What crafts do you do? Patchwork and Quilting, Stitcheries, Christmas ornaments

How long have you been crafting? As a child I drew, created, sewed, knitted etc. I began patchwork about 20 years ago, and began designing my own stitcheries around 10 years ago. I have been making Christmas decorations in particular each year for the past 10 years.

Who taught you your skills? I had a very talented crafty mum who taught me all sorts of skills and was a wonderful inspiration. I have attended a few patchwork and quilting classes also.

Do you teach/publish your skills and projects? My love of all things Christmas saw me design a project for Homespun “Santa Paws” (No.98 Vol. 12.7). I collaborated on a book called “Dreaming of a White Christmas” contributing all of the snowman designs, both stitchery and stuffed snowmen, with Kerrie Swain from Cottage on the Hill in Nundle, which was published some years ago. I have self published a pattern “Gingerbread Mittens” which I taught to my quilting group, and sold copies of this pattern at local quilting exhibitions and through two quilting shops.

What do you love most about crafting? The creativity, making handmade things for my family and friends, the relaxation and joy of a design (whether my own or someone else’s) coming to life by my hands, and the beauty of a finished quilt adding to the warmth and ambience of my home.

5 words that best describe your craft style? Traditional, home-loving, keepsake, heart-warming, Christmas.

Anything else that you would like us to include or promote? I especially love all things Christmas, and each year take part in a 12 Days of Christmas homemade ornament and tiny gift exchange with my sister and niece; it’s great fun, but has meant I have had to add another tree to accommodate the additional ornaments!