a little bit about myself...
I learnt to spin, knit and weave as a teenager and since then I have continually enjoyed the whole process of watching a sheep being sheared, sorting and scouring the raw fleece then carding and spinning yarn. I grow and forage for plants to use as dyes for the fleece and my hand-spun yarn, then complete the process by designing, knitting or weaving items such as cushions, bags, containers, rugs, clothes, creative textile art and wall-hangings.
I enjoy sharing my skills and encouraging creativity. I run a small business delivering textile-based workshops, giving demonstrations and talks in and around Derbyshire, UK, including Straight Curves in Chesterfield and Eco Centre, nr. Wirksworth. The range of crafts includes spinning, natural dyes, indigo tie-dyeing, inkle, tapestry, rigid-heddle, backstrap, weaving with nature, rag-rug making and coiled basketry. In the summer, I regularly run workshops in Green Craft areas at eco-friendly, sustainable and spiritual type festivals.
I also work part-time as a textile tutor, for the local education authority in Derbyshire, and have also worked in a similar role at Freeman College, Sheffield, a school for 16-25 year olds with special needs, for three years.
A member of the Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers and was a tutor at the Summer School 2019, a member of the Braid Society and a tutor at the Braids Conference 2022 and I am also a member of the 'Art Through Textiles' group.
When I get the opportunity, I use my skills in a variety of creative and artistic ways creating 3D textile-based art pieces, making gifts for family and friends and occasionally exhibiting my artwork.
I practice and promote the use of environmentally friendly resources and where possible use local and/or recycled materials.
I have public liability insurance, first aid at work and an enhanced DBS certificate.
