Nancy's Embroidery

                                                   Nancy embroidering a tablecloth, 2001

                                         Nancy (far left) with her friends at the Pop In, 2001

In 2001 I worked as a support worker in Lewisham. One of my clients was Nancy who was a talented embroider. She started sewing when she was young and continued to do so throughout her life. On my many visits to her home she took great pride in sharing with me her collection of embroidered cloths. Her floral designs were stitched onto crisp white linen using colourful Anchor threads.

Over the years she made many household items including table and tray cloths, some were from as far back as the 1940s. She continued to embroider into her old age in spite of her health.

We used to visit the local charity shop in Lee Green and look for interesting bits and bobs for Nancy's home. I admired her thrifty attitude towards reusing and recycling.