I make quilts, clothes, books, and friends. I’m interested in the intersections between craft, technology, and labour, particularly around activities traditionally considered ‘women’s work’.
About
My first non-fiction book, In Pursuit of Color: from fungi to fossil fuels, uncovering the origins of the world’s most famous dyes (Atelier Éditions) came out in June 2023. It’s a weird and wonderful thing to have had the chance to make. It brings together historic techniques, archive photography, specimens and present-day events to tell the histories of some of the world’s most important dyestuffs. There’s something for everyone in it: from industrial espionage to deep-fried mollusks.
My second book Piece by Piece: Modern Patchwork and Quilting Projects to Make from Pre-Loved Materials (Hardie Grant) will be released in March 2025. This ones been a labour of love, too. I get to share the knowledge and skills I’ve built over the last 15 years studying, designing, and making clothes and quilts. It’s a friendly guide that encourages taking a second look at what you might have around you (cut up that old pillowcase! Go ahead!) and using it to make something beautiful.
Books
Tie Dye Socks: Store Store Makers Manual Vol. 1
Working Cloth Quilt and Smocking Patterns (which I designed, wrote, and illustrated) have been downloaded over 1000 times.
And, like everyone else, I have a newsletter.
Essays, Patterns and Projects
At present, I balance writing with freelance work as a designer researcher who occasionally makes big, weird textile props (a hangover from a past life in set design). I have trouble saying no to projects that sound fun, so I’ve done many jobs and worn many (excellent) hats.
In 2016, I founded a textile-based design practice, Working Cloth. Outputs have spanned residencies, workshops, exhibitions, and one giant interactive textile sculpture that plays soundbytes of kindergarteners meowing like cats.
Workshops and collaborations have included: Institute of making (UCL), Store Projects, Designers on Holiday, Foresta Collective, Toast, Straw London, Edmonton Public Schools, Sydney Craft Week, and Absolute Beginners.
Experience
Since 2022 I have been freelancing as a qualitative designer/researcher. I’ve pitched projects, helped design studies, written discussion guides, interviewed, moderated (both IRL and online), analysed, and pulled together reports.
My client list and examples of my work are available on request.
Research
UAL Study Abroad Creative Career Routes: Resilience and Mindset Workshop (2024)
Chelsea College of Art (Graduate Diploma Textile Design, 2024)
Winchester School of Art (Fashion and Sustainability Forum, 2024)
West Dean College (Short Course, 2024)
Guest Lectures, Teaching, Conferences
Selected Press
