Ōsōji (大掃除) "big cleaning,

Ōsōji (大掃除), a ritual rooted in Shintoism and Buddhism, meaning "big cleaning, is a Japanese turn of the year ritual to purify homes, workplaces, and minds for a fresh start. It is time to sweep away the past year's  dirt, and and to welcome in the new  Allow yourself that time of transition as we prepare for the year ahead and hope for positive change.

It is hard to believe it was six years ago this week I was in Japan at the Tokyo Great Quilt Festival with Art Textiles: Made in Britain. A positive and supportive group, our current exhibition 'Flight'  moves to ACE, Somerton In March 7 - April 11 and to my home city in Norwich at Mandell's Gallery April 25- May 23  Further details of all exhibitions are currently on my website.

I am delighted ti have been invited to exhibit in the Timelessness of Stitch exhibition with Timesless Textiles in Newcastle, Australia, which opens  on 1st April.

Walking in the Winter air in Mote Park and seeing the beautiful Witch Hazel blossom in the garden has allowed me to blow away the cobwebs in my mind

I can reflect back on the positives I can find in balancing care with creativity.  I continue to have contact with fellow makers and learners if not always in person, through virtual means.

These include workshops and exhibitions with a number of project partners throughout the year where we have embraced new ways of working and made things possible. Much of this work has been along the lines of  'taking care of our creativity' which includes private projects with groups and organisations.

I am looking forward to new creative projects and exhibitions unfolding as we move through the year. These include in-place workshops with West Dean College in April as well as online Zoom classes with other partners including Crafty Monkies gradually being added to my website If interested in a longer in-depth learning experience, where you can learn at your own pace you can enrol on Making Connections, a beautifully filmed course by Take Two

For the support of friends and colleagues who continue to create a space for me in their lives around the uncertainty of care, I am grateful.

Wishing you all a peaceful 2026