Meet the Maker: Alison of Ali Crafts Designs

The ICHF craft shows are fast approaching and I can't keep off their site, checking out exhibitors and thinking about what goodies I will find that weekend (19th - 22nd March at the NEC in Birmingham in case you were wondering). I am most excited about being inspired by some of the lovely crafty people who will be there on hand running workshops, offering up craft supplies and just being downright, well, inspiring! 

I thought I'd give you a little taster of some of the talent and I asked some of them to dish the dirt with their own Meet the Maker interview. Today we will be meeting one of the nearly 300 exhibitors and one of their lovely handmade items! 

Tell us your name, where you are from and one fact about yourself.
My name is Alison Walker, I am from Stockton on Tees Cleveland and I am totally mad about crochet

Me too Alison! I am looking forward to this. You will be attending the ICHF craft shows in March at the NEC in Birmingham. Although I can take a guess, tell us what sort of crafts will you be exhibiting?
My own crochet designs

And what item are you sharing with us today?
A crochet blanket which is called 'Seasons Blanket'

The colours are lovely. They represent the seasons beautifully! How long have you been crocheting and how did you learn?
I have been crocheting for over 50 years and I I taught myself.

Wow; so, when and why did you start Ali Crafts Designs?
I started Ali Crafts Designs approx. 4 years ago, I have been teaching crafts for over 30 years and my family and students encouraged me to make my handouts into patterns.

What keeps you motivated?
The other like minded people that I meet and the feedback I get from the shows.

Where do you take your inspiration?
Everywhere, my head does not work for anything unless it is hook or needle related. My family say I have a head full of wool.

What is it like to have your own craft business?
I can pick and choose when I work as I work from home; so when the design head is on, I start early morning or work late nights. It has taken some time to get going but I think that last year has been the best.

And what is the best thing about attending Craft Shows
Talking; to people who love crafting and the excitement on peoples faces when they see I only do crochet patterns.

I'm looking forward to visiting your stall! Where will we be able to find you at the NEC?
Our stand is next to Spellbound beads near the entrance on row D22.

Can we find you online too?
My website is www.alicraftsdesigns.co.uk and I write a blog at http://crochetchatcorner.blogspot.co.uk

Will you be attending any other shows this year?
I will also be at ICHF's Hobbycrafts in November

Great. Thanks so much for chatting with us. Before we finish, can we get you to do a quick fire round; just for fun?

Favourite season?
Spring

The best place?
Maldives

Favourite food?
Frozen cherries with yogurt

What do you like to do except craft?
Reading and photography

The last gift you bought/made someone?
A kitchen menu organiser for my daughter from Paperchase

One word to describe yourself?
Crafty

oooooooo safe answer. Love it. Thank you so much for your time Alison and I'll see you, along with all the other Crafty B's in March at the NEC

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