Phillipa and her daughter Laura run the business together and share a passion for historic embroidery and for keeping the designs and techniques from the past alive and thriving. Supported by a small team based in Appleby-in-Westmorland, their range of historically-accurate kits, online events, and life-changing retreats in the UK are hailed as amongst the best needlework experiences available.
A note from Phillipa & Laura:
"We take seriously the integrity of hand embroidery as an art form equal to any other. Its deep and direct connection to the past is a source of constant inspiration as we forge new relationships with embroiderers all over the world.”
Our aim is to derive happiness and enjoyment from needlework through shared experience and to ensure it survives for the next generation.
Team Members
Phillipa Turnbull
United Kingdom
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The founder of the business over 30 years ago, Phillipa has experienced the ups and downs of the embroidery industry. As well as tutoring, and overseeing both teams, Phillipa drives product development.
Laura Turnbull
United Kingdom
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Laura joined the family business over 10 years ago and helps to keep the company pushing forward. Based in Barcelona with her team, Laura takes care of the digital side of the business.
Georgie Pilsbury
United Kingdom
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Georgie is the oldest member of our team after the Turnbull family themselves. Her artistic skills are integral to the creation of our kits.
Frankie Pilsbury
United Kingdom
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Frankie is a core member of our Appleby team, taking care of dispatch and customer services. An animal-lover, Frankie can often be seen around town on her horse!
Priti Billimoria
United Kingdom
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Previously an Economist and Project Manager in the city of London, Priti manages our Retreat planning and Online Course management and helps Laura to get some of our larger projects across the line.
Moya Sands
Ireland
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Original from Northern Ireland, Moya now lives with her family in Barcelona and is the newest member of our team, taking care of our Instagram account.
Esmanyul Hayashi
Mexico
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One of the newest members of our Barcelona team, Esmanyul is of Mexican Japanese origin. She now lives with her young family in Spain and takes care of our advertising.
Andrew Benson
United Kingdom
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Based near Appleby, Andrew has been with the Crewel Work Company for nearly 10 years and has our back with all things financial.
Our Tutors
Kate Barlow
United Kingdom
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Kate Barlow is a renowned embroidery artist celebrated for her expertise in a broad range of needlework techniques. With a deep passion for preserving and teaching traditional embroidery, Kate has dedicated her career to mastering the intricate art of hand embroidery.
Jenny Adin-Christine
United Kingdom
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She specialises in historically inspired Metal Thread Embroidery, Stumpwork and Whitework. She trained on the Royal School of Needlework’s intensive Apprenticeship, graduating with distinction in 1999.
Zina Kazban
United Kingdom
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Zina is a graduate of the Future Tutors programme at the Royal School of Needlework. She has also trained at Ecole Lesage (Métiers d’Art CHANEL).
Deborah Wilding
United Kingdom
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Deborah Wilding is a distinguished embroidery artist. With a background in fine arts, Deborah has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the natural world, which is reflected in her exquisite embroidery designs.
Lucy Martin
United Kingdom
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A keen advocate and ambassador for hand embroidery, Lucy joined Hand & Lock first as a diligent and talented intern, before graduating and being invited to head up the Hand & Lock embroidery school.
Natalie Dupuis
Canada
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As a trained teacher, Natalie now enjoys sharing her skill and experience with others and has transformed her needlework hobby into a thriving career, with a particular focus on the traditional art of or nué.
Phillipa Turnbull
United Kingdom
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The founder of the business over 30 years ago, Phillipa has experienced the ups and downs of the embroidery industry. As well as tutoring, and overseeing both teams, Phillipa drives product development.
Interested in stocking our kits in your needlework shop?
We stock needlework shops across the world. If you are interested in learning more about our wholesale offerings, please reach out to our team with information about your shop.
The amazing health benefits of practicing embroidery
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Lowers blood pressure
Embroidery calms the nervous system, promotes relaxation, and contributes to lower blood pressure, reducing stress for improved well-being.
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Regulates breath
Engaging in embroidery encourages mindful, rhythmic stitching, promoting focused breathing patterns that can induce a sense of calm and relaxation.
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Calms nervous system
Embroidery, with its repetitive and rhythmic hand movements, engages the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
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Form deep social bonds
Our online community fosters connection through a shared creative space, encouraging communication and supporting the exchange of ideas, nurturing deep social bonds among members.
CREWEL WORK FILMS
Learn the history of embroidery throughout the centuries with our film series
