My work involves many processes and takes a lot of time to make. Because these are artworks to be hung  and not a piece of textiles that should be worn I use inks and paints on the fabric to insure they will not fade as fabric dye does with time. I am a colourist so it is important to me that the colours I use remain intense and vibrant and that the work will not lose it's impact. I studied embroidery at Loughborough College of Art & Design, so I learnt about stitches. I love stitching, mostly using my trusty Bernina, but also by hand to add another level of detail. I hand paint different fabrics and create a composition layering them, hand stitching areas then overstitching the entire composition with the sewing machine. Finally I stitch particular areas with a coloured thread to form other shapes that seem translucent over the surface. I draw out these shapes on the reverse side, often stitching upside down. This in itself adds another texture. It's fun swapping the colours in the bobbin, this can add or decrease the intensity of colour. It all helps to build a rich surface fragmented by cloth and brought together by stitch.