I reckon Swirls is the one.

Want to know the best bit? It's got everything! So it isn't really 'one' thing at all 🤣

I can pinpoint two big turning points in my artistic life:

• discovering the different ways I could include paper with stitch

• discovering the different ways I could use thicker threads than the ones that sit on top of the sewing machine and go through the needle.

As an inveterate hoarder of all the things, once I discovered those two things, the gloves were off!

Using paper

I think probably the most important thing I was ever taught - and I now pass on to all my students - is that your sewing machine is not a sentient being, and really has no opinion about what you're doing and what you're asking it to stitch through.

If it ever did decide to talk back (that'd make you jump, wouldn't it!) the only thing it would ask is "can the needle go through this and keep moving?" It doesn't know if it's leather, paper, corduroy, silk, cotton or polyester. All it cares about is whether the needle can go up and down.

In the Swirls course, I'll show you how to use paper to create a unique stitchable base for our swirls. Later on, we can use it to add those personal touches - whether that's symbols or photos, lines from poetry, your own musings, handwriting or typed. It's all possible!

Using thicker threads

Same goes for using thicker threads. We can stitch over them, sure - but we can also get the machine to stitch with them. And oh my, does that open doors to a world of possibilities! Suddenly, all those gorgeous hand-dyed embroidery threads and tapestry yarns you've been hoarding for years? Fair game - let's use them!

And everything else besides...

If you're like me, you save everything. The tiniest scraps of fabric, all the threads, all the things...and we can use it all with Swirls. The smallest pieces of fabric can be transformed into swirling vortices of colour and texture. All those beads we have and never use? Let's add them, too! And the sequins and buttons...

Go your own way

That said, the beauty of this project is the vast scope to create something uniquely yours - whether that’s a joyful riot of colour and texture, or a more minimalist, curated swirl.

Want to join in?

Some highlights from the original course