Kate studied art, ceramics, textile printing and weaving at college and later decided to pursue her interest in embroidery and adventurous textile techniques.

Studying for City and Guilds Certificates and many years teaching have led  Kate down many different routes, developing varied themes and working with a number of mediums and techniques such as hand and machine stitch, appliqué, collage, printing, dyeing and painting fabric. More recently Kate has incorporated ceramics into her work and used heat tools and the embellisher machine to create interesting effects. Master classes run by John Allen gave more impetus to design aspects.

Recent themes have included work based on ‘Doorways’ in vernacular buildings, the Staffordshire Hoard and the River Thames and its environs. Kate prefers themes which have some connection to her life and to which she can develop an emotional response. Currently she is returning to her early interest in natural forms and structures and has produced work based on ammonites. The beauty of trees and water also provide sources of inspiration which she is looking forward to exploring.

She has taught for over 24 years, firstly for Surrey County Council, then Richmond Adult Education College and for the Kingston Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild. Kate runs now regular classes privately and enjoys passing on skills and her enjoyment and passion for the subject.