When I embroider I loose myself into a peace of mind that is wonderfully calming. Embroidery is not about perfection but about expressing yourself however you feel. I love designing all my own work, but sometimes if you don't feel up to the challenge then pick up a printed piece of cloth and just stitch. There are also some great websites that you can scan pictures to and they will generate a cross stitch pattern of the design for you.
One thing I always say to my pupils...you can always unpick it if you really aren't happy...but walk away from it and come back to it before you do to decide it has to go.
It is so special to make something for yourself, family or friends.

I love historical embroidery and think it is wonderful to create a piece that will be around long after yourself. 
With all the recent press about mental illness I do feel that if one person reads this and they start embroidery as a hobby and if it helps them find inner peace then I will be a very happy person.

Embroidery is a wonderful craft and can be used in many different ways . Traditional hand stitches can create texture and make a piece personal. Machine embroidery can be used to create a drawing like quality. I feel very lucky to have this great craft as part of my life. My mother taught me as a child, in her day it was something that was taught in school....to aid a woman to be the perfect housewife, how things have changed. I love teaching and creating something with thread and fabric, by hand or machine. I adore layering and having my designs created into something totally individual and unique. Its a great feeling to know that your work will certainly will live on.

Its very hard these days to know where to start there is so much information out there...some excellent and some not. When people come to my lessons they have already usually decided they want to learn either hand or machine embroidery...often they start one method and then see other people in my classes trying other aspects of embroidery and give it ago..its interesting to watch my students grow with confidence and love it when they want to create something that I am challenged with in teaching.

The above picture is taken from a wedding dress that one of my students designed and embroidered herself. I know in years to come she will look back on what is a beautiful piece of embroidery. The student was a complete beginner and certainly took to embroidery and design.

Above is just one of many examples of how you can use embroidery. I embroidered a piece and then had a photograph of the work printed into a Christmas card.

I love making cards for people. I like to think my cards people will treasure them. When I make an individual card I like to think of what that person would like. not only the design but the colours. 

Have a go and you need help come and have a chat with me

Find me at www.inspirationalembroidery.co.uk