Kirsty Whitlock, this year’s Embroiderers Guild Scholar in the UK actually comes from Basingstoke and went to the same comprehensive school as my sons. Yesterday she was kind enough to come to the day services where I work and talk about her work to the service users. Not only did she talk but also allowed people to touch the flowing threads and smell the coffee used to colour the paper which is her main medium. She is full of enthusiasm for her work and her career; this was infectious and the audience were all caught up with this and really enjoyed the afternoon, sharing their own creativity, whether in crochet, cross stitch or working with old coke cans.

If you have not seen her work please take a look at her website. She will have her own stand at the Knitting and Stitch show at Alexander Palace this year so you too may get the chance to stroke the threads.