meet a maker monday

being the inquisitive little feltmaker that i am, i thought it might be interesting to hear about other maker's stories. so a little while ago i asked if anyone would be interested in being interviewed for my blog. i was hoping to make it a monthly feature but have been so overwhelmed by responses that it is now a weekly feature!

so, grab a cuppa, put your feet up and lets meet sue from homespunwithlove ...

Please introduce yourself …I’m Sue to friends, but still am called Susan by family.

I live and work in Nuneaton, North Warwickshire with my husband, 20 year old daughter and Ellie the cat. Used to be a secondary teacher, before becoming self employed – altering wedding and prom dresses. Still do that but went back to college working with disabled students. My craft sewing is purely for relaxation and pleasure – if I make some pennies too that’s a bonus.

How would you describe your work / style?
I call my craft ‘Homespunwithlove’
- all things inspired by and hand made with beautiful homespun and vintage materials - fabric/lace/buttons etc.”

Who, or what, inspires you?I have always had a passion for sewn items and stitchery.

As the name suggests I was inspired by the wide range of sewn crafts and supplies readily available in craft stores in the States and Australia. I’m like a child loose in a sweet shop in these stores. Just wish they were closer to home – not quite the same as shopping on the internet. Also have always loved the homespun style of fabrics especially the woven checks

Do you sell your work? If so, what helped you decide to start selling your work?Yes - there is only so much you can make for yourself and family and friends. It was a case of selling in order to enable my hobby to continue.

Where can I buy your work?homespunwithlove folksy shop
Goldstraws, Warwick

I will also be exhibiting at the following craft fairs in 2010
Victoria Hall, Oakham – Sat 16th Oct
Hinchingbrooke House, Huntingdon, Oct 9th and 10th
Hanger One, Sywell, Northants, Nov 20th and 21st
Do you have a website or blog address?Not at present other than the Folksy shop. Keep thinking about running my own blog, but shyness and computer technical know how, or rather a lack of it prevents me.

How did you learn your craft? How long have you been creating?Yes, somebody out there does or rather did make those items as demonstrated on Blue Peter. I always had a buzz from making things by hand right from a young age, I always loved toys that encouraged me to make something. Couldn’t afford an extensive wardrobe for ‘Tressy’ (who’s hair incidently no longer grows – she had a hair cut) so designed and made my own. Loved sewing at school, or rather dressmaking as it was in those days. Eventually trained as a needlework/Home Economics teacher – that dates me.

Is there any other craft skill you would like to learn?I think I would like to give needle felting a go.

Kirsty Allsop’s Xmas TV series has also inspired me to give soap making a go – one day!

Anything exciting planned for 2010 you’d like to share?Nothing this year, but hoping to visit brother in Australia in 2011.

Have you had any work featured in magazines/books/galleries?I sell my work in a local art and craft shop in Warwick.

Has your work won any prizes/competitions?Several years ago I entered a patchwork quilt and cross stitch sampler into a local Arts Festival – both won first prize in their categories.

If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be …Wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

Describe your perfect day.Not having to go to work.

Hubby prepares breakfast – in bed of course, lunch and tea, while I can be left to be creative in my sewing room undisturbed. Cat keeping me company, snoring peacefully beside me.

Describe your proudest moment.The birth of my daughter, Jessica

What do you do to relax?Wish I knew the meaning of the word. Always busy, busy, busy.

Marmite … love it or hate it?Hate it.

What animal would you be, and why?I’ve always said I’d like to be my cat – talk about the life of luxury.

What’s your weakness?Chocolate.

thanks for taking the time to chat sue, your work is really beautiful. your perfect day sounds like my idea of bliss too! nice to know that we weren't the only ones wrestling with cereal packets and double sided sticky tape ... ahhhh, blue peter :)