In May 2017 I was offered a commission by Search Press in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew to create a book on their botanical art in embroidery. I was in heaven! Not only was the subject matter dear to my heart but I felt very honoured to be associated with this time, honoured institution.

Initially I was given access to over 200,000 botanical paintings, by famous explorers and artists such as Sir Joseph Banks, and Sir William Hooker, some of which are over 160 years old. It was a mammoth task to sift through these paintings and compile a selection of paintings to use for reproduction in embroidery. I created Pinterest boards to save my favourites, and by a process of elimination, whittled it down, so I could compile a collection for use in the book.

The stitching, instructions, diagrams and manuscript took over 2 years to create – it was a labour of love and I gave it my all. My daughter Stacey was engaged by Search Press to do the photography which was done in my garden, it was so meaningful to have her involved and I have her to thank for all the gorgeous photographs of my work.

In 2019 I was able to visit with Search Press and Kew Gardens where I got to meet the lovely people behind the scenes, and see the extensive Kew library in the flesh. The whole experience seemed quite surreal to me and I had to keep pinching myself!

How to get the best results from your transfers:

Ensure your iron is set to the hottest dry setting. Iron the fabric to remove creases

Hold iron on fabric for a few seconds to pre-heat area

Place transfer paper face down on to fabric. Ensure it is centered on fabric.

Place hot iron on top of transfer paper and hold in place for about a minute. Ensure that the iron is not scorching your fabric.

Lift paper, outline will be transferred on to fabric.