Kate Henderson
How would you describe your particular craft style?I think my style has changed from when I started quilting and sewing, and I am sure it will keep changing. I think I am quite traditional in what I do, but I like to use bright modern fabrics.
Did your distinctive style happen over time or was it immediate when you started stitching? I definitely think it has evolved. I like to try new techniques, shapes and colour schemes and I am inspired by things I see in the craft world, but also in nature, in art, in magazines etc. And that all gets incorporated into what I do next.
Are you good at all the crafts you’ve tried?Definitely not! I don’t think I’m a natural at anything. I love crocheting, but I need to practise a lot; thank goodness for YouTube, online lessons and people who post amazing step-by-step tutorials.
What sorts of crafts do you avoid like the plague?I don’t think there is anything I will ever say no to. There are crafts I don’t have time for at the moment, but I might give them a go in the future.
Other than crafting, how do you like to spend your time?At the moment, with four girls all doing different sports and things in the afternoons, I don’t have a lot of time for other things other than craft. I manage a lot more knitting during netball season and, last year, I started some English Paper Piecing, which I never thought I’d enjoy, but I love, as it’s great to carry around in my bag. When I have time, I love cooking and reading.
Is your stitching a great diversion from tasks you’d prefer to avoid (eg: housework)? Oh yes, I use sewing and quilting to bribe myself to get housework done - eg If I get an hour of cleaning done, then I can go and sew for an hour.
If the good fairy granted you three wishes, what would you like them to be? Mmm … a cleaning fairy would be great. Then I would have more sewing time. Sometimes I wish for a quilt-basting fairy; it is the one part of quilting I do whinge about.
Of all the designs you’ve created, which has been your favourite? My favourite is the always the one I’m currently working on or the one I’m planning next.
And which has been most popular with the public or gift recipient? I’m not sure there is one more popular than the other. My girls frequently change the quilts on their beds. They all have a few toys and dolls I’ve made and they are well loved.
Are you happy with the space you work in – what are its limitations and benefits? TI’m so lucky to have a room just for me that I have set up the way I want and don’t have to clean up every day - I can just stop whatever I’m doing and shut the door on it all at the end of the day. It has a window that faces east over the garden, so it’s beautiful early in the morning with the sun streaming in.
Have you got a stitching dream or goal? My dream was to write a quilt book, and I’ve been so lucky to get to work with the fantastic team at Martingale on two books, Striking Strip Quilts and Strip Savvy.
What makes you laugh out loud? My girls! I won’t lie, it’s crazy around here with four of them, but every day they always manage to make me laugh!