I worked as a medical secretary for the Institute of Orthopaedics, University College London, until my retirement in 2006. I am currently employed part-time at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as the editorial assistant for Epidemiology and Infection, a journal published by Cambridge University Press.
I have always been interested in needlework – embroidery, cross-stitch, appliqué, knitting, etc – and always did some as a hobby. When I began working part-time I had more time to spare, so decided to study the subject more seriously. I undertook correspondence courses with Opus School of Textile Arts in Harrow, completing the City & Guilds Part 1 Embroidery and Design course in 2003, and the C&G Diploma Course in 2006.
I am currently a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild, the London Quilters and the New Embroidery Group.
‘Vecmamina’ (‘my grandmother’) panel. City & Guilds Diploma exhibition piece, 2006
‘Home Sweet Home’ Winner of the Embroiderers’ Guild President’s Cup, 2005
‘Lunch’ 4th Prize winner, Stitch magazine’s ’One Stitch’ competition, 2003
Winner of ‘Modern Britain’ cross-stitch competition, St Clare Hospice, Harlow, Essex, 2004
‘Verrin Island’ Embroiderers’ Guild Exhibition, 2007
‘The Common Cold’, entry to ‘Out of the Blue’ competition, Needle Forge Mill Museum, Redditch, 2007