Liberty Transfer 253 (I) Machine and hand stitchery on a pieced background, incorporating old Liberty transfer and printed paper. Worked on the Irish machine. Closer view

Liberty 253 (III) 38 x 72 cms. Printed fabric trapped in organza with machine and hand stitchery, on a pieced background. The original Liberty transfer is included and in some parts the print made by the transfer is left unworked. Worked on the Irish machine. Closer view

Trained as a secondary school teacher, Jenny has spent her working life teaching textiles in Primary and Secondary schools and in Adult Education. She was tutor for the City & Guilds Creative Studies Embroidery courses at Strode College, Street and Exeter College for 18 and 20 years respectively.
She was a contributing author of 'Needlework School' and 'Embroidery Studio' and has written articles on embroidery for various magazines.
Jenny has worked with the Embroiderers' Guild on the Embroidery Development Scheme, for which she is a Reviewer. Her work has been exhibited widely in this country and abroad.
Now retired from full-time teaching she continues to teach classes and courses throughout the country.

As a member of the Practical Study Group, South West Textile Group and the exhibiting group Heptad, I have always combined my personal work with my teaching. I am particularly interested in pattern and colour and draw my inspiration from many sources.

My current work is based on dress thus combining my early training with my love of stitched textiles. I am interested in the detail of decoration on, and the construction of, historical costume. Most of my work is machine embroidery worked on an elderly Irish machine, though hand stitchery also affords great pleasure.

After a lifetime of teaching others how to do it, I am now able to concentrate on my own work and to develop my ideas.

Jenny Blackburn