How would you describe your particular craft style? ‘Sophisticated naïve’ was how a friend once described my work, and I really like the sound of that. It’s certainly not primitive, although it’s perhaps a little whimsical.

Did your distinctive style happen over time or was it immediate when you started stitching? My style has developed and changed over the years. When I first started designing for the patchwork and quilting industry, my focus was on quick-fuse blanket-stitch appliqué projects, which are still popular today. However, as the years passed, my design style evolved to combine traditional appliqué with embroidery/stitchery. To add texture to my work, I often use my own hand-painted buttons, which are handmade in our studio on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Are you good at all the crafts you attempt? I am hopeless at crochet, as I can’t keep count, and when I tried my hand at pottery in the ’80s I discovered I really disliked getting my hands dirty. I loved spinning, weaving, knitting, painting, stencilling and folk art and although I tried many other things - including macramé - I always return to patchwork, with appliqué and embroidery being my favourite.

Other than crafting, how do you like to spend your time? I love walking on the beach with my husband and our Labrador, Hugo. I also always have a book on the go – I have to admit that I’m enjoying reading on a Kindle, which I never imagined I would. One of the things I like about electronic reading is that I don't have the weight of three or four books in my bag when I am travelling.

Is your stitching a great diversion from tasks you’d prefer to avoid (eg: housework)? I like a clean, tidy house and find that I can focus on designing better once all the chores have been completed. Our home is uncluttered, which makes cleaning and keeping everything tidy easy, plus I have a wonderful husband who helps with the housework – he does the floors and windows.

Do you listen to music/radio or watch TV while you sew? I like peace and quiet to work in. There is so much going on in my head when I am designing that I really don't need the added distraction of TV or music. When I’m hand sewing, then yes, I love to have the TV or a talking book to listen to.

Are you addicted to haberdashery and patchwork shops? I used to be and, certainly, if I get the chance when we are travelling and I see a quilt shop, I am eager to look inside. However, as I work almost exclusively with my own design fabrics, there isn’t that driving need to ‘go shopping’ for alternatives. Haberdashery is another story … I love to try new things. Clover recently sent me a package with a simple little gadget to twist threads together to make cords – it’s brilliant!

Lynette Anderson Designs