Claire Turpin

Would you have loved something like this for your bike when you were a child? Yes, I’d probably have filled it with chocolate biscuits, though!

Where did you grow up – and was craft a part of your childhood?I grew up on the south coast of England. I used to make lots of things from no-bake clay - funky necklaces, I seem to remember. My parents also ran a camping shop, so I used to make small towns and cars from the huge boxes.

Where and when do you like to stitch? I am very lucky to have a designated sewing space in my house, so stitching takes place there, however it does tend to creep back downstairs, as I really like to sew amongst the chaos of the family.

Do you listen to music or watch television while you sew?Always. I have ‘listened’ to lots of TV shows while I sew – my eyes are never watching, as I am busy sewing. When I am designing, I usually have music on. I find silence doesn’t help the creative process.

Are you an avid blogger about your crafts?Sadly not – the intention is there but the practice is still lacking! I do try to update my blog every time something new comes out, though.

Do you have a favourite style of handcraft you like to work on?Appliqué is my go-to craft – it’s the bit where I choose the fabrics and play with the colours that I love the most. Then when the whole quilt is sewn together, there’s such a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Are you a haberdashery and patchwork shop addict?We are a bit restricted on amazing haberdashery shops in Perth, but I do love to wander in them when I get a chance. But I don’t buy anything unless I have an immediate use for it – I’m not one to spend dollars on beautiful things just for the sake of it. Same with a patchwork store - I go with a particular project in mind, so it takes a while to select the right colour palate. I teach in a patchwork shop once a week, so that’s a bit dangerous for my bank balance!

What’s your favourite time of day to sew?When everyone is out of the house and I have the space to myself. I don’t like sewing on the weekends, as I prefer to spend the time with my family, but if everyone is happy and busy with their own things, then Sunday afternoon sewing with a movie playing in the background can be really good for the soul.

Do you have any sewing gadget you never use?Not really. I buy things if I need them and then I tend to use them. I have two sewing machines on my bench, and they both get used all the time. Thinking about it, I never use my free motion foot, just cant get on with that!!

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  1. Cotton-Candy Carousel Cushions
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    Sewing Cotton-Candy Carousel Cushions
    USD $9.09
  2. Santas Little Helper Cushion And Elf Doll
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    Sewing Santas Little Helper Cushion And Elf Doll
    USD $11.37
  3. styled shot of sewing my bears quilt and girl
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    Quilting Who's Been Sewing With My Bears? Quilt
    USD $11.37
  4. styled shot of scooter bag
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    Sewing Super-dooper Scooter Bag
    USD $9.09
  5. Styled shot of tall lighthouse cushion on wicker chair outside by the pool
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    Sewing Safe Harbour Appliqué Cushions
    USD $9.09
  6. Styled shot of modern appliqué frog quilt on bed in kid's bedroom
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    Quilting Leapfrog Quilt
    USD $11.37
  7. Styled shot of gnome and animal appliqué quilt outdoors with garden gnomes and flowers
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    Quilting Gnome Sweet Gnome Quilt
    USD $11.37
  8. Knights, dragons and castle appliqué wallhanging quilt and cushion styled shot hanging up on wall
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    Quilting A Knights Tale Wallhanging And Cushion
    USD $11.37
  9. Styled shot of beachballs and umbrellas appliqué and foundation pieced quilt at the beach
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    Quilting Beachballs & Brollies Quilt
    USD $11.37
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