About Me

This is from an interview I did for The Market, about my inspiration and favourite things et al..

When and why did your business begin?

I am not quite sure whether it feels like a business yet, but I suppose I have been beginning for the past few years. The general theme for the business is creating inspirational pieces for children but there is a lot of cross-over appeal and I find myself working on things that generally make homes more colourful and comfortable for families. The collection has grown like topsy and includes Pocket Pandas, French Poodle Toys, Patchwork Pillows, Glass Bird necklaces, Eiffel Towers, Mermaids, Babushka’s and Chubby Faced pendants. I have also just added some Gumball Necklaces and Headbands and soft pillow regalia with hand printed Union Jack Cushions. I like to make simple jewellery for children that are a bit special, but not too precious that can be a gift from Mum or an Aunt but is still age-appropriate and fun.

What are your creations inspired by?

The era of the 1930’s. Childhood seemed simpler then. Toys were handmade. Clothing had a charm. Life wasn’t rosy, but I like its simplicity. It’s not that I want to turn back the clock, but I think kids today still respond simple and authentic, handmade objects and toys .

What's the best thing about what you do?

I really like it when children walk off with a Panda or a Poodle and take it into their lives and have a relationship with it. Sometimes I get to hear stories about where they go or what they do... I know of 2 Pandas that get tucked into pyjama pockets every night before bed, and sometimes I catch a sighting posted on blogs with them tucked under little quilts in a dollhouse somewhere.

Favourite colours/materials to work with?

I mostly sew using American quilting cottons because of their quality and variety. I’d say I use colour fearlessly. I like glass because of its ability to hold and reflect light. Favourites are turquoise, jade, cherry red, pale dusty pink, muted blue hues.


What can customers coming to the market expect to see at your stall?

I’ll be bringing some new Union Jack pillows, which are hand-printed and ‘antiqued’. I am really loving them because the symbol is so striking and it appeals to my inner ancestor (my father’s family is from Scotland and my Mum is English and the Union Jack is a combination of the Cross of St Andrew and the Cross of St George). If you want a sneak peek head to http://littlesnoring.bigcartel.com

Favourite piece you make?

That’s tricky. I really enjoy making the Pocket Pandas and French Poodles. I never really know what character they’ll have until the last stitch. Their expression almost always surprise and amuse me. But I would have to say it is a lot of fun to make is the patchwork cushions, which I make in editions. It is both challenging and a lot of fun choosing colours, patterns and fabric palettes.