Embroidery: questions and Band 8 answers

Not really, no. I've seen my grandmother do it quite a lot, stitching lovely floral patterns onto tablecloths, but I've never actually had a go myself. I'm a bit clumsy with needles and thread, to be completely honest, so I usually avoid that sort of craft.

Yes, we had basic textile classes in primary school. We learned simple cross-stitch techniques and made small bookmarks. I wasn't particularly skilled at it, but it was quite fun experimenting with different coloured threads and creating basic geometric shapes on cloth.

I do, actually. I've got a denim jacket with some subtle embroidery on the back collar, just a small branch motif. It adds a nice, unique touch to a plain piece of clothing, which is why I bought it at a local market last year.

I suppose it's quite therapeutic. In our busy daily lives, sitting down quietly and focusing on detailed needlework allows you to switch off and unwind. Plus, there's a real sense of accomplishment when you finish an intricate design and see the final result.

I wouldn't mind giving it a try, especially if I could find a weekend workshop. I think it'd be wonderful to customise my own canvas tote bags or mend old garments with decorative stitches rather than throwing them away.