back at craft2.0 is Helen from stripy sock studio
What will you be selling at Craft2.0?
Softies, baby dresses, paper goods.
Where can i buy your stuff?
http://stripysock.felt.co.nz/
what keeps you crafting, what is it about craft that means you just can’t not craft.
I like to re-use and re-purpose materials that would otherwise be thrown out. I love old textiles. I like to make gifts, rather than buy gifts – which is where my making things began. I love unusual dolls and heartfelt, handmade things.
tell us the inspiration behind one of your latest creations, how did it come into being and what do you love about it
For this Craft 2.0 I have tried to respond to customer feedback that there is a lot of cool stuff for little girls, but not enough stuff for little boys. I’ve experimented with some ‘boy’ softies (although, I reckon there are lots of girls out there who like spiders and monsters, too!)
I also try to have some things that kids can spend their pocket money on, so I’m bringing some under $5 things…
I’ve been trying to clean out my studio a bit, so there will be more paper ephemera packs and hand-collaged cards…
…argh, it’s all such good fun! :)
Did you buy anything or swap anything at the last craft 2.0 and what was it?
Yes! I love to swap! I am a swap-demon.
One of my favourite swaps would have to be my Baibin crocheted dolls.
I also once swapped with a maker whose name I didn’t get for the most awesome necklace – she handmade porcelain ‘bones’. Talk about primal! It’s my cave-woman necklace and I always get a lot of interest in it – if only I could remember who made it!
I would be lost without my …..
Scissors.
what is your favourite place to craft.
If it is handwork, on the sofa with a giant cup of tea and podcasts of ‘This American Life’ playing
what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given as a crafter?
Approach Craft Fairs with a light and generous heart – you are there because you love to make things and you want to share in the creative energy of the occasion. If money comes your way, that’s cool, but there are bigger things going on than just the transacting of dollars.
are you launching anything special at Craft2.0?
Boys toys! (Little boys, that is – not so much the big boys.)
what is your next project after craft2.0?
Trying to fill and build a following for my Felt shop. I opened an account there ages ago, but due to life getting in the way – haven’t used it yet. I’m hoping to use Craft 2.0 as a ‘launch’ for my Felt Shop. I love Felt! I buy lots of gifts from Felt.
what’s the best thing about being a crafter?
Making things with my hands gives me a sense of purpose, immense satisfaction and a different relationship with leisure time.
Sometimes my brain nearly explodes at all the things I want to try making. In the short term, I’d like to improve my knitting skills (learn to knit lace!) and learn some more embroidery stitches beyond running and blanket stitch
what fabric is most like you
1970s floral 100% cotton
