About Me

Wayne and I have been married since 1994.   Our daughter, Abigail, very sadly lost a 3½ year battle with leukaemia just after her 15th birthday in 2020.

I worked in administration (covering a multitude of back-office tasks) at the local council for over 30 years before losing my job as a direct result of Abigail’s illness.  Since Salient Books was set up, I have been responsible for getting our books ready for publication (proof-reading, formatting, etc), creating the book covers and updating our website.  I now work alongside Wayne, carrying on with these roles, as well as assisting with background research and editing. 

I grew up in a home where there was always a sewing machine, and always some sewing project under way.  My mother was an ex-needlework teacher, and an excellent seamstress.  I learnt a lot from her – mostly by just watching.  I also learnt the mantra “make do and mend”, and how to save anything and everything “just in case” it would come in useful for a future sewing project.  When I was young, my mother would invariably make me a dress or skirt from the off-cuts when she’d made something for herself.  Nothing was wasted.  I now save old jeans, shirts, dresses, and curtains as well as the buttons, zips, and other fastenings from clothes and bags which are too damaged to rescue.  For many years now I have been making using these pre-loved materials.  Helen Made Me is a continuation of this, but now not just making for myself and my family, but to sell for others to make use of and enjoy.

A Brief Health Update :  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August (2025) and am currently undergoing treatment.  Hopefully this won't have an impact on my creating, but please be patient if things take a little bit longer to make.  Thanks.😀