About Me.
I am a Wiltshire-based RSN Professional Embroidery Tutor, Author, Artist and fabric designer with expertise in hand embroidery, fabric dyeing, screen printing, and digital fabric design. My work sits at the intersection of traditional needlework and contemporary storytelling, using embroidery as a medium for portraiture, narrative and cultural expression.
I am a graduate of both the Royal School of Needlework Apprenticeship (2009, awarded a Diploma with Distinction) and the University of the Creative Arts (2012). In 2019 my book Embroidered Boxes: Techniques and Projects was published by Crowood Press.
My passion is creating unique designs for embroidered boxes and specialist embroidery kits. I sell my designs and teach in-person and online classes independently, and for organisations including the Royal School of Needlework, the Embroiderers' Guild of America and the Embroiderers' Association of Canada, under the name Fairy Wren Embroidery — including international teaching trips to the US and Canada.
In 2023 I was given the honour of being awarded a Developing Your Creative Practice grant by Arts Council England to fund Woman Unbound, an ongoing Blackwork portrait series exploring female empowerment, defiance and resilience, which I am extremely passionate about.
I have recently been accepted as an RSN Fellow — the school's new professional association for tutors and alumni to celebrate their commitment, skill and passion for embroidery.
I live in Amesbury (just outside Salisbury) with my husband, two young sons and our dog Sonic (who was the model for my dog appliqué kit). I have a studio space in our garage, which I am very grateful to have in order to continue work on both my classes and my artistic practice.
Professional Associations
2024-
RSN Fellowship
Accepted into the RSN Fellowship with a 15 year badge. The fellowship is the school's new professional association for tutors and other alumni to celebrate their commitment, skill and passion for embroidery.
2024-
Artists Network
Accepted into the AN which provides professional assistance to artists as well as workshops, mentoring and insurance.
2022-2024
Visual Artists Association
Accepted into the VAA which provides professional assistance to visual artists as well as workshops, mentoring and insurance.
Grant Awards
2023
Arts Council England
Developing Your Creative Practice Grant
I was given the honour of being awarded a Developing your Creative Practice Grant by the Arts Council England to fund a Blackwork Portrait project which I am extremely passionate about.
Education/Awards
2025
CTC Training & Developement
TQUK Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF)
2009-2012
2:1 Degree
University of the Creative Arts
Design for Fashion and Interiors Degree. Specialising in printed textile design; screen printing, fabric dying and digital printing.
2011
Runner up
Society of Dyers and Colourists International award: London Region
Runner up in the London heat for the Society of Dyers and Colourists International award.
2009
Diploma in Embroidery
Royal School of Needlework
Three year Apprenticeship at the Royal school of Needlework which I passed with Distinction. My certificate which is pictured above is signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. During my three years at the RSN I studied a wide variety of specialist embroidery techniques, please see my portfolio for all projects.
2009
Church Kneeler Competition
Royal School of Needlework
My winning design was chosen by the representative from St Olave's Church in London to be made into a kneeler for use in the church. The brief was to design a kneeler using elements, symbols and colours chosen from our visit to the church. All Apprentices assisted in stitching the two winning designs. See finished kneeler here.