Holmes is a self-taught handweaver whose interest was aroused through contact with a patient (in her previous occupation as a registered nurse) who wove. A few elementary lessons and a lifetime of reading and experimentation have led to creating work that extends all handweaving boundaries. Her isolation has often been professionally debilitating; however, it has also been an advantage. Sometimes not knowing you shouldn't/couldn't helped!

In 1987 Holmes worked with Eric Noble, designing, and producing a production 60-inch, 24 shaft, computer Dobby loom, the only one of its type made in Australia. In 2021, she imported a Louet 32 shaft Megado Computer Dobby loom allowing for much greater 3D experimentation.

In 2003 Holmes closed her 20-year handwoven clothing business and has since concentrated totally on woven design, structure and experimentation, often with unusual fibres. The handweaving of copper wire being one of those, eventually developing a unique technique that enabled the weaving of 3D textural and sculptural pieces in multiple layers.
She hand-dyes almost all the yarn she uses, allowing utter control over colour, thus emphasising the unique structure and texture of her work.

She currently serves as a committee member for the American Complex Weavers Associations Online Offerings Program