As a very young child I remember others using small looms and I really wanted to have a go. Nearly 40 years later, whilst studying an Art Access course at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT) – I saw the weaving room and my childhood ambition was reignited.

Whilst mostly self-taught I have learnt to weave by reading, studying the internet and attending workshops with various well-established tutors. I work in my Shed in the garden using an 8-shaft floor loom to make scarves, blankets and fabrics; sometimes smaller handheld looms for sampling, and I make straps for bags and belts on an inkle loom and ply-split braids for keyrings.

My inclination always, is to use natural fibres and where possible I include local wool, homegrown flax and recycled yarns in my fabrics. Mastering spinning has enabled me to process locally grown wool and I have also been learning how to process my own homegrown flax into linen with a local group, “Let’s Grow Flax”.

My love of colour shows in my weaving. I am always experimenting with the magic of interlacing colours and find myself considering very carefully how to lift and brighten the fabrics and make colours sing. Sometimes my colour choices and blends remind me of painting. My inspiration comes from my environment and especially observing nature, but art galleries are also a treasure trove.

Handweaving ensures my work can be flexible as weave patterns can change many times within a piece as I endeavour to create something unique. Turning threads into fabric has become a fascination.