Made in Derbyshire, UK.

In the middle of my garden, there is a hawthorn tree. Every day birds are perched in its branches: sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, goldfinches, blue tits, great tits, woodpigeons, collared doves and the gardener's favourite, the robin.

As a history graduate who loves nature, I find inspiration for my designs in many places. Some designs are based on artwork which is over a thousand years old.

I am based in Derbyshire's beautiful Amber Valley. Codnor, my home village, has the ruins of an ancient castle on its outskirts and is surrounded by countryside.

All the designs are created by me, Karen Eley, in my home studio.

I began creating my own designs when I couldn't find what I was looking for. I started designing Celtic patterns with a modern twist and realised that other stitchers would like them too. I now create patterns inspired by many historical styles as well as wildlife and literature.

I have been featured in XStitch magazine by Jamie Chalmers, aka Mr X Stitch. I have also had exclusive designs featured in publications by Lakeside Needlecraft.