Take Inspiration

When did you start sewing? Who inspired you? What motivates you? Where do your ideas come from? How did you get to where you are today?

These are some of the questions I often ask when I wander around exhibitions looking at a body of work. I’m always intrigued by someone’s creative journey and that is exactly what Nicola Hulme shared with us at our January meeting.

Like many Nicola’s stitch journey started with cross stitch and tapestry. In the late 1990s an unexpected change in circumstances meant that she had to work closer to home and this motivated her to fulfil her dream of opening an embroidery shop. When customers started asking about workshops Nicola initially asked a local tutor to take some classes but then decided to do her own workshops. Initially she taught herself many of the techniques but went on to fulfil another dream to train with the Royal School of Needlework. She studied in goldwork, crewelwork, canvas work and silk shading. She later furthered her studies by completing a City and Guilds course in stumpwork.

  

Nicola also talked about how when times get tough she would often hear her mother’s voice in her head urging her not to give up at the first hurdle but to keep going – a point I could easily relate to. Perseverance brings its rewards!

Nicole had such a warm and friendly manner and we are eagerly awaiting her workshop later in the year. Thanks also to Nicola for your lovely comment about our branch.

To see more of Nicole’s work and find out about her workshops visit her website http://www.simplystitch.co.uk/

Congratulations to Catherine Chew who won the raffle prize - a lovely blue/green basket of goodies.

We will start collecting for our next raffle - colour scheme pink/purple. Please bring any fabric, threads, beads etc along to any meetings.