has a vintage flavour.
My FdA final project was a table linen collection, based on the mischievous antics of my grandmother whilst working at a shoe factory during WWI, you can read more about it on my blog post.
More recent exhibition pieces have included, 'After of the Blue,' reflections on my changing mending pile as my children grew, and, 'Trinity,' a large and very personal piece about my family's faith journey. Both if these were exhibited at Craven Arts in Skipton.
Workshops and speaking engagements
Employing 20 years of teaching experience, I love to create workshops where participants can share stories and create something which has a personal connection to them. A day where they feel nurtured and encouraged and leave with a sense of achievement. My workshops can be based on simple hand stitching or more advanced techniques including free machine embroidery. Suitable for textile groups, hen parties, corporate bonding days or just a group of friends. I always end with home made cake and a chance to chat together. I can cater for a variety of dietary needs so no-one feels left out.
I am currently unable to run workshops in my home but please get in touch to discuss bespoke workshops in a venue of your choice.
I am also happy to speak at groups, where I can share my work and focus on a particular aspect to suit your group, please contact me to discuss details and fees.