What was the first
thing you remember making?
I was forever getting crafty when I was little – from drawing and
colouring in, to making Plasticine figures and pasta collages. One of my
clearest memories is of trying needlework when I was about 6 years old. It was
a kid’s needlepoint kit with a picture of a big red ladybird printed on plastic
canvas and colourful wools to stitch with. Little did I know I’d eventually make
a business out of stitching.
How did you find your
creative side?
My hands usually
want to get busy when I feel stifled. In my twenties I got into dressmaking as
an antidote to my suited-and-booted corporate job. Later, I founded Floss &
Mischief when I reached a frustrating career crossroad. Being crafty feeds my
soul when I need it most.
What has been your
favourite ever make? Whether that be for your business or pleasure – tell us
about it.
The piece I still
go ‘wow’ about wasn’t even my embroidery project, it was embroiderer JessicaAldred’s! But I was lucky enough to help
stitch it. It was an epic 1.5m tall wall hanging designed by The Partners,
which we hand-embroidered and appliqued to show Fine Cell Work’s brandguidelines. As a charity that teaches
needlework skills to prison inmates for their financial and emotional benefit, its
concept was beautifully apt.
It took over
300 hours and a small team of prisoners and volunteers, led by Jessica, to complete
the stitching. I loved how we sat round the stretched fabric to stitch together.
The wall hanging went on to win several awards and I got some lifelong friends
out of it too. That’s the power of needlework!
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| Photo credit: The Partners |
What are your
favourite ways to stay inspired?
I don’t look
for inspiration, full stop! The more I stress about needing an idea, the more
uninspired I become. Instead I choose to not even think about it. I find that
if you just go about your business and keep yourself busy, inspiration eventually
strikes.
Who are your
favourite Designer/Makers right now?
I absolutely love what jewellers Oh My Clumsy Heart are
doing right now, from their whole aesthetic to their stylish subscription box.
The Alena necklace is top of my wishlist.
The first stand I always want to go visit at craft markets
is another jeweller, I Am Acrylic because they bring it! They’re super creative with their event displays, so
it’s always a joy to discover what they’ve done each time.
Also, I can’t stop staring at Cayce Zavaglia’s embroidered
portraits. They’re so absolutely incredible, you’d think they were oil paintings, not made
with humble needle and thread.
I could go on, but we’d be here all day. There are simply
too many great makers out there!
What crafty item is
top of your wishlist?
Ernest Wright & Son scissors. As one of the last companies in
Sheffield to make scissors by hand, and a family firm to boot, they embody
British heritage, craftsmanship and integrity. Their scissors are so
beautifully made, they come with a lifetime guarantee! This little video of
their Putter, the putter-togetherer of scissors, is utterly charming. Who knew everyday scissors could
hold such beauty?!
What do you like to
do when you’re not working?
Definitely
not DIY. After relocating to the countryside over two years ago, and doing DIY around
the house pretty much every weekend since, I’ve had enough of it!
Tell us a bit about
what you have coming up? any little
projects you want to tell us about.
We’re super busy creating new Floss & Mischief stitching
products, cross-stitch patterns and DIY kits. I’m so excited about them but
can’t tell you anything more just yet (that’s annoying isn’t it)! You’ll have
to stay tuned to our Twitter, Instagram or Facebook feeds for behind-the-scenes
previews.
Twitter:
@FlossMischief
Instagram:
@flossandmischief
Facebook:
Floss & Mischief
Website: www.flossandmischief.com
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We actually came across Floss & Mischief when we were at the Knitting and Stitching show, the lovely Mr X Stitch introduced her to us!
Which one would you choose to make first?
H & Sammy
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