I grew up in the small village of Newbourne in Suffolk and have had a passionate interest in embroidery from an early age, thanks to the encouragement of my Grandmother and a long-time membership of The Young Embroiderers Guild. This interest evolved into a desire to use embroidery in my career and after finishing school I became an apprentice at The Royal School of Needlework.
In September 2007 I graduated from The Royal School of Needlework’s (RSN) 3 year Apprenticeship in Hand Embroidery, achieving their Diploma in Hand Embroidery
with a Distinction Grade.
The RSN takes on 4-6 apprentices each year and trains them to an exceptionally high standard on their 3 year Apprenticeship, which is a practical training in all aspects of traditional hand embroidery. Techniques taught include Goldwork, Whitework, Blackwork, Silk-shading, Stumpwork, Tassel-making and Canvaswork. The apprenticeship also includes spending time in the School’s commercial studio learning how to apply this knowledge during both restoration and the creation of new pieces. The school is based in the beautiful surroundings of Hampton Court Palace in Southwest London. |
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During my apprenticeship I fell in love with many embroidery techniques, although I enjoy all aspects of embroidery and textiles. Having completed my apprenticeship I returned home to Suffolk to work as freelance embroiderer. My work is now wide ranging and very varied, but my main recent activities have been:
• I run my own embroidery classes locally in Newbourne. These classes are organised and taught solely by myself and are aimed at people of all abilities, encouraging both keen stitchers and people who have never stitched before to take up a needle and keep the art of traditional hand embroidery alive.
• I work on my own pieces of ‘Art Needlework’ using traditional Embroidery techniques to create beautiful pieces showcasing these skills. I hope to be able to exhibit and sell this work as widely as possible in the future.
• I teach at the RSN on their certificated course, Seasonal Schools and the Apprenticeship.
• I take on a range of commissions and am currently working on an Altar Frontal Cloth for Holy Trinity Church in Drayton Parlsow, Milton Keynes.
• I give talks about my apprenticeship and career as an embroiderer, showing and talking about my work, how it is done and how embroidery can still be relevant in our apparently hectic and technology filled world. I talk to groups of any size and interest and really enjoy spreading my interest and passion for embroidery to so many people.
• I have created my own range of hand embroidery kits which are for sale both mail order from myself and selected specialist needlework retailers and aim to encourage people of all abilities to turn their hand to traditional needlework, focusing on providing instructions of a very high quality.
To discuss workshops, classes, course, talks or commissions please do not hesitate to contact me:-
Crystal Garden Nursery,
12 Ipswich Road, Newbourne,
Woodbridge, Suffolk,IP12 4NS
Tel: 0774 899 4387
or Click here to email me |
