The Textile Studio

My life is grounded in textiles, design and craft. I have an innate sense to share ideas, knowledge and inspire. Predominantly (like many) I am drawn to nature for inspiration within my own design work. However I am driven to pursue the idea that it can be reinvented and unique. Which is why I have an experimental approach to creating and designing textiles and it’s what leads me to draw on a variety of techniques and media. From freehand design development and computer aided drawing; free machine and computer aided stitch, paint, ink, photography, to experimental materials like liquid silicone. Having multiple skills and resources has led to a dynamic and diverse creative practice. Incorporating computer generated illustrations; bespoke stitched commissions; developing and making my own fabrics & handbags; through to supplying a freelance agent with pattern collections as well as teaching in an HE and FE settings.I believe that you can reinvent, stun and wow people with textiles, part of that idea is not being afraid to explore and experiment; to stretch the boundaries and the definition of textiles. However as a designer/maker and teacher I also believe that we need to be sympathetic to the issues of our modern world.In 2017 I started developing short courses and workshops incorporating contemporary stitch, surface manipulation, experimental textiles, print, and image transfer. I run a facebook page that documents what we get up to in the studio in Warrington... @HangingbyathreadCreativeTextileClassesOver the years I have taught in Further and higher education and worked for myself. I have a Certificate in post compulsory Education in Textile Design, underpinned by a BA Hons and an MA.