I was thrilled to start the textiles course, having had a lifelong interest in sewing, knitting and crocheting, but I quickly became irritated and frustrated at not being able to take it in the direction I wanted. The course used up all my time and energy, and my physical dexterity was declining rapidly.

So this would be my last course with the Open College of the Arts. I’d completed the equivalent of the first year of University – but it had taken me 7 years! The decision to quit was overwhelming and easy to make. I was never going to be able to complete the whole college course within the allowed timeframe anyway.

I had to start going my own way, before I lost the ability to do anything.