Colchester Sewing School

Personal statement

I was born in Cambridge in 1958 as one of five siblings. I am a mother to two and a doting grandmother to one. I enjoy close relationships with all of my family, and feel lucky to have an active social life involving live music, book groups and even adventure holidays. I also love to cook, travel, and garden.
I am warm, personable, creative and encouraging of others' creativity, which has led to my love of teaching.

Career

I have enjoyed a varying career, all of which has been spent in textiles, in a wide range of forms.
Following my Diploma in Fashion, I worked in numerous fashion jobs designing men’s and women’s wear, handbags, shoes and belts.
For the past twenty seven years, I have worked on everything from one-off wedding dresses, special occasion outfits and millinery, to clothes for major toy brands such as Sindy Dolls, Action Man, Telletubbies, and The Simpsons.
I regularly design craft projects for magazines such as Homemaker and Crafts Beautiful. In 2006 I was voted ‘Designer of the Year', and was a runner up in 2007.
I have also taught college courses including design and garment making and soft furnishings.