Based at Pembroke House, Appleby-in-Westmorland, near the beautiful English Lake District, the Crewel Work Company are crewel work specialists. Designer, tutor, author, Phillipa Turnbull researches designs in Castles and Country Houses throughout the UK to create crewel work kits in the style that she and her many followers enjoy. Phillipa uses a combination of design, materials and stitches, most of which embroiderers have enjoyed using for the past 400 years. She uses Appletons wools and specially made needles which perfectly suit The Crewel Work Company`s "Z" twist Jacobean Linen Twill, woven exclusively for Phillipa by a specialist historic textile weaver in Scotland.

She specialises in creating kits which combine stitches, techniques and designs she has found in original 17th and 18th Century British crewel work, thus enabling others to enjoy creating their own heirloom.

Whilst researching in the Stately Homes and Castles, Phillipa has found many beautiful needlepoint designs, and these are now available by special permission from the castle owners, as canvases and kits. They are true in scale and colour, hand painted for absolute accuracy in every stitch.

Harry Williamson, Phillipa`s partner and co-Director in the Company, has been actively involved in the needlecraft business with Phillipa for the past 10 years. He was formerly an investment banker in the City of London. He is a Trustee of The Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace and also a member of The National Needlearts Association of America. He has developed extensive links with the needlecraft business both in the UK and in the USA. He is a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Broderers (Embroiderers) a City of London Livery Company that traces its origins back to the the 13th Century.