Anne was born and grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. Her interest in woolcraft began over forty years ago, when her mother taught her to knit. Fifteen years later while living in Socorro, Mexico, she was introduced to weaving and used a spinning wheel. When she returned to New Zealand, she had the chance to learn about farming sheep and goats for fibre. Anne now breeds the Fleecewood Leicester (named after Anne's farm). This sheep produces a naturally coloured fleece, characterised by length, lustre and openness, and is appreciated by spinners want a wool with a silky smooth handle.
It wasn't long before she was spinning, weaving, knitting and felting the wool her sheep produces, as well as selling fleeces. She soon learnt that some customers preferred to purchase prepared wool, so she started washing fleece, and having wool carded for sale. The next adventure was exploring dyeing, including over-dyeing naturally coloured fleeces.
In recent years, Anne has explored new techniques and developed equipment, including the WIZPICK system for coding felting needles (in conjunction with Helen Bishof) and various techniques associated with diagonal weaving. She is qualified to teach at both the adult and secondary school levels, and now tutors woolcraft learning opportunities in community education settings, such as Creative Woolcraft Workshops and mentoring at Fleecewood Farm.
Anne is passionate about the power of creativity to enhance people's sense of worth and wellbeing, and continues to use her scientific and teaching background to explore new woolcraft possibilities.
Anne also recently appeared on the 24/11/24 episode of Hyundai's Country Calendar showcasing her stunning Fleecewood farm. Watch the episode now on TVNZ.
