Each month at The Home Crafters we spend some time with one of our crafters, getting to know them a little bit better, finding out more about their craft and sharing their story with you.!
October 2023, our Maker of the Month is Marie from Marie's Make & Mend
Marie is a Home Crafters veteran, she started selling her creations with us at the very beginning (all the way back in 2015!) and has been a huge support to the growth of our little business...
Here's her story:
"Marie, you've been with us for a long time, it's time you tell us a bit more about you…"
Hi, I'm Marie from Marie's Make and Mend. I think my name gives away my type of craft... I love to make things from fabric and bring new life to things by mending and altering them
"Where did this passion spring from?…"
I fell in love with sewing when I was eleven and had to make my apron to wear in domestic science lessons (remember them?!)
We had a Singer treadle sewing machine at home so, following the lessons in school, I started using it and was soon making my own dresses as a teenager.
I did all the coursework to stay on at school but circumstances made it necessary for me to leave and get a job (I then became a Typist).
Fast forward a few years, I got married and had three children and, of course, I made their clothes making patterns from newspaper.
"So, how did you turn your talents into your craft?…"
When the kids had all but grown up, years later, I moved to Devon and after doing various jobs I was lucky enough to secure a job with a lovely lady doing alterations in her gorgeous tiny shop.
This kept my passion alive and, when I came back to live in Yate, I saw an advert: Kirsty was arranging for local Crafters to sell their creations in a Pop up Shop. Of course, I contacted her and have been with her little Empire ever since!
Not only do I sell my creations in the shop and online, I also volunteer my time to help out in the shop every Monday morning. This allows me to offer my repairs and alterations service, where I get to meet new people and customers and take in repairs and alterations jobs , take them home and brig back the completed items the following week
"You've lots going on, which is your favourite part of it all?…"
As much as I enjoy the challenge of repairs and alterations, my passion is in creating something new. Kirsty even had me creating dresses for her to wear in the shop from the fabrics she sells! The Batman one was challenging but so fun to make!
I also love making cushions especially and have now started making lampshades to match. My absolute favourite at the moment is my tiny tooth Fairy pillows, they're just too cute, and the reading nook cushions which have a pocket in the front to store the book you're reading....
Even though I got to retirement age two years ago, I will never stop creating. Although, I do have a tendency to prepare things to make and not finish them, hence big piles of cut out things all around my craft room!
"You've got a craft room?…"
Yes! I share my craft room with my daughter who also sews and creates.
I am lucky enough to have a very special Granddaughter who lives near enough for me to be able to share in her upbringing doing the school runs and attending events at her school (I even took part in the egg and spoon race at her sports day this year!)
"So, what's next for Marie's Make & Mend?…"
I’m about to embark on my biggest adventure yet, I am going into business with a good friend and we are about to open our very own shop from which we can sell our own creations and I can continue to offer my alterations service - my daughter is also going to help us out!
It's a big deal at my stage in life but it's very exciting!
I will, of course, still be at The Home Crafters every Monday for my customers to reach me and have my products on their shelves too, I have plenty to go around!
I don't think I will ever stop sewing, as long as I am able to!
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If you are interested in starting a hobby business, are looking for an outlet for your handmade products and maybe would love to be featured as our next Maker of the Month please do get in touch with us either in store at our craft shop in Yate Shopping Centre or via our contact us page here. We would love to hear from you!
