About Me

I was brought up in a household surrounded by textiles.

I spent many a happy time with my mother embroidering, sewing and knitting.

I love embroidery and feel very passionately about it and have been fortunate to make a career in a variety of textile aspects. 

My journey into this profession started when I gained a place at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN).

At the time they were based in  Kensington, London. Later they moved to their current location in Hampton Court Palace, Surrey.

 While learning traditional techniques at the RSN  I was involved on a variety of restoration projects, from military banners to the  tapestries of Blenheim Palace.

One of the most exciting areas I worked on was restoring the costumes for the original fashion gallery at the

 V&A museum, London.

 The RSN encouraged private enterprise and I, with a group of fellow students, ran  a craft business making various gifts and selling  them through the RSN shop. This helped me to understand the realities of the commercial world and how it related to textiles.

After my two years at the RSN I wanted to broaden my knowledge of design in textiles. I studied City and Guilds in Embroidery and gained a distinction Parts 1&2.  I then went on to complete a foundation course at Epsom School of Art and Design and then complete a B.A.Hons. in Textiles/Fashion. 

 I worked as a coordinator for the Young Designer of the Year competition, where my role was to link business with the designers who were exhibiting. This role greatly influenced me and I realised that I wanted to venture into the retail world as a fashion buyer, using my knowledge of textiles and design.

 I became the Babywear Buyer for Mothercare. I gained the position due to my keen eye for good commercial design, drawing on by my design experience. Mothercare at this time was part of the Storehouse group under guidance of Sir Terence Conran. He set up a Central Design Studio above Heals shop in Tottenham Court Road, London.  This was revolutionary at the time and I enjoyed working with the designers to develop my ranges and presenting to Sir Terence Conran.

I went on to become the Senior Baby and Toddler wear buyer at Woolworths PLC and was responsible for a team of people, again I always draw on my design and textile background. 

I have always embroidered and sewed. I have a studio that I work from and teach small classes in embroidery and sewing. This is has been my main focus for several years.

I love sharing ideas with fellow artists and students.

 My aim is to inspire and keep the art of embroidery alive and help people achieve whatever it might be in this area. It could be from making a card to mentoring helping young people or even crafting a wedding dress.

 Qualifications

• BA Hons 2.1 in Textiles and Fashion. Specialising in constructed  textiles. (weaving and knitting).
• Foundation in Art and Design. Epsom School of Art and Design
• City and Guilds Part 1&2 in Embroidery. Distinction.
• City and Guilds Part 1 in photography. Distinction
• Diploma. The Royal School of Needlework. First Class.