Why this particular craft? I’ve always been interested in craft and fabrics from a very young age. I would collect anything and everything as a child. During High School, I had a deep love for visual arts, and today I thoroughly enjoy combining textiles and visual art together. There is a great sense of pride that comes from creating something unique, with your own hands.

Who taught you your crafting skills? I first started sewing when I was about 4 years old. My beautiful Mum taught me to sew and nurtured my love of creativity. I remember loving long stitch and latch hook and I’ve always adored making my little sister handbags to play with. During primary school, we made hessian beach bags with wool embroidery and embellishments. I was addicted and completely ‘pimped out’ my bag! I remember this was when my first love of sewing truly started and I made lots of these bags as gifts. Making dolls was another project I really enjoyed.

What does this craft mean to you? Developing my own sewing patterns gives me the opportunity to spread my love of creating with not only my local community, but the whole world. I’m passionate and determined to achieve my dreams of inspiring and teaching the next generation to sew.

Have you tried plenty of others? Is fishing classed as a craft? If so, then yes, this is another one of my loves. It is my favourite thing to do with my Dad. We compete, laugh and talk about all the serious things happening in our lives. I’ve also tried and enjoy jewellery making, watercolour painting and gardening.

What are your favourite materials to work with? I love to incorporate wool felt, pompoms, tassel trims and I’m not afraid to embellish my projects. I also enjoy working with cork leather. It’s vegan, eco-friendly and much easier to work with than leather.

Do you teach your skills to others? I love to teach others at every chance I get - especially if I meet someone young with a slight interest in sewing. I get super-excited to encourage them to give sewing a go. I’d love to establish a sewing studio, filled with mind-blowing creative goodness!

How would you describe your style? What makes it unique? My style of sewing is fun, imaginative, unique and most of all QUIRKY! I design textile art to make an artist statement with often a whimsical twist. Meshing art and textiles together and creating something ‘wall-worthy’.

Where do you live and work? I live in beautiful sunny Queensland, north of Brisbane. Not too far from the coast, so I can enjoy all my favourite things by the sea. My sewing space is always neat, BEFORE cyclone Mandy starts a new project! I can’t wait until the day I have my own studio.

Mandy Murray, Sew Quirky