One of my goals for 2025 is to enjoy being in the studio, I fell out of love with my studio in 2024, feeling uncomfortable physically and mentally. In January, I decided to start spending at least 30 hours a week in the studio. It’s been great to get back to being in the space and find that creative spark. I’m lucky to have a studio space at home so I can co-work with my husband and the cat, it means I can work in my pyjamas too.

I’ve been reflecting on past work where I just created one or two exhibition pieces for the title. It was great to put these ideas on my studio board and find common themes and techniques. It’s clear that I have a strong connection with the following:

1. Using objects in my work
2. Combining hand and digital embroidery
3. A bright colour palette
4. 3D embellishments
5. Circular framing

I’ve also built reflection time into my weekly tasks so I can see what I’ve been working on and where I want to go next.

I’ve kept up with my goal of stitching every day, whether it’s in the studio or out and about. It’s great to have a series of small projects on the go so I can do what I love. A random bit of embroidery using fabric and thread scraps can spark so many ideas. I’ve worked on a stitchscape that I carry around in my rucksack for on the go, a new idea exploring maps and an abstract piece using scraps.

I love stitching in a cafe or on the train, it sparks conversations with people about what I’m working on and how relaxing stitching is. I have a homemade travel sewing kit in my bag at all times and I keep a few small projects in an A5 paper box.

It’s important to learn new skills as an artist, especially when you spend a large percentage of your time teaching others. I took advantage of a free workshop on offer from TextileArtist as part of their Stitch Club promotion. Learning to create stitched portraits in a new way with textile artist Susie Vickery was so freeing. I used techniques I knew but in a different way, exploring the layers of fabric before adding stitching to create details, light and shadow.

For regular updates about what I’m working on in the studio you can follow me on Instagram.