My love for textile began for me when I was quite young. My Grandmother, a great knitter and sewer, had recognised my interest and creativity. She gifted me her sewing machine, which I immediately became busy with. I added an overlocker to my tools and got busy learning how to use my machines to create a variety of work. While my friends were busy going out, I was refining my skills, turning my ideas into garments. I also did work experience with professional labels, and while still at school achieved a state scholastic award for textile design. I found  myself mapping out my future as a fashion designer. Despite the accolades, I soon became disheartened with the world I was keen to be a part of. The fashion world was being swept up with high turnover, generic cheap knock offs and loveless items. Sadly I could see the love and appreciation in handmade, ethically produced, bespoke items was somewhat a thing of the past. As a result I veered away from the world of textiles and took up my other love, teaching. . .