The Norfolk countryside provides the backdrop to Rachael’s inspiration, having grown up on a farm and lived in the country all her life it is perhaps understandable.

From a young age she made use of her mother’s sewing machine, but it was when she joined a City and Guilds silk painting course that her approach to it changed.

A fellow student brought her sewing machine into class and started to stitch using free motion embroidery. Rachael found herself captivated by the technique and the possibilities it offered, the journey to teach herself this process began, and it was to become an ongoing passion.

City and Guilds embroidery courses followed in due course giving a good foundation in design and methods of working. Giving herself permission to simply create in her own way has become an integral part of the journey; with the next project always being the most exciting!

Having belonged to various textile groups over the years, this new chapter as a member of Out of The Fold is something she is looking forward to very much.

“ From tiny shoots to expansive vistas the natural World provides inspiration and motivation in my work. I cannot begin to recreate nature, simply pay respect to its wonders.”