Hey There

...I have a degree in Fashion design so don't be suprised if you see some of those creations making their way onto these pages too - check out my new series of RE:Fashion workshops aimed at reducing clothing and textile waste in the 'Workshops' section! I just love making things... and figuring out how to make those things. I am also passionate about sustainability and recycling, love sourcing vintage textiles and finding ways of using remnant fabrics to create new and unique upholstery and homewares and try to include these elements in my work wherever possible, whether that be turning vintage Indian quilts into big squishy wool backed cushions, or creating my own fabric patchwork using remnants to reupholster a footstool or chair with.

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I have always enjoyed art and creativity growing up, and my first foray into furniture and upholstery came while I was still at school studying for my A-levels. After having designed and made an upholstered ottoman box and a fibre glass egg chair, (my teacher thought I was mad!) I decided to follow my love of sewing and fabrics down a different path and went on to study fashion design at university. I really wanted to learn about garment construction and pattern making, and this has stood me in good stead with the different types of sewing I do now. Upholstery is kind of like making clothes but for furniture instead. Before my degree I completed my Art Foundation year where I learned all different disciplines of art, being particularly drawn to printing techniques and textiles.

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You may be wondering how I got from Fashion to Upholstery? I was working in a fabric shop at the time and got chatting to a couple of lovely customers one day. They went to a local upholstery class and persuaded me to go along, and the rest, as they say, is history! (Thank you Rosemary and Margaret) I got completely hooked and it wasn't long before I was looking for more ways to learn this wonderful skill. I contacted local upholsterer Percy Hickman of P.H. Upholstery and he took me on as his apprentice. That was back in 2017 and he's kept me on ever since because apparently I make a good cup of tea... Only joking... it's usually Percy who makes the tea!

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Another big part of my creative life is organising Milton Market twice a year. The market started as a tiny Christmas pop up in 2020 at the yard where I used to work. I was trying to find a way to support my fellow local makers in what was a really difficult year for everybody, everywhere. It was a huge success - and the local community came out in their droves to support us (and get some good Christmas shopping!) My friend Frances came on board and the Milton Market was born! We needed more space - we have upwards of 40 stalls these days - so I now run the market with the help of Jane and the team at Bruern Farms shop and cafe in Bruern. The market is in its 4th year and going from strength to strength! It's great to be able to give fellow designers, makers, artists and small businesses a place to sell locally and the local community love being able to see and buy from them too! The markets are held twice a year... Sunday of the May day bank holiday, and the first Sunday in December.

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In my spare time, I enjoy all kinds of creative hobbies from crochet and sewing, to playing bass guitar in local covers band Surrounding Villages. I also like to go camping in my campervan Violet as often as I can!