An Edinburgh woman has backed calls for craft subjects to be given greater protection in education ahead of the country's biggest textile art event.

The Spring Knitting and Stitching Show runs until April 30 in the city and highlights some of the nation's best designers.

Sheila Williams has been involved in patchwork for the past nine years and wants more awareness surrounding the activity's wide-ranging health benefits.

After being diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2011, Sheila credits an online patchwork course with helping her cope with chemotherapy.

She says it enables her to focus on something away from her illness, with the pastime taking her mind off her condition.

Highlighting the process of creation, production and entrepreneurial spirit involved in craft subjects, Sheila says it helped keep her sane during her time of need.