Sewing and creating have been part of my everyday life from a very early age, and I am now lucky enough to be able to follow my passion to create using fabric and stitch.

Today my work encompasses a range of techniques and materials and my main inspirations are the colours and textures that I see around me everyday.

Using recycled and reclaimed materials in my work I will layer, print, manipulate and piece fabrics, which are then embellished with free motion embroidery. But that is not to say that I don’t get tempted by the vast array of new fabrics which are available.

In recent years the focus of my work has altered. From primarily using the embroidered textiles to make handbags and home accessories, I am now developing a collection of art work combining textiles, paper, stitch and paint.

I also make simple patchwork quilts, which either stay as quilts, or have further embellishment and stitch to make them into unique wallhangings.

Through my workshops and at events I am able to share these techniques and hopefully inspire others to create using fabric and stitch. I teach a range of creative textile workshops and also run social sewing days – Coffee and Cloth – in Tiverton, South Brent and Colliton Barton. I also travel to groups and guilds in the south west and beyond.

Exciting Autumn News

With the turning of the seasons, I am also having a shift in how I will be working in the future. I have just moved into my own studio where I can work on my own art and host workshops and social creative days. For the rest of this month I am sorting out the space ready for opening at the beginning of October. Where is it? It is next to Jam on Top Textiles at Colliton Barton Training Centre. Tucked away in the Mid-Devon countryside I have enjoyed watching the house martins swoop around the yard. All of us preparing for new adventures.

The Tiverton and South Brent Coffee and Cloth groups will continue as social sewing groups with occasional tutorials. The dates are on the workshop page, but they are usually fully booked well in advance.

I was pleased to sell two pieces of my art at the Tiverton Art Society Exhibition this summer. It islovely to think of my work handing in someone’s home. It is also a spur to continue creating and experimenting.

I will be at the Creative Crafts Show at Westpoint. I will be teaching a workshop each day and will have a new work exhibited. There may also be a sale of ex-workshop samples.

Keep sewing and creating.

Jan x

September 2025