Meet the Maker: Elaine of Lily and Nells

I am a little bit 'into' scarfs. I mean wearing them (eek!). I think you can change up any outfit and for me, it's the first thing I notice. I would definitely notice this pretty scarf!

Before we get down to business, lets ask our maker whether they would like tea or coffee? 

Umm. Tricky. I love both but if I could only have one it would have to be tea. Leaf tea, made in a pot, one sugar and a splash of milk.

Biscuit or cake to go with? 
Carrot cake.

Good choice! My favourite. So, tell us a bit about yourself. 
I’m Elaine Jeyes and I’m from Northamptonshire. My business name is Lily and Nells. I have a blog on my website www.lilyandnells.weebly.com. When I’m not making and creating I work part time as a community care worker, looking after the elderly in rural Northamptonshire.

...and tell us about this lovely item. 
The item I am sharing is a hand knitted, lacy scarf/wrap. I had been reading about lace knitting and it’s history and had already made a shawl in thicker yarn. This time I wanted to try something a little finer. I didn’t make it with anyone in mind, I fell in love with the yarn, which is lovely soft alpaca. It was perfect for what I had in mind. I made it by using a combination of two different stitches/patterns and it was knitted using fairly thick needles.

I love reading about the history of various crafts too. How long have you been knitting and how did you learn? 
I having been knitting since I was a young girl and had my first knitting set, complete with plastic needles! My Mum and my Nan taught me a lot of my skills and I’ve honed them over the years. Crocheting was my Nan’s forte and she taught me the basics (not saying how many!) but I still cannot do the intricate work she did. Sewing was down to my Granny and my Mum. I’m still learning!

Anything else you would like to try?
I’d love to have a go at felting as I always admire felted creations. Jewellery could be good fun too :-)

Never enough hours in the day is there? So when did you start Lily and Nells and what made you decide to do it? 
I started Lily and Nells in spring this year. Family and friends like the things I make so when I was off work ill for a time I used my crafting to channel my thoughts and energies into and decided to start the business., which I initially did via Etsy. I now have my own website which I’ve built myself.

Good job on the website! Tell us what inspires and motivates you? 
My inspiration comes from anywhere really. Something I’ve read. A walk in the countryside. More often than not it’s something that pops into my head in the middle of the night!! The joy of making things and the fact that I am addicted to crafting is what motivates me.

Any crafting heroes? 
She is unknown but I think my youngest son’s girlfriend, Jenny is the one. She’s very talented at drawing and painting and manages to succeed at other crafts she tries such as soap making. I am still trying to persuade her to go more public! She is also my hero as she lends an ear when I want someone to bounce ideas off of. She also kindly modelled the item I’m sharing with you.

Tell her to get in touch. We can showcase something here on Meet the Maker for her! 

Do you have a crafting space? 
I’m very lucky that I do have use of a spare bedroom. I store all my stash (which is constantly growing) and made items here and I have a nice area by the window which is perfect for sitting and making. It’s not quite as I want it to be yet (I need to be more organised) and I need some hubby-help for that.

What's happened in 2013 for you and what's planned for 2014?
I did a small Christmas fayre at the end of November in my village and I took part in CraftFest (via Creative Connections) and also a staff led event for Children In Need at Leicester District Land Registry. Staff bought my wares and I donated 10% of my takings. I have bigger plans for 2014 when I hope to start a new line but I’m keeping mum at the moment.

Where can we find you online? 
My website can be found at www.lilyandnells.weebly.com . I Tweet @LilyandNells and I am also at www.facebook.com/LilyNells

Up for some quick fire questions?

Favourite colour? 
Red

The best season?
Spring

Your favourite food? 
A good Indian curry

The best day of the week? 
Sunday

What is the best word? 
Discombobulated (I think we had this answer before...!)

Favourite place? 
Anywhere in Wales (and home)

Your biggest achievement? 
I think as a Mum I have to say having my two lovely sons and seeing them grow up into such fantastic young men.

I have truly enjoyed this interview Elaine. Thank you for sharing and letting us into your world. I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas.

Mrs Crafty B