I have an obsession with creating. I love being in charge of the kitchen, of the family, of the classroom, of my life. And I love fabric, how it feels, and what I can do with it. I need to show how sewing machines can be used as paintbrushes in a sophisticated way.

When I get an idea for something to create, I play with it for a few days in my mind. I "see" it in different sizes, in different situations, in different materials. When it can't stay in my mind any longer and has to burst out, I will sketch it, work out what size it should be, and how much background fabric will be required. Then I ferret around for supporting textiles (either in my own stash or in shops) and fibres, which will be sewn in, on or around the theme.

Usually it changes form, and doesn't end up the exact way I had planned. But that is the way of textiles, and the way of life.

My current work is on landscapes. Big ones and little ones. Recreating layers of rock from fabric and sewing has been very satisfying.