After an incredible response from budding artists across the country (and indeed, the world), and thousands of votes cast in a truly nail-biting competition, we are overjoyed to reveal the four winners of the 2025 Joan Harrison Creative Bursary! Each of these talented makers will now have the opportunity to study a Skill Stage 2 accredited course entirely free of charge. This is their chance to push their creativity, develop new skills, and take their textile practice to the next level.
Congratulations to our winners! Your dedication, passion, and talent have shone through in every stitch, weave, and pattern. We also want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who voted, shared, and celebrated the finalists’ amazing work. The quality of entries this year was extraordinary, and the support from our community made this competition feel truly special.
Without further ado, let’s introduce our inspiring bursary winners and celebrate their creativity!
Kathryn Tomasetti
Hand Embroidery
“I would really like to delve deeply into the world of hand embroidery and learn how to best add it to my pieces, which is not something that I can afford to do otherwise.”
Kim Gilbert
Textiles
“This is a brilliant opportunity that could give my career progression.”
Sally Mallinson
Machine Embroidery
“It would give me a renewed self esteem and sense of purpose. I now have the time and energy to fully commit to this.”
Amanda Toase
Patchwork & Quilting
“The course would give me the structure, knowledge base and designated textile time that I crave.”
Nicole Gammie
Knitting
“Being able to get feedback and bounce ideas off others is something that can be challenging to find, and this course would make a very great difference.”
Rachel Ball
Hand Embroidery
“If I was to receive the bursary I would be incredibly grateful and that gratitude would make me determined to make the most of an incredible opportunity.”
Caryl Hennen
Patchwork & Quilting
“The course would inspire me to be more creative and innovative with my quilting and help me focus my energy on the areas I want to work towards.”
Liz Ablett-Brown
Crochet
“I love art and it is my biggest passion. I am 100% motivated as I enjoy studying and now is definitely my time to show what I can achieve with more knowledge and understanding.”
