Designer Q&A
Q. What is it like to teach needlework?
A. I take great pleasure in encouraging people to engage in needlework while finding out for themselves the joy that can be found in blackwork and asking for more. Q. Where have your travels taken you?
A. I love the Middle and Far East—especially Thailand, Malaysia and China— and will be returning to India later in the year to explore Kerala in South India. When on the road, I not only teach needlework techniques, but also study architecture, art and patterns that are unique to particular regions. I find inspiration in these designs, often incorporating them in a variety of projects.
Q. As a geography teacher, how did you prepare for your needlework career?
A. I returned to college to learn more about Web design and photography, both useful skills in reaching out to students across the globe. My three Facebook groups have more than 2,500 followers. I use this platform to answer questions and teach techniques to people who may find it difficult to access needlework groups due to health issues or remote locations. Q. How do you use the internet to reach out to students?
A. My international business, Blackwork Journey, helps keep the craft alive. The online Blackwork Journey challenge, “Save the Stitches,” reaches needleworkers interested in exploring the technique.
Q. What are some other farreaching projects?
A. I designed a box of 36 needlework chocolates—each one being an individual pattern in “Box of Delights.” As part of this project, I arranged for a chocolatier in Manchester, U.K., to produce a hand-painted box of chocolates to match the embroidery. My next online stitchalong was “Pandora’s Box.” This one incorporated a number of different techniques including pulled-thread work, Assisi, pattern darning and more. Best of all, each of these projects is free and accessible through the “Freebies” section of my Blackwork Journey website. Q. Do you have any hobbies or future plans?
A. When not traveling or stitching, I enjoy spending time with my three wonderful grandchildren. I know that I won’t be going anywhere without my needle and threads, and of course, a pencil and pad to jot down ideas. Q. Where can we learn more? A. Please visit my website anytime at www.blackworkjourney.co.uk.