A SUCCESSFUL Gourock textile designer and weaver is showcasing her work in her home town.

Heather Shields says she is delighted to become part of the team at Crow Cottage Arts in Kempock Street.

Heather, 32, who studied and works part-time at Glasgow School of Art, produces luxury homeware such as blankets and cushions and accessories such as scarves.

She said: "My mum was a very keen on sewing and my dad used to visit auction houses and I was always interested in costumes.

"I didn't think about it seriously until I did my fine art portfolio and realised that I didn't want to draw.

"I specialised in textile design which included weaving, knitting, embroidery and print."

Heather says she is thrilled that sewing and knitting have enjoyed a revival during lockdown.

She said: "I think we live quite fast-paced lives and work on computers and laptops, so it's good that people have re-engaged with something we make with our hands.

"I think schools need to re-introduce some of these skills, so people are able to fix and mend things and become more self-reliant."

Heather graduated in 2010 and afterwards went to London to to complete an internship.

She then worked for an arts charity and landed a part-time technician role at Glasgow School of Art.

She juggled this with a lecturing post at Glasgow Clyde College but after going on a business programme she decided to set up on her own in 2014 and give up teaching.

Heather set up her online business in 2014 and before the pandemic displayed her work in the form of hanging pieces in London.

She is thrilled that she now has a local space to display her work.

Heather said: "People like to touch and hold it and it's just lovely to have a space locally."

She says she would encourage young people who are looking for a career in the arts to go for it.

Heather said: "It's a great experience and you get much more from it than just the course.

"You learn critical thinking and a lot of the skills are transferable.

"I know of people who got different jobs not in the field itself, as it can lead to a diverse range of careers."