What do you love most about Scotland?
The diversity of such a small country; the seasons, the landscape and most of all it's people.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I don't usually have a set plan for what I'm going to make when I start each day. I look around my pile of fabrics until something catches my eye. If the beautiful British fabrics I work with don't inspire me then I'll go for a walk into the Lammermuir Hills or down to the beach and then come home with a clear head ready to start sewing.
What prompted you to open your Etsy shop?
Taking a stand at a local craft fair was always a dream for me and I see Etsy as an extension of that. It's a worldwide craft fair that's open 24 hours a day - perfect for night owls.
Which piece in your Etsy shop do you think is most representative of your work or yourself, and why?
Well, that's a good question and I'll try to come up with an answer that's deep and meaningful! Actually, it's more about the fabric than the products I create with them. Harris Tweed has such a history and is woven by individuals in their own homes. I was lucky enough to spend a while on a small Scottish Island in my 30's and it was truly a life changing experience for me. I learnt to enjoy my own company and be at peace. Each time I work with Harris Tweed I feel that same calmness and imaging the weaver at work on his loom.
What new skill would be top of your "to learn" list?
Well, I'm always trying to master new techniques with my sewing machine and only last week attended a 1-day course to learn more from my computerised sewing machine. However, I've always wanted to work with wood and am planning on spending a week next year with a master craftsman making a simple Windsor chair.
And, finally, what is your favourite crafty tip?
Oh dear, that's a tough question. I've discovered lots of little short cuts over the years and techniques that are helpful but really, my best tip would be just to get started. Some of my favourite items have been created because I didn't have the right tools or the right fabrics. I once attended summer school for creating mosaics and since the cost of using the special mosaic glass tiles was prohibitive, we improvised by going to all the local charity shops and buying up the patterned china and then smashing it to pieces. We had such fun and each piece we created was so unique.
Thank you to Sally for these inspiring responses and, to finish, a pic of some of that lovely Harris Tweed.
1 comment:
Great interview! I love finding out about who's behind the work so thank you for sharing!
And working with wood sounds like fun. We do furniture design at our college and I love the work at the end of the year - so lots of luck with that!
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