What do you make?
I make hand embroidered cushions, doorstops, brooches, tea cozies … actually, I’m always introducing new designs. I’m playing around with simple clothing right now such as linen tunics.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
Linen, cotton, embroidery silks, resin plaster, buttons, vintage fabrics and lace, wool felt, Singer sewing machine, Bernette 334D over-locker and a pair of Mundial scissors. For my 12th birthday my Mum brought me a sewing box and filled it with needles, elastic, cottons, buttons and a pair of Mundial scissors that I still use daily.
What inspires you?
Japanese modern craft, vintage patterns/fashion/textiles, pebble beaches, detail that usually goes unnoticed, art, strong + creative women, nature…
Describe your workspace:
Neat and tidy – obsessively so! My studio has to be organised otherwise I find it difficult to start making. I need to know where everything is. Glass-fronted Victorian dresser cabinets and cupboards store my fabric, labeled boxes and jam jars are used for buttons, wool and notions, patterns hang neatly from Clothes Peg Boards. I have three separate areas in my space, one for computer work and updating my website, one space for crafting and another for sewing. I love being in my studio.
Where are you based?
I’m in a small town in Wairarapa. I emigrated here from the UK in September 2006.
What are you currently listening to?
BBC Radio 4 online
Recommend an album:
Shine by Joni Mitchell
Your favourite childhood book?
The Magic Far Away Tree and The Circus of Adventure by Enid Blyton
What are you reading now?
A Land of Two Halves by Joe Bennet
Lucia Rising by E.F. Benson
The latest copy of the British ‘Living Etc’ magazine
Your hero/heroine:
I have many heroes/heroines for very different reasons, but if I had to pick one then it would be Frida Kahlo. Not just for her art but also for her strength.
Favourite quote:
“I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly, because you tread on my dreams.”
William Butler Yeats
Do you have any pets?
A wonderfully naughty cat called Trumpet. I’m also keeping my fingers crossed for some chickens!
