Creative of the Month: Sharon Thornton

Tell us a little about yourself...

I grew up in Toowoomba, moved away to work, met a husband and returned 10 years later.

I have 2 gorgeous daughters who are both now working in Brisbane. I have recently (sort of) retired after 40 years working as an Inclusion Teacher and am enjoying more time to sew and create.

A couple of fun facts… I have bare foot skied (about a metre!), jumped out of a plane (with my husband and 2 daughters) and I practiced aerial yoga for 2 years! 

Pretty much so I could say I did it!!

Sewing has always been a part of my life and I have sewn clothes since school days. My quilting journey began when I was in my early 20’s teaching in Gladstone. 

There was a scrap quilt advertised at the TAFE college, and I thought that sounded interesting.

Of course I had to buy ALL my scraps and completed a small churn dash quilt. It made the local paper!! 

I was hooked and went on to make a 30-block sampler quilt in heritage greens, burgundies and golds.

It was a massive undertaking and the local quilt shop made and cut all my templates (for $5 each) which was my weekly homework.

How did your sewing journey begin?

My mother and grandmother always sewed and enjoyed many creative pursuits.

I would have to say this influenced me and I remember sewing and cooking in Home Economics at school fondly.

Around the time I was in my late teens, there was a Knitwit sewing course – I would like to say I did it twice, thus am a double certified Knitwit!

I continued making clothes and dabbled in a little embroidery as well as stitcheries, various quilting projects and loved BOM (Block of the Month) programs.

Do you remember the first thing you ever sewed? Tell us about it.

The first clothing I sewed was a wrap around skirt in bright red with anchors all over followed by a powder blue ‘pit’ suit complete with pockets, buttons up the front, a collar and a belt! There are no photos of that!

What inspires your work? (People, patterns, colours, nature, stories?)

I am very much inspired by some of the tutors I have attended workshops with and am a bit of an Instagram groupie.

My favourites are many, but include – Quilting - Marg Sampson George, Emma from Treehouse Textiles, Judy Newman, Margaret Mew and Deborah Dorward. 

Garment Sewing - The Sewing Department (#1!), Merchant & Mills and Tessuti Fabrics.

I am also lucky to have beautiful friends who have diverse interests and skills, and we share projects and are inspired by each other.

We tend to leave most stitchy days with numerous more ‘must-makes’. People ask what I do with all my quilts and projects and I say…”try to finish them!”

What kind of sewing do you love most? (Garments, quilting, mending, embroidery, etc.)

Probably the last quilt or garment I finished! Although I absolutely love completing a long term project.

Petranella quilt (by Marg Sampson George @msg47) is my absolute favourite and took my around 2 years to complete.

I covered many circles in the car as my husband and I did a road trip to far north Queensland a few years ago.

I love the freedom of needle turn and appliqué as well as English piecing a block.

Any sewing fails or funny moments you’ve had along the way?

There are many! I don’t think there is a project that I have completed without a mistake.

I have sewed my finger to a block, sewed sleeves upside down, reversed front and backs…

What’s your go-to sewing tip, favourite tool, or fabric you love to work with?

Hands down my Clover Needle Holder! I load x10 needles and love not having to thread a needle every time I need. Also my thimble.

Who or what are your creative influences?

With my quilting, I believe I have been most influenced by Marg Sampson George.

Her work is very freeing, and she encourages you not to be perfect. Don’t worry about that specific piece of fabric and don’t worry if it doesn’t fit exactly. 

With my garment sewing, I love anything by Merchant & Mills and I’m also inspired by Carolyn from The Sewing Department!!

Am I allowed to say that?!

Are you working on anything exciting at the moment?

I have 2 tops cut out and ready to sew – Fabric and patterns purchased from TDS! 

I am also working on a quilt called ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ by @msg47.

Would you be happy to share a favourite recipe with our readers? 

What advice would you offer someone just starting their sewing journey.

Don’t try to be perfect, enjoy the journey and try not to compare your work to others.

Explore your individuality and follow your own dreams.

Dive into the vibrant world of Sharon Thornton on Instagram: @sharont1564