Mrs Crafty B: Meet the Maker: Katie of Katie Gets Crafty

I can't quite figure out how it has taken so long to get us some crafty bunting on Meet the Maker but here it is! Let's meet the lovely Katie.

Firstly Katie,Tea or coffee?

I love a good cuppa tea but it has to be rooibos with no milk.

A Biscuit or some cake?

Both but it has to be gluten free and I especially love a lemon cake.

So, tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Katie and I am originally from Leicester. I have had the pleasure of living in Leeds, London and Wales and I am currently in Exeter. By day I am a fundraiser for a local charity and I also support my fiancé with his Music Production Company. Katie Gets Crafty was born out of my love for all things crafty.

...and what about the item that you are sharing with us?

I love making bunting and more importantly I love the smile it puts on peoples faces. Bunting can instantly brighten up any room. With the arrival of my nephew I wanted to make something special for his nursery. I came across some lovely fabric and decided to add his name in a bright orange felt. Since then I have made more personalised bunting including some for my fiancé and I for our engagement party! I am now selling personlised bunting through Katie Gest Crafty for a variety of occasions including birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and little ones rooms. I am in the process of setting up my folksy page where I will have range of fabrics and felt lettering to choose from, making sure the colouring fits perfectly with the occasion.

How long have you been sewing and how did you learn?

My crafty journey started with knitting as I taught myself by watching online tutorials. This introduction to the world of crafts was fantastic with chunky knits making quick projects. However, I felt something was missing and that was a sewing machine. I saved hard and with the help of money from Christmas and birthdays I was finally able to get my first machine in January 2012. I haven’t looked back since! I have been gentle on myself making projects that are achievable, but with the arrival of my nephew I challenged myself and made my first quilt. I am mostly self-taught but I have been fortunate to have the support and guidance of two special aunties and more recently I have joined a sewing class.

When did you start Katie Gets Crafty and why?

For some time family and friends have been telling me to do something with my craft skills and like so many it has been about confidence and time. In August of this year I volunteered for the Folksy Summer School. WOW! What an experience that was?! Before this I thought I needed to be fully qualified in my craft skills with years of experience behind me before embarking on anything like this. But I was wrong. Katie Gets Crafty was born the very next day of the Summer School. I am not trying to be anything I am not. My aim is to share my crafty journey with the hope that it will encourage and inspire others.

What inspires and motivates you?

So many things but mostly the people that I make the items for. This is especially true for my nephew and goddaughter. I don’t live locally so I love to be able to make them handmade items that I hope makes them remember me! It might sound corny but when you make something you are giving a little of yourself to that person. Another big inspiration has been all the amazing people I have met through social media. I am overwhelmed by the wonderful craft network on twitter. It has been fantastic to share ideas and get help from likeminded crafty types.

Any crafting heroes?

I would have to say my two aunties, Karen and Katie. I have been the lucky recipient of many handmade items from Aunty Karen, from dresses as a little girl to wonderful Christmas crafts. As for Aunty Katie she continues to amaze me. She will have so many different projects on the go all at once from quilts, to knitting a cardigan, to crocheting a bunny! I hope to be able to expand my skills set to such a variety of crafts on day.

Do you have a crafting space?

We had an open plan lounge and dining room but now it’s more of an open plan lounge and craft room!! Who needs to eat at a dinner table?!

Any big plans for 2014?

Lots! But my biggest plan was inspired by an affirmation I saw on twitter ‘Do more of what makes you happy’ and that is how I intend to spend 2014!

So can we join you in your virtual world?
www.katiegetscrafty.com

email: katie@katiegetscrafty.com

twitter: @katiegetscrafty

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katiegetscraftyuk

folksy: http://www.folksy.com/shops/KatieGetsCrafty

Finally, some quick fire questions:

The best season?

I love them all! That’s why I love living in England. Do I have to pick?! Ok, Autumn as I am loving the colour of the leaves on the ground at the moment. But when its winter, I will say winter!

Favourite colour?

I love a rusty orange. That might have been influenced by the last question!

Your favourite food?

Jambalaya! We even have a song and dance routine for this meal in our house!

The best day of the week?

Sunday – craft and chill day

What is the best word?

Tuk tuk!

Favourite place?

Anywhere with a sea view! There is nothing more peaceful than looking out to sea.

Your biggest achievement?

I am really lucky to have many things come to mind but at this moment in time it is taking the leap and starting Katie Gets Crafty. I am so pleased to have begun this journey and I am so excited by all that is to come.

Thanks for bringing a bit of bunting fun to Crafting a Daydream Katie. We can't wait to follow you on your new venture!