Liz Woodhouse, founder of Embroidery Academy, talks about her turn on Couples Come Dine with Me (spoiler alert: she won!), wanting to be a pilot, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers
How and when did you start your career in the industry?
I started 35 years ago at Geoffery E MacPherson Ltd at 19 years old. I was fresh out of art college working as an embroidery drafter, drawing embroidery designs by hand at six times the actual size, ready to go onto a digitising board to be punched (an old-fashioned name for digitising relating to the holes in the paper tapes that ran the machines).
What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you at work?
I met my best friend Lisa Craddock (from Barudan UK). We’ve been friends for 35 years, she’s my wingman! We met at G E Macpherson and went on to have our own embroidery business called Elle Designs.
Which three words would your friends use to describe your personality?
Genuine, kind, thoughtful.
What’s your favourite word or phrase?
“Absolutely!” I didn’t realise how much I used it until I did the Chippy Tee podcast with Tony and Danny. I try to use it a lot less now!
Salt and vinegar or cheese and onion?
Cheese and onion.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Red Hot Chili Peppers at Nottingham’s Rock City in 1990. It’s still the best place to see live music!
Liz Woodhouse with best friend Lisa Craddock back in their Geoffrey E Macpherson days
Liz at the Teotihuacan Pyramids just outside Mexico City
What’s your hidden talent?
I love cooking and won Channel 4’s Couples Come Dine with Me a few years ago with my partner, Stuart. I’ve recently been on a Vietnamese cooking class; I love exploring new flavours and cuisines, being in the kitchen is my happy place.
What’s your most prized possession?
Gosh, I’m not materialistic at all so I’d have to say my wonderful children, Grace and George.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love those creative TV competition shows like Sewing Bee, Interior Design Masters and The Great Pottery Throw Down. No one else in my house likes them so I watch them alone.
Is there another job that you’ve always wanted to do?
A pilot. My first ever flight was to Australia when I was 10 years old, and I was fascinated by the crew. I thought it would be “so cool” to wear the uniform and walk through the airport.
Liz’s children, Grace and George
Cooking is a big passion for Liz
Where is the best place you’ve ever visited?
I love visiting different countries but one that stands out for me was the Teotihuacan Pyramids just outside Mexico City.
Which gadget couldn’t you live without?
For work, a bobbin tension gauge, which is very underestimated in the industry. At home, my hair straighteners.
If you could ask one person (living or dead) one question, what would you ask?
Unfortunately, I lost my mum just over a year ago. I’d love to ask her if she’s now reunited with my dad and enjoying a G&T together.
