I have always loved making things and needlework was the subject that I enjoyed most at school. Doing something creative with my hands was the obvious career path to follow and my first job in full time employment was working for Lord St John Roper, a theatrical costumiers, in the West End of London. We made elaborate costumes for both television and theatre, the latter included shows such as the Black and White Minstrel Show, Talk of the Town and many West End musicals. I later worked for Sir Bernard Weatherall, a high class tailors, where I learnt the skills of tailoring.

In 1972 I decided that I would like to train to be a teacher and, after qualifying, spent 12 years in a large comprehensive school, where I became the teacher in charge of textiles throughout the school. Whilst teaching I studied and completed my City and Guilds in Embroidery Parts 1 and 2. In 1986 my husband and I moved to a rural part of South Shropshire and set up home. We have two lovely boys, Barney and Toby, and an endless collection of different animals.