Sue Hawkins began her working life apprenticed to an antique dealer whose speciality was seventeenth century English embroidery. It was under this lady’s expert tuition that she learned to restore and care for these treasured textiles. Many years later as a well-known embroidery designer, her inspiration still comes from these more traditional designs.

Sue’s first book ‘Heirlooms in Needlepoint’ was published by Charles Letts in 1994 ‘55 Flower Designs’ co-written with Jane Greenoff and subsequently her own book ‘A Victorian Floral Alphabet’ have both been published by David and Charles.

The fourth title, Crewel Embroidery, was published in Spring 2001 and 2003 saw the publication of two books of designs for the Dollshouse, Carpets and Rugs and Embroidered Projects and then in 2006 ‘Heavenly Handmade Bags’. Crewel Embroidery and Heavenly Handmade Bags are the only two now in print, both are now available in paperback.

Sue has her own kit manufacturing company, offering designs in canvaswork and crewel embroidery. If you want to see all the finished pieces ‘in the flesh’ then you will find her on a stand at most of the principle embroidery shows around the country.