I chose to use the name of my wonderful mama, Jee. She loves unconditionally, is a constant pillar of support and wisdom for her children, and most importantly she always know how to make me smile and laugh! My mum in particular was always encouraging us to be creative growing up. She taught me how to sew, and always had a knack for turning something old and unloved into something beautiful.

I chose to use my mother's name as my inspirational woman in my life. Mum has always been kind and caring and had a unique view of the world which I think helped shape me to where I am today. I added the thistle as a nod to Mum's Irish roots, she immigrated to New Zealand as a child. She surprised everyone when she decided to get it tattooed on her arm in her 50s having no other tattoos.

Lee is my mother’s name. Not only is she my wonderful mum but she is my best friend. She is always there for me. When we were kids she made a lot of our clothes and not only taught me to sew but instilled the love of sewing and all things hand made. I was given my first sewing machine when I was a teenager and encouraged to set up my own little sewing room in our laundry shed where I sewed and made my own clothes to my hearts content. My love of sewing and making things has continued to this day and my mum and I still share a love of creating.

NETTA Jean known as PAT is my Mum. She has made a difference in her life through selfless hard work and looking after others. She has been a caring nurse and an inventive maker and problem solver. Mum has drafted patterns and sewn, embroidered and smocked, knitted, gardened, cooked and decorated special occasion cakes, just to name a few of her skills. Mum has always been there for me. She is the heart of our family`s love with her unfailing faith in God. Now she is frail, aged 93 and in aged care, I remind her every day of how special she is and of all the things that she has done.

For my mother, Sandie, who emerged from her chrysalis after a life of upheaval, uncertainty and struggle as Sandra. Proof that age is no barrier and that you can be whoever you want to be.

My mother Anne Groufsky taught me almost everything I know about textile craft. I embroidered this on a piece of cotton that we dyed together with indigo in her garage in Whangarei.

Cath is my mum, she is the kindest women I know. The quiet matriarch of our family who has the extraordinary ability to listen without judgement and the capacity to make you see all sides to a story and situation. As an adult, I still hope that one day I will grow up to be just like her.

My patch is to honour my maternal grandmother who was an artist- a state demonstrator for CWA for basketry and glove-making. Her name is Ella. I have used vintage silk thread passed down from her to embroider the name.

Marion, now deceased, was always inquisitive, had great energy, with a passion for the arts, which was infectious. Bright and forward looking, she was interesting and joyful company.

My lovely architect friend Yael is endlessly creative – to step through her front door is to enter an inspiring environment from floor to ceiling. Drawings, prints, paintings, fabric pieces, small constructions, small & larger framed works - some of which is her work but most often work she has bought or swapped with artists, cover the walls, shelves and floor. Visiting her is better than any art book can possibly offer.

My mother Rhyllis sacrificed her artistic self in sewing and knitting for her family. Growing up I was always aware of her simmering energy and frustration at not being able to pursue her primary passion. Seven years ago I embroidered invitations to my wedding on this fabric. This was the last time I saw my mother. The golden thread is from her embroidery box-her favourite colour.

I chose to honour my student midwife who became my rock during a complicated pregnancy and traumatic labor. She advocated for me when I was being dicked around by hospital staff, helped me come to difficult decisions, and was able to correctly diagnose a condition I was suffering from that multiple doctors missed. Louise is an angel who I was very lucky to become friends with.

My paternal grandmother's name. She was also Scottish and spent alot of her later life crippled by arthritis. Like my Dad said after her passing, I think she must have been a toughie. I used to listen alot to her tales of old Scotland.

Alexsandra refers to my mother who I am spending a lot of time with following my father's death. As an only child, she means a lot to me now for a connection in the world.

My maternal grandmother's name. She was Scottish and died in my childhood. I thought of her as having been a lady of style in her life and I liked playing with her Royal Doulton doll's when I was young.

The Jewel in the Crown of my life is Amanda – my granddaughter. I raised her from the age of six following the death of her mother (my eldest daughter). She is now an amazing wife and mother of three beautiful boys and inspires me with her courage, resilience and compassion. She enriches my life and encourages me to live creatively.

Kathleen was my Grandmother. She was a very special person. The fabric and embroidery cottons I used were given to me by her.

Helen is my wise, kind, funny and loving mother. She’s one of my favourite humans in the world and I am eternally grateful that she’s my mum.

The name used is Tamara, she is my first born daughter, She has taught me how to be unselfish, how to love unconditionally, how to hold my temper, how to love myself. I would not be the person I am if it was not for her presence in my life. If I listened and acted on all she said I would be healthier and happier, but I must not be judgemental and accept where I am now.

Rosalyn Bessie Ludemann (Born 1884 at Leeston, Died 1972 at Oamaru). Rosalyn was my grandmother who lived on the farm next to ours. I saw her most days. She was a beautiful sewer and needle woman. She had 35 grandchildren and for Christmas we would received handmade gifts, felt toys, nighties and pyjamas. These were often found in the handmade gift bags. For my 12th birthday, she gave me a sterling silver thimble Dorcas and it is still in its little box. I feel really lucky to have had a granny who taught me the love of crafts and needle work.

Jan Limbrick (FTCL Speech & Drama) was my mother She was kind and generous to everyone and always seemed to know when someone needed extra help. She was fiercely independent and extremely capable, qualities I have always admired. She died 43 years ago (1977) on Mother's Day.

My chosen person is Peggy, my mother, who died in 2000. When young I took her skills as a dress-maker and eye for fashion and colour co-ordination for granted. Very few had bought clothes back then, but I always had the latest fad! I also didn't realise how unusual it was for a woman to gain a degree in 1930 , let alone in mathematics! My interest in sewing and handicrafts ( mainly embroidery) I totally owe to my mother; by secondary school I was sewing my own clothes. My intellect is not a patch on her's but I grew up with the ability and confidence to choose what I wanted to do with my life, knowing I would have her support.