What
do you make?
I'm getting better at
this now.... I specialise in freehand machine embroidered textiles. Cushions,
cosies, cases, cards, pictures......umm Whatnots!! My range is constantly
evolving but throughout it all is the drawing with the sewing machine on lovely
linen fabrics.
When
did you begin making and what was your inspiration?
As with most people who
create I started young, one of my first school reports said I had a strong
interest in the crafts. I've been making ever since. After moving to New
Zealand I began making gifts to send back to family and friends. The turning
point came when I realised I was about to send a third tea cosy to the same
friend, maybe I should try selling.
Where
did your brand name come from?
It took me far too long
to decide on a name, months not days!! I've always made things and when asked
what I make I'd come up with something vague, often relying on 'you know
whatnots and stuff'. After lots of lists and 'help' from friends and getting nowhere
Whatnots surfaced. It seems to suit me and my products.
Who
has been the most influential in your craft?
Not really influential
in my sewing but in being creative it's probably my Dad. If he has an idea and
wants to make it he can usually pull it off, eventually. I've inherited that
from him, things don't always work first time or how you expected but often
they are better for it. 'Happy accidents' are what we call them at school.
What
inspires you?
So many things, colours,
a walk on the beach, a piece of fabric, a picture in a magazine. At art college
we kept inspiration sketch books and while I don't have one going now I have
notebooks full of ideas, sketches and notes, I refer to them all the time.
Where
do you find your online inspiration? Favourite Blogs/ websites?
The first blog I ever
found was Tiny Happy after reading about Melissa in one of the NZ home
magazines, it opened a whole world to me. I pop in on a few blogs now but it's
Pinterest I have to limit my time on. As with so many people I can lose hours
there.
What
handmade possession do you most treasure?
A few years ago when my
daughter was 12 or 13 she made me a foot stall. She collected fallen branches
and striped the bark off with a penknife (she sat outside in the sun for hours
doing it) then made it using the greenwood technique (I think that's the
correct term). The seat is made from jute string. I treasure it not only
because my daughter made it but also because it really is a beautiful piece of
furniture. Despite much encouragement she hasn't made me more!
Apart
from making/creating, what do you do?
I'm a year 7-8
technology teacher aide in our local school. At the moment I have 120 students
making paper mache animal heads, as you can imagine it can be great fun seeing
their creations (I can't wait to see the slug finished!).
What
music is on 'high rotate' on your stereo or iPod at the moment?
I have an 18 year old
son who plays the guitar, that's about the only thing I listen to.
What
is your favorite book & food?
Favorite children's book
has to be the Secret Garden, I'd love a walled garden and my favourite food
would have to be strawberries.
When
you are not at the Devonport Craft Market - where can people find your work?
Online you can find me
on Felt or Facebook. I try and get to Crafternoon Tea and Frankly Crafty too.
Anything
else you would like to add?
There's a little gift
for all customers that mention they have read this profile and buy from me at
October's Devonport Craft Market.
