It is always a pleasure to visit Carole and marvel at her Aladdin's cave of wonderful fabrics yarns and trims. In the middle of this floor to ceiling shelving is a table with a sewing machine where all Carole's creations are brought into reality. Carole is a rare find in a world of sometimes haphazard artists, she had a former life teaching maths and that attention to detail and meticulousness persists in her textile work today.

What is your studio like?
A small room piled high with fabric and yarns. My husband calls it a tip but I usually know where things are!

Do you work with music or silence?
Never in silence. Music or TV always on.

Can you remember the first piece of work that you did that you were happy with?
Yes, I was about 12 and I made and dressed a doll as Queen Elizabeth 1 for a school needlework competition. I always regretted sending it to my French penfriend as I am sure she did not appreciate it.

Do you know how it will turn out before you start?
Yes, I usually have a picture in my mind.

What is your favourite work of your own creation?
I made a cushion for my parents to celebrate their Golden Wedding in 1989. I used all golden coloured fabrics and incorporated, using embroidery, their initials, those of my sister and myself, our children, important dates and all addresses my parents had lived at since their marriage. My mother still treasures it.

Who was is your biggest influence/inspiration?
Firstly my mother, (she still makes many of her own clothes at 89), then Zandra Rhodes.

Sketchbook or no sketchbook?
Yes, for jotting down ideas, especially when away from home.
Favourite place?
Pembrokeshire

Where would you like to be in 5 years time?
Taking life a little more leisurely but always with some craft work on the go.

What’s it all about?
Surviving, with a smile on your face.

What has been your most interesting learning experience?
Some years ago we spent 3 weeks in a Camphill Village in the US where our daughter was doing voluntary work. The villagers all had learning disabilities but were occupied in craft workshops each doing a job suited to their individual capabilities. Each person was truly valued and it was such a happy place.

Is modern art rubbish?
A lot of it but maybe I am just not on their wavelength.

What is the most insulting thing anyone has ever said about your work?
“ It is so professional it looks shop-made”

Damien Hirst or David Hockney?
Hockney. Most of what Damien Hirst does leaves me cold!

Tracey Emin or Tony Hart?
Tony Hart. I used to love his programmes when my children were small

Can art change the world?
Not sure about changing it but it can certainly make it a more colourful, interesting and even challenging place to live in.

What was the worst job you ever had?
Potato picking when I was a student.

London or the lake district?
No contest. The lake district every time.

What question would you like to ask people who have seen your work?
Will you come back and see it again?