I have crocheted from a very young age, dropping it before my teen years and picking it up again in my 30s. I enjoy making things so much that I simply cannot keep what I make. It’s the process that I enjoy the most. Occasionally, I will make something for myself but almost always, my work ends up in the hands of those who will really love and appreciate it.
I volunteered at Unravel & Unwind, where I had time to crochet while I “held down the fort” at the Craft Drop-In.
During this time, I have made samples and Pattern Tested several projects by designer Cara Medus, which have appeared in Scheepjes Yarn publications, issues 9, 11, 13 and 15. I am usually happy to take on a pattern test if it will appear in a publication and if I can keep the finished product, and all supplies are provided. But it’s not a guarantee!
This is Claude the Octopus. The blue one on the right. He was sitting in Unravel & Unwind’s Window and got quite a lot of attention, including a request for me to make one for someone. It took me 26 hours, but I was happy to be sending another Octopus to a good home.
I enjoyed making it so much that I was pleased to receive a further commission for another one! Making things for people who either don’t know how or don’t have the time is so rewarding for me. I love to pass my skills and knowledge on, but taking on commissions is a good second choice. If you want a special gift made for someone, or if you started a project and realistically just don’t see yourself ever finishing it, why not commission me to take it over for you? Get in contact with me via my facebook page. Social links are in the top left corner.
My costs start with my hourly rate plus supplies. If you would like to source your own supplies, I am happy for you to do so. Depending on the size of the project, you may be entitled to a rate reduction.
I charge £8 per hour to start. If I give you an estimate of how long I think it will take and I go over that estimate, I will not charge you further.
CASE STUDY: The octopus pictured was originally estimated at 12 hours’ work. I know now that it takes 26, but the lucky recipient paid for 12 hours plus supplies.
I am a fast worker. I am also an honest worker, so if a project takes less time than I have estimated, you will pay only for the time it took plus supplies. When a project is in hand, I will communicate throughout the process via e-mail with photos of how it’s coming along. Sometimes it can get quite interesting!
Several years ago, I had the pleasure of making 20 Miffy dolls and 2 XL Miffy dolls for a kit company called Stitch & Story. The dolls are not products for sale, and I cannot sell any finished Miffy dolls. These were shelf samples for stockists carrying the kits, to illustrate the finished product. If you want your own Classic or XL Miffy kit, please check out Stitch & Story. They make crafting simple. You can learn how to make your own! I thoroughly enjoyed making these. I’m sure you will too!
Over the years, I have been lucky enough to be given many jobs for Stitch & Story, including testing Peanuts and Pusheen patterns and making items for their in-house range for photoshoots!