I was born in Cardiff, South Wales in 1937, just two years before the start of World War 2.  My mother was a tailoress and took in sewing of all kinds to help stretch the family budget, as my father was poorly paid as a cinema projectionist.  However, as an only child I lacked for nothing, and as I was growing up I often helped my mother with the needlework i.e. invisible stitching hems of dresses etc.  I recall the wedding dresses  mum made of parachute silk because it was difficult to obtain enough clothing coupons to purchase material.  One lady in particular, whose wedding dress Mum made, is now into her late eighties and still living in Cardiff.

My interests were always craft related, besides sewing I was taught how to knit, a pair of mittens was the first item, and at the tender age of 8yrs old, I was also taught to crochet.   

I married in 1960 and in the following years was blessed with two beautiful daughters.  It followed that as they were growing up I made their dresses, that is until they rebelled and wanted the latest shop fashions, you know how teenagers are!  I also made dresses, and did alterations etc. for friends and neighbours, not to mention the many pairs of curtains I made over the years.

In later years, when the girls married, I made their bridesmaid dresses - they each had two bridesmaids, but my younger daughter also decided that her groom and the male attendants would have waistcoats and cravats - there were eight in all, not to mention the 150 wedding favours for the tables.  When my eldest daughter married it was considered that I crochet her a wedding dress in a pretty white shimmering tricel yarn that was available at that time.  A beautiful pattern was found, but after crocheting at least half the dress i.e. a front and sleeve, and it was really lovely, she thought that it would make her look fat and changed her mind!!!  However, the yarn did not go to waste, as when her eldest son was born I used it to crochet a christening gown and shawl.

Over the years I have sewn, embroidered, crocheted and knitted more craft items than I can now remember, mostly as gifts for family, grandchildren and friends, and also for charities etc.  Four years ago I finally got around to learning the art of 'tatting' and am now an active member of the 'Ring of Tatters' (www.ringoftatters.org.uk), and more recently a proud member of The Thread Artist Guild (http://threadartistguild.org).

Thank-you for your interest, and please take a glimpse at my handiwork in the photo gallery.  From time to time I sometimes sell the odd item on e-Bay, you will find my ID on the e-mail page, together with my e-mail address.

Ann Franklin - January 2009