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. 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,(previously based at the Eco Centre nr. Wirksworth), 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 a tutor at the Summer School 2019. A member of the Braid Society and a tutor at the Braids Conference 2022.
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 have exhibitions to show my art work.
I practice and promote the use of environmentally friendly resources and where possible use local and/or recycled materials. I have First Aid at Work, Public Liabilty and DBS certificates.
