WORKPLACE WITHOUT BOUNDS

Apart from the soldering and polishing, Steffi has perfected her techniques so she can make a complete piece of jewellery almost anywhere. A non-driver, she never sits idle while on the move by bus, train or plane. She carries everything in a converted washbag, measuring just 9in by 6in (23 x 16cm). “I have my cottons in one section, in an array of colours, from greens to pinks, oranges and my forget-me-not blue,” she says. “In a second pocket are my jewellery findings: the stud backs, pendant chains and so on. Finally, there’s another compartment with my tools: pliers for the jewellery, crochet hooks, needles and my special glue, which I buy in tiny tubes. The only thing I really need is good lighting.” When occasionally selling her jewellery at a craft market in nearby York, Steffi wears a belt with a purse attached where she places her cotton reel so she can continue working. She will work standing up while chatting with customers. Another favourite location is Helmsley Walled Gardens, where visitors stop to admire her work. “I love sitting there, surrounded by flowers and with the chickens pecking about,” she says.

With a portable bag of tools and thread, Steffi can work anywhere she chooses. As she waits for a train at Pickering station, she stitches a tiny red flower.