The making of the quilts for the exhibition ‘The Fabric of Home’ displayed at Sheffield Winter Garden. Quilts by Rebekah Johnston telling stories of housing insecurity using research lead by Hannah Fairbrother of Sheffield University.

This lovely project is a perfect way to use up your smaller scrap fabrics and create functional textiles that make ideal gifts. Recently, I've rekindled my love for reading and needed something to stop me from folding book pages or using a hairpin as a bookmark. Inspired by the Japanese mending technique of boro, where fabrics are layered over one another and attached with running stitch, I created a very strong and sturdy fabric. I've kept the edges raw and finished with a blanket stitch, making this a truly handmade item with no attempt to disguise that! The possibilities with this technique are endless. You can keep it simple by laying your fabrics in stripes as I did with my first attempt, or you can incorporate different shapes. I used an earthy palette of plant-dyed silks, cottons, and linens. Depending on what you have at hand, you can play with different colour arrangements, try creating a gradient, or mix and match patterns with solids.

As an artist who creates intuitively, I've often worried that my work might lack the conceptual depth or meaning that is often celebrated in the art world. Not least because textile art is often devalued through its association with 'women's work' or 'craft'. However, I've come to understand that the choices I make – the colours, shapes, and design elements – are all imbued with significance, whether it's an interesting shadow I noticed, an emotional response to a song, or a childhood memory. These elements come together under the surface as my hands stitch away, creating something deeply personal and meaningful.

Creative block can strike anyone, and as a textile artist, it can be particularly frustrating. Whether you're dealing with ADHD, anxiety, or just the general ebb and flow of inspiration, finding ways to overcome these obstacles is crucial. Here are some strategies that might help you get back into your creative groove.

Five creative ways to display your mini quilts.