Our guest in this episode is Robyn Cuthbertson. Born in Melbourne Australia and raised in Lower Plenty (about an hour northeast of Melbourne), she learned to sew from her mom. Robyn was always interested in crafting, so sewing was a natural progression for her. 

She graduated from Melbourne University with degrees in Engineering and Physics and spent most of her university free time hanging out with the juggling club and perfecting her circus skills on a unicycle. At age 30, while working on her PhD in Engineering, Robyn was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease and was forced to give up her engineering career. Her mom suggested that she try machine quilting and as Robyn puts in…it was “love at first stitch”!

When not creating, Robyn practices snorkeling, underwater photography and her newfound passion for free diving. 

(2:09) How did her mom start teaching Robyn to sew? Robyn’s persistence had a lot to do with it.

(3:00) Her grandmother – a tailor – was instrumental as well.

(3:32) What’s the first thing Robyn made…she tells us here.

(4:10)At university, Robyn studied engineering and physics…why these subjects?! For fun and to get a job!

(5:08) Have her scholastic degrees helped her get to where she is now? Why yes…they have!

(7:39) The juggling club and the unicycle…why? Oh…and fire twirling too!

(10:32) Sewing carried Robyn for years – then she was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. Hear her remarkable story of illness and moving forward in both her body and mind. And then…Robyn and her mom decided to start a business doing something neither of them knew anything about and were initially “terrible” at doing.

(13:11) Robyn tells us about mitochondrial disease and what it’s like to live with.

(16:10) Who inspires Robyn? There are four individuals who have made a lasting impression on her and her work. Annamieke Mein https://www.annemiekemein.net.au/, Bethanne Nemesh https://whitearborquilting.com/, Judi Madsen https://www.judimadsen.com/ and Cindy Needham https://www.cindyneedham.com/. And the whole community has inspired her as well!

(20:19) When the pandemic hit and quilt shows were shut down, Robyn turned to textile art. This was a difficult time for her after all of the work she had put into her quilts. Not finding motivation to continue quilting…she found textile art with a 6” square piece.

(22:21) What’s she working on now?

(23:19) Robyn’s spare time is taken up by underwater photography, snorkeling and free diving. She shares with us why these are important and exhilarating for her.

(26:58) Why does Robyn think she’s a goldfish? And, what’s next for her?

(27:55) What’s her dream?

(29:25) What didn’t I ask?

(30:10) How do you reach Robyn? www.robynjdesigns.com.au and on Instagram            @robynjdesings

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