03 November 2011

A Conversation with Paula of Slipstitch

Producing beautifully sewn children's and babies items are the current passion for Paula of Slipstitch - crayon rolls, 'Ninkie' blocks and counting sacks are just a few of the products being made in gorgeous fabrics.  And with a view to the Christmas season, Slipstitch advent calendars are surely a must!  Here, Paula shares some of the inspiration and ethos behind her brand...

Who is Slipstitch?
My name is Paula and the name of my business stems from the fact that I simply fell into sewing after seeing so many wonderful handmade products on the market and decided to give it a go myself. Ideas pop into my head all the time and whether it's from a simple picture in a magazine, a beautiful piece of fabric or seeing something quirky in a shop, I love the way an idea develops, putting my own spin on it and letting it run it's course.

Through the amazing support of my friends and family, I am able to share this newfound passion through my creations and if others feel inspired to drag their sewing machine out or pick up a needle and thread after seeing my work, then that's what it's all about. I have enjoyed the whole process of getting Slipstitch off the ground and am truly “living the dream” at the moment.

What’s your “handmade groove ?”
Slipstitch is very much in it's infancy so everything I have done so far has given me a real buzz but I would have to say my favourite products are my taggie squares and cubes, they're just so much fun to make! I love the feeling of accomplishment after completing a new project from scratch and the warm fuzzies I get from happy customers make my day.

What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)
Alarm clock and a collection of my son's toys

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?
Since starting Slipstitch, I have discovered so many wonderful businesses run by incredibly talented people. I owe a huge amount of gratitude to Fabric Fixation, Potamus, Molly the Bear Designs and Baby Bird for inspiring me to drag my sewing machine out in the first place - these ladies are truly an inspiration. I also love getting lost on the internet through different blogs and craft websites such as Sew Mama Sew, Homemade by Jill and Cluck Cluck Sew and I never get tired of looking at the huge range of delicious fabrics out there – my favourite designers are Michael Miller, Riley Blake and Ann Kelle.

What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?
Anything creative – arts, crafts and photography in particular

If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be? What are they about?
I would love to extend myself through learning different sewing techniques and skills and I also hope to get into the market scene in the near future.

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?
I do most of my sewing while my son is asleep but have everything nailed down to a fine art! I do all of my preparation (drawing up patterns, cutting out fabric, ironing etc) in the evenings then as soon as those little eyes close for his sleep the next day, it's “sew like the wind”!

What is your favourite creative screw-up?
The most recent one would be completely around one of my taggie squares without leaving an opening for turning – oops!

Kitchen table or studio?
Kitchen table, oh to have a studio *sigh*

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?
See question above - oh to have a studio! I have so many ideas on how it would look and function and I am determined to make it happen one day. I would also love to learn more about textiles and design, perhaps going back to study at some stage and a bit later down the track, run my own boutique fabric store.

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You can view Slipstitch’s products …. here
Follow on Facebook …. here

3 comments:

  1. Hi Paula, love those crayon rolls, cheers Marie

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  2. I can see those crayon rolls doubling as a crochet hook holder too perhaps :-D

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  3. I have so done the same as you and sewn something up completely. Doh! You don't realise til you're done! Lol

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