Campaspe Artists Studio Trail

I have been sewing for family and friends my whole life, I was taught by my mother and paternal grandmother, knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing machine and overlocker for garment construction.

I make quilts, bags, cushions, curtains and clothing. I love to make things that people can’t source in shops. I also love to upcycle fabrics from old garments and linen. I specialise in bespoke bag construction working with individuals to ensure they are able to make their imagined product come to life. I also upholster pre-loved furniture in upcycled textiles including velvets, samples, printed and textural samples.

I have a good working knowledge of the western understanding of fabric and its historical context in contemporary society, including fabric types, their composition, care and fabric design. I sometimes use African fabrics that I am able to source from a Melbourne importer.

I have made a number of bags from pre-loved designer clothing, too lovely to part with and special memories for the owner.

I began working with the Arrernte people of Ltyentye Apurte in the Northern Territory in 1988 as a primary teacher and I try to return every year to teach sewing techniques in a two-week sewing workshop/seminar. We work making whatever the community decides they need most. It is typically curtains, bags and often mending precious garments. They have started using fabric friendly pens and paints to incorporate their designs into bags.