How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I've been crafting since I was a little girl, knitting, sewing, cross stitching and much more but I started making bags back in 2005 when i made a bag for my daughter Rachel -a pink parisian cat design complete with beads and marabou trim, I then started making them as gifts for her friends and it just went from there.
Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
Buying fabric/being given fabric - I just can't stop or say no, it doesn't stop at fabric unfortunately as i have cross stich kits, wool, buttons, and trims too. I think even if I lived to be 150 years old I'd still never finish all the projects that I have. I can't believe when I first got married I only had a couple of small boxes of fabrics and crafting materials. My solution to this problem was to have a workshop in the garden its huge 24"x12" but I've still managed to fill it to the rafters with fabric
What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Buy an overlocker I love mine and it gives a professional finish to you bags (always remember though not to phone your husband whilst he is in a meeting and you're in the sewing machine shop to ask if you can buy said overlocker as while its a most important decision for you he's really not that bothered which one you buy)
Use good quality interfacings again these give your bags a smooth finish and a firm bottom!!!
Dedicate a room to your sewing that way you can start and finish when you have the time rather than having to pack away each time, and if that's not possible use the dining room table and eat off your lap!!!
Marry a very understanding man who doesn't mind you stealing his shed, filling your house with crafts and spending money on sewing machines and fabric!!!
How did you find Misi?
I was searching for UK based handmade websites and after hours of trawling the net found MISI and was hooked straight away.
What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I love the Pink Ribbon Handbag - I've had this fabric for a little while and couldn't decide what to do with it, and then it was Breast Cancer Awareness month last month (Oct) so I teamed it with some hot pink fabric and made this bag.
What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
oohh! that's really hard as there's so many fabulous shops to choose from
I've just had a look in my favourite shops and my top three would have to be
Badge the Badger
Rosy Tint
and Katianne
but if I had to choose one it would be Rosy Tint as I've bought a couple of knitted toys from Rachael and they're just fantastic.
Random Facts about you:
What is your favourite season?
I love the Autumn when all the leaves turn golden
What is your ideal vacation?
New England in the Fall (autumn)
What is your favourite chocolate?
I'm a white chocolate kinda gal, the milky bars are on me!!!!
What is your favourite colour?
green with red hair it couldn't be anything else!!!
What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
I always find these questions kind of hard as I've like films but not really in terms of who's in them just whether i like them or not but if I had to choose then it would probably be Kevin Kostner in the bodyguard
What is your favourite band/singer/type of music?
I like lots of different music and can't really say I have a favourite, as long as its got a catchy tune and good lyrics so that i can sing along (badly) then I'm happy.
Please stop by Tracy's shop ~ Mad about Bags. I'm sure you'll find something gorgeous for a friend, daughter, niece, granny...
xxx
