Aislish Henderson
Embroidery and textiles
Ailish Henderson is a contemporary textile artist and educator based in Northern Ireland, renowned for her innovative approach to traditional stitching techniques. With a background in fine art and textile design, she has developed a distinctive style that blends historical embroidery methods with modern aesthetic sensibilities.
Ailish specialises in hand embroidery, surface design, and mixed-media textiles, often incorporating natural dyes and sustainable materials into her work. Her pieces explore themes of heritage, landscape, and cultural identity, drawing inspiration from Irish folklore and the rugged beauty of the Ulster countryside.
As an educator, Ailish teaches workshops across the UK and Ireland, focusing on traditional techniques like goldwork, whitework, and blackwork embroidery. She has a particular passion for sharing the meditative aspects of hand stitching and helping students connect with the rich history of needle arts.
Her work has been exhibited in galleries throughout Ireland and the UK, and she has contributed to several textile art publications. Ailish is known for her gentle teaching approach and ability to make complex techniques accessible to beginners while challenging experienced stitchers to push their creative boundaries.
Ruth Hunter
Mixed Media Embroidery
Ruth Hunter masters mixed-media embroidery through rich layering, expressive stitch, and narrative presence. She blends hand embroidery, appliqué, machine stitching, painting, ink, and found materials, creating textured artworks embracing “grungy,” experimental aesthetics.
Her style stems from artistic evolution, recalling early cross-stitch mistakes and embracing imperfection. Ruth describes embroidery as meditative: “You can ponder how you are going to stitch the next bit with no hurry or panic.”
Determined to “mash together things that don’t belong,” she creates pieces inviting both discomfort and intrigue. Her narrative-driven approach encourages exploration of personal themes through bold, tactile art that balances technical skill with artistic freedom.
Anne Kelly
Embroidery and textiles
Anne Kelly is a distinguished textile artist and author known for her innovative approach to contemporary embroidery and mixed-media textiles. Based in the UK, she has spent over two decades developing a unique artistic voice that challenges traditional boundaries in fibre arts.
Anne’s work is characterised by her experimental use of materials, combining traditional stitching techniques with unconventional elements like metal, paper, and found objects. She is particularly known for her explorations in surface design and her ability to create textural depth through layered compositions.
As an author, Anne has contributed to several influential textile art publications and has written extensively about contemporary embroidery techniques. Her books and articles have helped bridge the gap between traditional needlework and modern artistic expression, inspiring a new generation of textile artists.
Anne teaches workshops throughout the UK and internationally, focusing on creative exploration and pushing technical boundaries. Her teaching philosophy emphasises personal expression over perfect technique, encouraging students to develop their own artistic voice. She has exhibited widely, and her work is held in private collections across Europe and North America.
Victoria Merness
Embroidery and Textiles
Victoria Merness is a contemporary textile artist and educator specialising in innovative embroidery techniques and mixed-media textile art. Based in the UK, she has developed a distinctive approach that combines traditional needlework skills with modern artistic sensibilities and experimental materials.
Victoria’s work is characterised by her exploration of texture, colour, and dimensional effects in embroidery. She is particularly known for her use of unconventional materials such as wire, paper, and found objects integrated with traditional threads and fabrics. Her pieces often explore themes of memory, place, and transformation through layered compositions.
As an educator, Victoria teaches workshops and masterclasses throughout the UK, focusing on experimental embroidery techniques and mixed-media applications. She is skilled at helping students break free from traditional embroidery constraints and develop their own creative voice through stitch and texture.
Victoria has exhibited her work in galleries and textile art shows across the UK and Europe. She contributes to textile art publications and maintains an active practice that bridges the gap between traditional embroidery and contemporary art. Her teaching philosophy emphasises personal expression and the exploration of materials as a pathway to creative discovery and artistic development.
Jenny Smith
quilting and dressmaking
Jenni Smith is a UK-based textile artist renowned for innovative quilting and dressmaking patterns. With a television production background (BAFTA-nominated for Ballet Boys in 2011), she founded Jenni Smith Studio in 2012.
Her acclaimed book Quilting with Liberty Fabrics showcases 15 quilts celebrating Liberty London’s history, each representing different decades. She also offers dressmaking patterns like the Hepworth Apron and Riley Top & Dress, supported by comprehensive online tutorials.
Collaborating with Kay Walsh as “Jenni and Kay Create,” they produced Menopause Makes, combining crafting with personal storytelling. Her work emphasises accessibility and community engagement, inspiring confidence in makers of all skill levels through innovative designs and supportive teaching approaches.
Kay Walsh
Watercolour
Kay Walsh is a UK-based textile artist and educator with over 30 years’ sewing and quilting experience. Alongside Jenni Smith, she co-authored Menopause Makes, featuring 10 beginner-friendly projects designed to alleviate symptoms like insomnia and night sweats.
Each project thoughtfully pairs with specific symptoms, providing practical solutions and self-care opportunities. The book includes clear instructions, vibrant illustrations, and pull-out pattern sheets for all skill levels.
Beyond authorship, Kay leads workshops focusing on therapeutic crafting benefits. She and Jenni create “crafty travelogues” sharing international crafting insights. Kay’s work emphasizes inclusivity and well-being, creating supportive environments where women explore creativity and find solace through sewing.