Pocahontas Doll

How would you describe your particular craft style? Many of my designs are inspired by the adorable, simple style of Japanese kawaii. There’s just something so charming and sweet about the style that instantly creates a sense of delight and joy in the person looking at it.

Did your distinctive style happen over time or was it immediate when you started stitching? I think that I gravitated towards that type of style right from the beginning and over time have branched off into other styles, although I’ve heard a lot of people say that they can always recognise my work, as it has a very distinct look about it.

Are you good at all the crafts you’ve tried? It depends … I love projects that incorporate hand sewing or embroidery and I enjoy working with clay, but I find that I don’t have the patience for knitting or crocheting.

What sorts of crafts do you avoid like the plague? Probably knitting. I’ve never finished any knitting project I’ve ever started!

Other than crafting, how do you like to spend your time? My hubby and I love boating and try and spend as much time as possible exploring the many islands, inlets and bays in our surrounding area. Caravanning is another favourite activity for us, and we enjoy inviting friends and family to join us, if they’re able.

Is your stitching a great diversion from tasks you’d prefer to avoid (eg: housework)? Unfortunately, it’s usually me that makes the biggest mess with all my bits of felt, trims, embroidery threads and pattern pieces lying around all over the place. I’m a bit of a neat freak, though, so as soon as I’m done working on a project, I do a massive clean. But it only lasts for a day or two before I begin on the next assignment.

If the good fairy granted you three wishes, what would you like them to be?

A secretary to answer all my convo’s, emails and messages.

A fabulous chef to cook dinner every night.

And a trip to visit my gran, who lives in South Africa. I’d want to show her all the little things I’ve made, as I know she’d love them.

Do you listen to music/radio or watch television while you sew…if so, what do you like to listen to/watch? I like to listen to music while I work and alternate between oldies, pop, classic rock and good old stuff from the ’80s, when I was a teenager. I love a bit of everything.

Do you like craft shopping alone or with friends? Generally, I like to look at everything and can spend hours browsing through the fabrics, trims notions etc, so I usually like to go alone unless someone else has the same intent. 

Shelly Down, Gingermelon –