Why I do what I do:
In my 20s I did have a conscious thought about wishing to make and sell quilts for a living, but there were lots of other things I wished to do and the time wasn’t right. Roll forward 20 years, we now have e-commerce and twitter etc. at our fingertips, so I decided now was the right time for me to make and sell quilts for a living.
Starting your own business is incredibly exhilarating. My business idea was to combine my passions for design, colour, British quilt designs and British fabrics to create a product about quality and authenticity; British made heritage quilts with a contemporary twist.
Where I do it:
I live in Manchester and the North West has an amazing and inspirational textile heritage. I feel that Greater Manchester particularly is currently experiencing a real bubble of business opportunity and I feel so enthused to be part of a renaissance in British textile manufacturing.
What drives me on:
Following my embroidery degree, I went on to work in arts and education, in between bringing up my children and following a milestone birthday and the maelstrom of my son being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes I decided to start stitching again, although truth be told I never really stopped…
I make my quilts because I love colour, textures and fabric. I wish to stitch useful and beautiful products that people will enjoy and take solace from and that are made to last.
What I’m working on:
Scraps – my daschund draft excluder is inspired by one my Granny had. I have updated him for the 21st century providing you with a friendly and practical dog companion that will stop the drafts under your door, but will also look cute perched atop a sofa, dresser, bed or mantelpiece.
My NEW Tumbling Block blankets inspired by a traditional quilting block pattern have just been knitted and are ready for the wintry weather. I am currently working on quilted quilts stitched with shirting fabric for next summer.
Soapbox Space!
Nothing is either expensive or cheap, it’s either worth it or not.
Not sure where I picked this quote up from (thank you twitter?) but it resonates and it is my personal business mantra for my quilts. Individuals make personal choices to buy British; to buy quality goods made to last, to understand that for unique bespoke designs they need to pay a little bit more.
A quilt will warm your body and comfort your soul.
Blue Patch is Britain’s curated platform for quality products. If you would like to come on board please contact the team, we’d love to hear from you.
Blue Patch is a social enterprise and 100% of our profits are invested in renewable energy and community programmes
