I have always been into arts and crafts but tried to follow the ideal: going to university and getting a good job.  I studied Architecture but dyslexia, ADHD and a serious case of glandular fever meant I struggled to stick at the Masters.  The 2008 recession and lack of full architectural qualification meant I found myself working in construction sales and project management.  Don’t get me wrong, I love buildings, spaces and construction methods, but now with children it just doesn’t work for me.

During the London 2012 Olympics I found myself unexpectedly unemployed. To keep myself out of trouble and rebuild my confidence I decided to start making a patchwork quilt (currently still unfinished).  I spent many a happy hour in front of the TV with my sub-par set up, my sewing machine on the ironing board. During the next few years I sewed bits and bobs, tried making some clothes, but kept coming back to quilts. Maybe because I love one to snuggle under and watch TV!

In June 2018 when my youngest was just a few months old and I was emerging from sleep deprivation, I somehow found the confidence to set up an Instagram account as a fun way to take time for myself and sew.  For the last couple of years, I have played at sewing and never for a second have I got bored.  

Now I’m getting a little bit more free time I want to have a productive focus while still looking after my family.  Many people have suggested I make things to sell but every time I make something, I fall in love and just want to keep it! So I have decided to specialise in Foundation Paper Piecing Patterns.  FPP seems natural to me after designing building construction details in 3D.  I am excited to share my journey with you!

Helen xxx

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AWARDS

2024 – Winner Excellence in Machine Quilting Overlay Award and Third Prize in Contemporary catagory- Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, England

2023 – Winner Visitors Choice (public vote) – Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, England

PUBLICATIONS

March 2025 – Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine – Issue 147

Candy Twist – FPP Quilt

May 2024 – Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine – Issue 137 – Page 39 to 44

Just Brewed – FPP Beginner Blocks

You can buy the pattern from their shop here.

December 2023 – Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine – Issue 132 – Page 55 to 61

Flight of Fancy – FPP Mini Quilt

You can buy the pattern from their shop here.

EXHIBITIONS

2026

April 14 to July 18 – New England Quilt Museum, New England, USA

• Reclaimed Resistance – Boudicca, part of Soul Stories: Threads of Existence exhibition

August – Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, England

• Reclaimed Resistance – Boudicca, part of Soul Stories: Threads of Existence exhibition
• Competition entry/s TBC

2025

August – Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, England

• While Not in Use (Quilt Creations/ 3D)

October 9-12- Houston Quilt Festival, Texas, USA

• Reclaimed Resistance – Boudicca, part of Soul Stories: Threads of Existence exhibition

2024

August – Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, England

• “Reaching” Retrospective Visitors Choice Gallery 13
• Blooming Mandala(Contemporary category)
• Laid Bare (Art category),
• Strata Flow (Modern category)

May – Spring Quilt Festival, Malvern, England

• Reaching

2023

August – Festival of Quilts – Birmingham, England

• Reaching (Pictorial category),
• I wanted to so I did (Pictorial category),
• What do you see? (Contemporary category)
• Saturation Repurposed (Sustainability category)

2022

May – Neurobrilliance – Neurodivergent people and their artwork – Ashstead, England