UK Handmade Magazine Spring 2017

Are there specific tools you cannot do without?

I don’t use a great amount of tools and can easily replace most of them - the wooden hoops, sewing thread, vanishing fabric markers - but I do worry about what would happen if I lost my thimble. It’s an old one given to me by a friend when I first started sewing and I’ve never stitched without it.

What are the most rewarding and most frustrating aspects of what you do?

I love embroidery and am always grateful that I get to do something I enjoy so much for a living. Even if I’m stressed about deadlines or invoices, I always find sewing relaxing. Sometimes the paperwork can get frustrating and I’ve had to accept that I sometimes have to give days over to admin and can’t do anything creative, but I’m lucky to get the amount of time I do have for creative pursuits.

Do you ever experience creative blocks and what do you do to clear them?

I’m a very strong believer in just showing up and doing the work. I sit down at a certain time each morning and work whether I feel like it or not, and the inspiration usually shows up not long after.

Occasionally, I do feel stuck in a rut and will go visit a gallery or museum for inspiration, and then try to do something that really challenges me for my next piece of work.

30 | ukhandmade | Spring 2017