Keeping needlework alive

She has now registered herself as self-employed, and runs her business from home to make works of art out of needlework skills.

She said: "At the school they taught me traditional old techniques so we can continue the skills so they don't die out. I always wanted to do embellishment and learn traditional techniques, and I now want to use the old methods so I can make pieces in my own contemporary way."

Sophie, who works part time at the charity college in Hampton Court, feels there are not enough young people getting involved in needlework, and plans to undergo qualifications to teach teenagers in school.

She said: "Only four people graduated from my course, and I want to teach it to younger people because there isn't as much interest as before, and I think they would really enjoy it. I have learnt the basics and now I want to make it appeal to people who are interested in things like fashion."

A previous fan of Blue Peter and Art attack, Sophie, who used to live in Mead Lane Chertsey, six years ago, said she used to create the TV experiments herself, and always wanted to go into something creative.

She said: "My work is very relaxing and it feels like an achievement when I finish each piece. It's also nice when customers come in with old clothing which they never thought could be repaired. With my job I do quite a lot of repairs on family heirlooms and its nice seeing their reaction."

Since being self-employed and starting her own website, Sophie has been commissioned for a few pieces, including an embroidered ribbon bookmark which took her seven hours to make in one day.

She said: "I took a few breaks, but when I'm working I often have the TV on in the back ground, and normally end up zoning out. I usually go into my own world which is really nice, so it really therapeutic."