Our graduates have stories to tell. Read through our Graduate Stories and discover how our courses have enabled them to begin new textiles careers, gain creative confidence and become more focused. Through these stories we aim to help prospective students decide what courses to study and demonstrate how they can benefit so many people.
Our graduates are shaping the world of textiles. They’re designers/makers who supply clients and stores in all corners of the globe, they’re authors for magazines and books, and business start-ups. Some even go on to work in TV/ theatre, teach or simply take pleasure in evolving their textile skills to a new level.
We are frequently asked about the direction that our students take after they have graduated from their courses at School of Stitched Textiles. So we ask our graduates to tell their stories.
We have combined their narratives with images of their work to showcase their very individual styles in our graduate stories publication. We hope their accounts inspire you to undertake a course yourself and see where it can take you.
First published in March 2020 and updated in 2023. Amanda has always had a passion for crochet, but life got in the way and prevented her from giving it much attention. Finding a way to switch off from life stresses she turned to crochet and realised that she was really
Jo Edwards-Goodman has completed two course with us: Hand Embroidery skill stage 2 and 3. Her motivation was to consolidate and elevate her skills while proving to herself that she could complete a course with some vigour and challenge. Jo now has a new found confidence in her creative abilities
Not too long ago, Bronagh Sullivan completed our Beginner Hand Embroidery Course (Skill Stage 2). Having previously only completed kits and beadwork, Bronagh was keen to develop her skills, devote time to something she loved, and gain a qualification. On completing the course she told us that she has learned
Fiona McGilvray often wished she had pursued a more ‘creative career’. However, when the opportunity to channel energy into doing something she loved arose, she knew she had to take it. Having studied our intermediate Patchwork & Quilting course (Skill Stage 3), Fiona graduated with, not only a huge sense
Daniel(la) Jonasson joined us back in 2020 to study hand embroidery Skill Stage 2. Tuition was paid for by us after winning a place through our Joan Harrison Bursary. Having witnessed both grandmothers doing needlework, Daniel had always felt an affinity for textiles. However, it was only at the age of 35
Back in 2021 Tina Barnett won the chance to study our Beginner Hand Embroidery course (Skill Stage 2) which was awarded through our Joan Harrison Creative Textile Bursary Scheme. Having always loved Hand Embroidery for it’s therapeutic qualities, Tina told us that she regularly embroidered and had aspirations to sell
As a busy midwife and mum to young children and dogs, Helene Wackers was looking for a flexible, professional course that would develop the artsy side of her brain. Helene told us that our intermediate Knitting course (Skill Stage 3) has forced her to practice technical knitting skills that she previously believed
As an experienced embroiderer, Sara Lambert was initially unsure about studying with us. However, when the Pandemic struck she began to look for a different focus, a distraction. Having complete our Skill Stage 3 course, Sara told us that she hadn’t expected to learn such a large variety of techniques.
Melanie Giddings had always had an interest in stitch textiles. As a little girl she would sew, knit and loved needlework at school. Like so many of our students, busy careers, family and friends left little room for her passion. However, as retirement loomed Melanie decided that now was the
After completing our Hand Embroidery Skill Stage 2 Course, Heather Bielby went on to enrol onto our Skill Stage 3 course. She told us that although she had always loved art and self expression she had little confidence in showing off her work. Having graduated earlier this year, Heather has
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