Several years ago, I faced a junction in my career path, and decided that if I did not at least try to pursue a career as an artistic hand embroiderer, then I would be letting myself down. Up til that time I had had a successful and happy career as a biomedical scientist, but my fascination for embroidery kept growing, and when the opportunity arose to dive head first into my art, I took it eagerly. Not a day has gone by in the years since when I haven’t rejoiced in that decision. I have now completed my RSN certificate in Hand Embroidery, and I am working towards my diploma. At the same time, I am doing bits of teaching and taking on commissions where I can get them. My work has been well received, and I hope there will be many years of embroidery ahead of me!
Apart from the embroidery, I am a keen crafter of just about anything, with a reputation for inserting creativity into just about every task, no matter how mundane. I have a disability (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, EDS for short) that can make life complicated from time to time, but to borrow a phrase from a good friend Hannah Ensor, EDS is my normal. It is genetic, permanent and painful, and there is no cure. Having said that, I have a raft of adaptations, strategies and counter-measures that help me to work with it. I use a wheelchair for mobility, for example, and I keep my embroidery workstation as ergonomically sound as possible to try to keep injuries at bay.
My husband is a vicar (known on the blog as “the Revd Dr”), and we have a young son. When I am not embroidering, I am kept busy with family, school and church commitments. I a border collie called Lottie, who is learning to be my assistance dog with DogAID. I also keep a colony of degus (a gregaious, intelligent and sociable breed of ground squirrel from Chile) that I shower with love and affection at all times.
If you like what you see, please get in touch. I am always interested in commissions, collaborations, and suggestions for projects and blogs.