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... @HangingbyathreadCreativeTextileClasses

Over 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.