Mandy is renowned for her technical skills including medieval Goldwork technique, metal thread work, silk shading and both sides alike. Mandy is also an experienced and talented designer.
Originally from Cumbria, Mandy completed the Royal School of Needlework Apprenticeship in 1995 in London and taught for the RSN and worked in the RSN Studio as a studio embroider and then for a period of time the Studio Manager, overseeing a wide variety of commissions.
After several years of being Studio Manager Mandy decided to resign from this roll to go back to being a studio embroider and tutor as she missed stitching and teaching.
Ladybird worked in tapestry shading (also know as long and short) tapestry shading is work vertically. This was often used for ecclesiastical pieces depicting religious figures etc.
In 2011, Mandy oversaw the RSN Embroidery Studio's work on HRH The Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton OBE.
Mandy said: "We knew who it was for, but it was very secret - we had net curtains up and cleaners were not allowed into the room and the code on the door was changed.
"The design was made up of intricate lace motifs, some the size of five pence pieces, to make the stunning creation. The dress was all in the news, but nobody knew who was doing it.
"When you're working you just focus on it and try not to think about what's in the news. But it was an exciting event and everybody loved working on it - it was a once in a lifetime opportunity."
And for Mandy, it was even more special, as she was invited to attend the wedding at Westminster Abbey with the RSN's Chief Executive Susan Kay-Williams.
Mandy said: "Attending the wedding was absolutely amazing, and to see the dress on Kate was an honour. It is a day I will never forget." Mandy was even featured in Hello! magazine for her work on the wedding dress.
Goldwork bee
She added: "When I started my career in needlework I never expected I would be interviewed by Hello! magazine. My passion is all about the needlework."
With a diverse portfolio of teaching experience, Mandy has recently been teaching Bespoke Classes and on the Future Tutor programme for the RSN.
Buttons inspired by Georgian waistcoats
She worked as part of the Studio team on the 12th century embroidered hangings for English Heritage's Dover Castle with her work involving anything from delicate embroidery on christening robes, to repairing or creating altar frontals for the nation's cathedrals and churches.
Chester Cross inspired by motif of the same name in the Chester Cathedral collection
Mandy said: "I am so excited to be joining the team at the Crewel Work Company. I have known Phillipa for many years, and I am so pleased to have this opportunity to work with her.
"I am looking forward to joining everyone on the retreats, and designing new pieces for us to work on together."
Mandy is a world-class embroidery tutor, which is why we are so pleased to have her join our team.
Phillipa explains: "Our tours and retreats are so popular because we only invite the very best tutors to lead them, and Mandy with her experience, training, and personality is at the top of her game. We are all looking forward to working with her and know you will enjoy her workshops."
Mandy will be joining us for the St Andrews Residential Retreat in 2021, which is a fitting place to start her retreats with us - the place when Kate and William first met. Mandy said: "It will take me full circle from William and Kate's wedding day back to the place they met at university and fell in love, St Andrews."
To book on to the St Andrews Residential and be taught by Mandy along with Jenny Adin-Christie and Nicola Jarvis, please click here.
Many will also be teaching at our Lady Anne's Festival in 2021 and the Stratford Residential Retreat in 2020..
