A Journey of Threads: From Fashion to Teaching and Textile Art

A Shift in Direction: Post-Graduation Reflections

After graduating with a passion for sewing, design, and textiles, I found myself at a crossroads. Despite my love for the craft, I realised that the fashion industry wasn't the right fit for me at that. time of my life. In pursuit of new horizons, in 1998 I returned home and enrolled in a PGCE secondary; Art and Design at UWIC (now Cardiff Metropolitan). Teaching seemed like an ideal way to bide my time and explore new possibilities.

Fate smiled upon me during my teaching practice in Chepstow, just miles from my family home. Little did I know that this would be the place where I'd meet my future husband! My first teaching job took me to Glyncoed School in Ebbw Vale, where I found myself as the sole member of the department, overseeing the newly formed Art and Design GCSE course. It was a challenging yet invaluable experience that laid the foundation for my teaching career.

The following year led me to Ringwood, Hampshire, where I delved into the realm of Textiles Technology. Teaching both art and technology provided me with a unique advantage. Subsequently, in 2001 I secured a position at Cotham School in Bristol as a Teacher of Art with a Specialism in Textile Art. The school, with its performing arts status, was like a scene from Fame, alive with music, creativity, and students passionate about the arts. Organising fashion shows to showcase students' incredible work became a highlight, and witnessing their talents flourish was immensely rewarding. This was also where I truly discovered the world of Textile Art. I refined my free-motion embroidery skills to the point where, in 2012, I launched an online stall on Not on the High Street, selling free-motion embroidered pieces inspired by children's art. (My artwork was on one of the first brochure covers! ) Here, I learned the joy of blending media to craft tactile, visually stunning artworks.

Teaching in an inner-city school came with its highs and lows, but after 17.5 years at Cotham, I felt the pull of new avenues. In 2018, I bid farewell to teaching in a school, closing one chapter to embark on a journey that has led me to where I am today.

That's a story for another day—stay tuned for the next chapter!