My quilt making and embroidery are inextricably entangled.

The scale and flexibility of unframed work attracts me but I do frame some of my pieces and make bags and waistcoats. Most of my stitching is done by machine but there is always some hand stitching. I want my work to be striking from a distance but fascinating on close inspection. I am delighted with the possibilities of interpreting design ideas by using textiles.

Roses for Laura 88cm x 128cm

I particularly enjoy creating texture and packing a piece with a great variety of techniques and fabrics. Fabrics and threads are available in a great variety of textures, patterns and colours but the possibilities to elaborate on these are endless! I print, bleach and dye as well as creating texture with stitching, distressing fabric and fabric manipulation. Careful examination of my work will reveal that I often use a number of such techniques within one piece of work.

I am always learning, experimenting and developing methods to meet the needs I perceive. Ideas come from many sources - rugs from the Middle East , Celtic art, mosaics and floors. I prefer to use my own photographs as a starting point.

I am tremendously enthusiastic about my textiles. I want everyone to enjoy this fascination. Anyone is welcome to share my ‘secrets'.

Lecturing, teaching, judging and demonstrating in textiles

I have lectured, run classes and taught workshops nationally over a long period. When teaching I like to find time to work with individuals, encouraging them to develop and pursue their own ideas and helping them to achieve the results they want.

I also enjoy demonstrating the delights of creating with textiles, especially to the ‘person in the street'. I have demonstrated at Bodelwyddan Castle, the Bankfield Museum, Tatton Hall, the Great British Quilt Festival, the Knitting and Stitching Show, the Festival of Quilts, Lords Cricket Ground and Quiltfest at Llangollen.

I was a judge at the Quilt Show in Harrogate 1999 and 2002 and at the quilt show at the NEC in Birmingham in 2004 and 2005.

I offer ‘one off'' lectures and workshops and travel widely and internationally for this aspect of my teaching.