My work often starts with an interest in an object, or maybe a natural form. The design process I use involves firstly developing ideas in a sketchbook and then finding ways to print onto paper and or fabric. I make my own printing blocks or sometimes I use the object itself. I love the accidental marks that these processes can leave, which in themselves can inform the way the design evolves. Layering and adding new textures to these first ideas assists me in creating work which I see as richer in quality.

 

My preference is for hand stitching, occasionally making use of a machine. The stitches that I use are simple, never over complicated, and I sometimes wonder if I actually prefer mark making to embroidery! More recently I have been incorporating handwriting within the work to enhance meaning. Most importantly I love the feel of cloth in hand as it becomes something new.