Gingerbread Family Playset

How many different crafts do you do – and were you successful at all of them? I quilt, make toys and play-sets, embroider, stitch with English paper-piecing, knit, and occasionally do scrapbooking and candle-making. I’ve tried several times to crochet and I’ve mastered the basics, but am not at a stage where I can confidently follow a pattern to make the complex toys that I’d like to try. My mum tried to teach me to crochet, but she was left-handed and I’m not, so it was tricky!

How often do you start a new project? Hmmm ... more often than I finish one!  It varies, but roughly around every six to eight weeks.

Do you have the new design completely formulated in your head before committing it to paper and fabric? Most of the time I have about 75% of the new design in mind and sketched and around 25% of the design may be altered or added to as I’m designing. There may be a new element such a pretty button or ricrac that I decide to include, or I may see something that sparks an idea of how to make my design better.

Have you been stitching since you were a child? I’ve been crafting as long as can remember. My earliest memories of craft activities would be when I was around three years old and would paste pictures with fabric and yarn scraps from my Mum’s projects. When I was in lower primary school, I LOVED receiving craft kits for birthdays and Christmas. That developed into creating sock puppets and simple toys when I was in upper primary school. I never stopped crafting – my methods just developed and evolved as I grew older and learned different craft techniques.

Do you remember your very first craft ‘triumph’? If so, what was it and did you keep it? One of the earliest things I remember making was a log-cabin patchwork cushion cover. It was a Christmas present from Nan when I was 11, and came in kit form. I still have it tucked away.

Did you have professional training in stitching crafts? I was taught to stitch, sew and knit by my mother, who was taught by her mother and grandmother. When I discovered quilting at age 18, I took several classes at quilt shops to learn techniques.

Do you avidly follow other designers online and in magazines? I love looking at designs in magazines and online, but rather than specific designers, I’m usually drawn to styles of work. I love bright, pretty colours and small prints, so lots of the 1930s reproduction-style quilts appeal to me.

What is your least favourite part of designing and making a project? When quilting, I’m not a fan of basting, and when making toys I really dislike the stuffing part!

What is the ultimate crafting accolade as far as you are concerned? I don’t really think in terms of accolades, but having work published in Homespun has certainly been a career highlight!

Two Brown Birds