Craftie

craftiequirky and handmade OUR FIRST ISSUEcomic

book shoes

make your own

Interview with designer Melanie Roseveare

Support the oxfordshire craft scene

the old fire station

Beginners sewing project

Issue One • October 2012

upcycler of vintage ceramics and founder of Melody Rose designs

Free pattern included

Front Stuff

Craftie 3

Front StuffEditor’s note

page 7Find out about the making of

this month’s issue from the best source in town: our editor!

Craftie Loves pages 8-9

Some of the beautiful handmade goodies we’ve fallen

in love with.

Table of Contentsissue one Regular Stuff

Haberdashery of the Month pages 12-13

Every month we visit a top notch haberdashery and report

back on our favourite finds. This time we visited Oxford’s

Darn It & Stitch for a chat and look around.

The Bookshelf pages 10-11

Reviews of books we’ve read and would (or would not)

recommend.

Online Shop Spotlight pages 14-15

American crocheter Mary Beth Luzitano gives us an

exclusive look at her crocheted jewellery and a bit of advice for

beginners.

Interview with Emma Mendes da Costa

pages 17-18Emma has combined her love of cross stitch with video games to create unique and quirky gifts.

Tutorial: Sew an Owl Toy

pages 20-21Swindon-based sewing fan

Emily Steel gives us a step-by-step guide to sewing yWour own adorable owl toys. The

perfect project for beginners.

Front Stuff

Craftie 5

Table of ContentsInterview with

Melanie Roseveare pages 22-24

Melanie Roseveare upcycles vintage chinaware, adding

unexpected designs to create Melody Rose, a unique and

modern interpretation of classic ceramics.

#

Get Inspired! Crafters with

Purpose pages 25-26

One woman’s trip to her local craft store led her to start her

own part-time business.

Tutorial: Make a Pair of Killer Comic Book Shoes

pages 28-29We show you how to recycle those old comic books and

shoes to make a one-of-a-kind pair of heels that you can

actually wear!

Interview with Bridgeen Gillespie

pages 30-33We sat down for a chat with

Bridgeen, a blogger, illustrator, and first class embroiderer.

Shop at the Old Fire Station pages 34-37

A trip to this handmade-craft-friendly gallery and café is a

must for anyone planning a day trip to Oxford.

Reviews: Blogs we’re reading page 40

Craftie’s Final Say page 46

Extra GoodiesPatterns to accompany

Emily’s Owl Toy page 38

Events & News page 41

Directory pages 42-43

COVER STORY

Issue One

6 craftiemag.wordpress.com

Front Stuff

Craftie 7

To my lovely Craftie readers,

When I first proposed the idea for my major project, I was pretty confident that I was onto something. Craftie, which is

ultimately the result of that proposal, has been a labour of love the entire way through.

Upon beginning this project I would never have never expected that I’d discover so many people willing to help.

The magazine you see today is the culmination of months of work. Many of the articles have been written by friends-- I never

knew I had so many interested in crafts-- and friends of friends, for whom I am eternally grateful.

I’m even more grateful for the gracious Etsy sellers, bloggers and other contributors who have never met me, but have been

willing to provide me with photos and articles. Thank you all so much; you’ll never know how much you saved me, and you’ve

certainly made Craftie a better magazine for it.I hope all of you, my readers, enjoy the contents of the

magazine. Thank you for your support.

Many thanks,

editor’s note Contributors this IssueSTAFF

ALYSA THOMASStaff Book ReviewerArticles this issue:Review of World of Geekcraft

EMILY STEELStaff Writer

Articles this issue:Tutorial: Sew an

Owl Toy

JADE WARDENStaff ReviewerArticles this issue:Blog review of One Sheepish Girl

SEAN SIMMS Staff Writer

Articles this issue:Get Inspired! Crafters

with Purpose

FREELANCE

MARY BETH LUZITANOFreelance ContributorArticles this issue:Online Shop Spotlight

IRONSPYFreelance ContributorArticles this issue:Tutorial: Make a pair of killer comic book shoes

about the editorMy name is Kelsey, and I’m the editor (as

well as the designer and sometimes the writer) of this magazine. I love scrapbooking and design. I also have a love of film and television (which got me a BA in English and Media Studies) and am currently working towards an MA Publishing. When I’m not working on the magazine, I’m working other places. And when I’m not doing any of that, I spend time trying new places and exploring the fair city of Oxford.


Issue One

craftie loves

Your own little bit of sea-sideRustic driftwood journals from StairLodgeSupplies are made with found driftwood- enough to remind us of those warm summer days at the seaside.£12.96; StairLodgeSupples.etsy.com

Rapunzel! Rapunzel!This ‘Make Believe’ embroidered hoop art by merriweathercouncil is the perfect addition to any bedroom, and the colours make it the perfect decoration for autumn.£29.16; merriweathercouncil.etsy.com

Braaaains! Get some of these spooky Halloween brain soaps from AubreyEApothecary to add a bit of gore to your decor.£3.86; AubreyEApothecary.etsy.com

Classy Jack o’ Lanterns These black stoneware tea light candle holders from RossLab are the perfect replacements for those messy Jack o’Lanterns.£12.31; RossLab.etsy.com

Hi-hoe! Hi-hoe!We love these wooden iPhone cases by bRainbow. They’re etched with pictures of our favourite gardening tools and a nice change from all that silicone.£15; bRainbowshop.etsy.com

Conquer the mountain Mountain landscape whiskey flasks by LiquidCourage are perfect for adding some warmth to your toes even as the weather takes a turn for the worse.£25; LiquidCourage.etsy.com

Front Stuff

Craftie 9

Tiny tome of a necklaceYou know how much we love books here at Craftie, and this tiny book necklace pendant from PaperMemoirs is no exception!£29.16; PaperMemoirs.etsy.com

Keep the Aztec look aliveDark teal and purple are really ‘in’ at the moment, so why not try this Aztec Print Dress by Jennifer Lilly on for size! £25; www.jenniferlillystore.com

Funky wrist warmersWe can’t help but be drawn to these chunky and funky wrist warmers in mustard yellow, which allow us to continue reading while keeping warm.£17.71; LumiStyle.etsy.com

Warm up for winterWith artic winds right around the corner, wrap up warm with this hand knitted hat by Ebruk.£22.68; Ebruk.etsy.com

A fantastic little foxLooking for a cute birthday gift this month? This woollen fox toy by EvesLittleEarthlings is a pretty good option. Or you could just keep it to yourself.£16.85; EvesLittleEarthlings.etsy.com

Some smashing coastersKeep those villainous drink stains away with some Hulk Upcycled Comic Drink Coasters from 27elements.£8.50; 27elements.etsy.com

These are the things we have fallen in love with this month. october

Issue One


the bookshelfWorld of Geekcraft

My kind of craft books are the ones with easy to follow step-by-step instructions with a bit of personality to go with it. I like to hear how the author found the project, whether they had any issues with step number three, and whether or not they think you could do it as a last minute present. World of Geekcraft has just what I like, and then some. It is funny, quirky, easy to read and – possibly most important – easy to understand.

For anyone with a love of video games, sci fi, graphic novels or technology, this book is for you. Even if you don’t know your jump ring from your crimp bead there’ll be something here you can follow, or at least take inspiration from and make something yourself.

From the Buffy Fuse-Bead Portrait (a picture of our favourite vampire slayer made out of those plastic things you iron together) to the Secret Message Quilt (a duvet cover with colour coordinated morse code messages), there is something on every wavelength.

There are useful items made more funky (The Day the Earth Stood Still Toolbox), projects

that could come in handy one day (Pow! Zap! Magnets), and completely useless but utterly excellent things (Star Wars Terrariums). To make it easier to follow they are all organised in categories from the simplest Not a Jedi Yet to the more advanced Warp Speed.

So before you even think about getting into your DeLorean and shooting off to 2015, get to your nearest bookshop and buy this; it will almost-literally “take your geeky obsession to the next dimension”.

Indie Craft

This is a must-read for anyone curious about the origins of the indie craft movement. The book is written by Jo Waterhouse, a passionate crafter with experience in knitting, crochet and embroidery.

It showcases some of the most talented artists and makers in the business today, including a number of our favourite UK crafters like Angela Chick and Phil Davison (founder of Urban Cross Stitch). The book also has a lot of artist-makers we’d never heard of before, but now can’t imagine a world without.

There’s plenty of inspiration to go around, making this a great addition to any craft bookshelf.

Published by Laurence King Publishing£12.95; ISBN 9781856696968

%%%%

Review by Alysa Thomas

%%%%Published by Chronicle Books£12.99; ISBN 9780811874618

what we read and recommend

by Susan Beal and Jay B. Saucedaby Jo Waterhouse

Reviews

Craftie 11

Readymade is not so much a book as a DIY bible. This book has such a wide range of activities, all involving re-using or re-purposing items to make something completely new. It’s not so much about buying new supplies to make something; it’s more about making the most of what you already have access too. This is a great book for everyone, especially those

who are really handy around the house, though some things you wouldn’t necessarily want anyone to SEE around your house.

ReadyMade: How to Make [Almost] Everything: A Do-It-Yourself Primer by Shoshana Berger and Grace Hawthorne

Published by Thames & Hudson£14.95; ISBN 9780500513385

%%%

Photograph by Madeline Tosh

Can’t attend the Knit Your Own Dog event at the V&A this month (see page 41 for details)? Not a problem! The sequel to the Best in Show: Knit your Own Dog has finally arrived . . . meet Best in Show: 25 More Dogs to Knit. Now, we at Craftie love all things

quirky, so if you’re up for making some small decorative knitted dogs this month this is probably the book for you.

I don’t know what I would do with a knitted version of my own dog (a Shetland Sheepdog), but even I can’t help but smile looking at these tiny renditions of golden retrievers, dachshunds, and bichon frises.

However adorable the book is, it should be noted that there are some mistakes. The authors, Muir and Osborne, are well aware and have listed some of the mistakes on their website’s blog (http://www.muirandosborne.co.uk/blog) so you can make some amendments as you see fit.

Overall, this is a fun book, and definitely a better alternative to the much more grim Knitting with Dog Hair.

Best In Show: 25 More Dogs to Knitby Sally Muir, Joanna Osborne

%%%%Published by Collins & Brown£12.99; ISBN 9780811874618

Issue One


Darn It & Stitch Top Finds

Darn it & Stitch is unique haberdashery in the heart of Oxford’s city centre. Located

just off Blue Boar Street and St. Aldate’s it is a small crafting haven from the bustling and often tourist-filled streets of the centre.

Darn it & Stitch has been open for just over two years and has a variety of sewing supplies to suit everyone’s needs. The founder, Joanna ‘Jo’ Watkins, has been quite busy over the past two years. Since opening the shop, she has since

launched a series of workshops, called Pin Works. Pin Works offers classes for all skill levels and even has the occasional class from famous crafters such as Mr X Stitch.

Inside the shop, which is cosy to say the least, you’ll find all sorts of knick knacks and sewing supplies. Every corner has something new tucked away, from beautiful ribbons and colourful fabrics to an entire cupboard full of sewing patterns. Under

haberdashery of the month

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Craftie 13

Pin Works Workshops

Make friends with your sewing machine

6 October, 1-5pm£49 per personBring your sewing machine

along and learn how to use it.Please print the manual and

bring all machine parts to the class.

Beginners Crochet13 October, 1-5pm£65 per personGet happy with your hook and

learn how to crochet. Beginners only.

Quilting - Paper Foundation technique

20 October£55 per personThe Paper Foundation technique

opens up a whole new enjoyable way of creating amazing quilt blocks with matching seam lines and sharp points, all without having to cut templates first.

Beginners Knitting27 October, 1-5pm£65 per personLearn how to cast on, knit purl

and cast off. Beginners only.

Pin Works also offer evening classes and sewing machines for hire.

For all current and future Pin Works workshops visit www.pinworks.co.uk.

the counter there are also some pretty interesting vintage sewing tools and supplies, which gives the relatively young shop a bit of history.

Jo has kept pretty busy this month, arranging new Pin Works workshops and self-publishing ‘Darn, Knit & Stitch Vol. 1’, a small magazine that you can buy in-store. She also arranged a Stitchbombing event in Oxford to celebrate Darn it & Stitch’s 2nd birthday. Cyclists around Oxford might have noticed cosy knitted or crocheted seat covers appearing on their bicycles.

Jo and Darn it & Stitch have created a neat little crafting community in

Oxford. Regulars often meet at a local pub to take place in ‘Darn, Knit & Stitch’ events and keep in touch through the shop’s Facebook page.www.darnitandstitch.com

Issue One


CutelyMade

When I was six years old, my grandmother taught me how to crochet. After twenty-two years of perfecting the art of free form crocheting, I realised with a tiny lace crochet hook and

embroidery thread, I could make pretty little flowers to put on things . . . like jewellery!

I opened my CutelyMade jewellery shop online during Spring 2011 and found great success and support. From there I found local craft fairs and ran with the big dogs . . . lots and lots of old ladies! Besides crocheting, I have studied other art forms such as painting, sculpting, and drawing. I hope to find a way to work everything together to make more than just jewellery one day.

Mary Beth Luzitano talks about crochet,

jewellery and her Etsy business: CutelyMade

This pageLeft: Heather bracelet; glass pearl beads and DMC embroidery thread. Bottom-right: Jackie crocheted earrings; coloured embroidery thread. Opposite PageTop-left: Stephie necklace; glass pearl beads and sea green crocheted sea shell.Bottom-left: Becca vintage necklace; glass pearl beads, precious metal effects embroidery thread.Right: Priscilla watch; gold cord, gold ribbon and painted flower beads.

ETSY SHOP

Written by Mary Beth LuzitanoPhotographs by Mary Beth Luzitano

and Madeline Tosh

Regular Features

Craftie 15

great advice for beginners

My advice to any new crafters is to find something easy to do. Trying to make the most complicated piece of art at the beginning will leave you frustrated. Starting small and working your way up will give you the confidence and the collection to move forward.

To see more of or purchase some of Mary Beth’s croched jewellery visit www.cutelymade.com.

urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Interviews

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Regular Features

Craftie 17

When did you first start stitching and why?Emma: When I was little, maybe at the age of seven or eight. I was a fat

kid and didn’t have many friends.

What sort of things did you stitch at first?Cutesy stuff, like Forever Friends kits and the designs in cross stitch

magazines. My mother thought it was a great idea as it meant I always had gifts for relatives, but I remember getting bored of it pretty quickly.

Do you make your own patterns, or where do you find them?

I use Google Images to search for likely projects, and adapt what I find there. The awesome thing about 8-bit is a lot of it can simply be copied, pixel-perfect, from the original games. There are a lot of other crafts out there that can be converted to cross stitch patterns too: tapestry, knitting and crochet patterns, even Hama bead work.

Interview withEmma Mendes da Costa

Meet Emma Mendes da Costa, a self-described

28-year-old clichéd product of the ‘80s. She

was a freelance journalist for eight years, but now is training as a sign language

interpreter. She lives in Brighton with her two

closest friends and has a cat named Yuki and two goldfish: Killer and Bob.

Photographs by Emma Mendes da Costa

Issue One


Issue One

18 craftiemag.co.uk

Why did you decide to start stitching designs related to video games, television shows, etc?

A few weeks ago my housemate Nicola was ogling Nyan Cat scarves she’d seen posted on Twitter. I boasted that I could cross stitch Nyan Cat easily . . . me and my big mouth! Still, I bought some plastic canvas - I already had embroidery threads in my sewing kit - and decided to give it a go. I tested my old skills out first by stitching a couple of Space Invaders (photos to right), as they only took about an hour each. I found it really therapeutic, and ended up making six Space Invaders hair clips before I even got started on Nyan Cat.

What’s your favourite creation so far?I think the Pac-Man magnet (see page 17), as I was really pleased with

how the black background came out stitched on clear plastic. The whole design is backed with a second piece of plastic to protect the stitches, and has two long strips of adhesive magnet running along its length. It’s pretty solid so it should be quite hard-wearing.

Do you sell them or give the away as gifts?They’re all gifts. I hadn’t even thought about selling them! Come to

think of it, I haven’t even made anything for myself yet.

Are there any tips you’d like to share for beginners?Start small and bold - like with the Space Invaders - as you’ll get

striking results really quickly. Also, don’t let your cat get into your sewing box. No good can come of it.

What are you planning on creating next?Today I’m starting an Autobots logo for a friend’s birthday, but shhhh,

because it’s a secret! My current list of possible projects also includes Totoro, Beebop and Rocksteady from TMNT, and the 8-bit characters from the opening sequence of The IT Crowd.

AD SPACE

Issue One


Using the card, I sketched myself a template of the shape I wanted my owl to be when finished. Using this shape, I also drew a shape for the stomach patch and for the face, as well as the beak. I’ve

done the first step for you; the pattern I used is on page 38.I then chose coordinating coloured fabrics and felt (1). I like having a

nice, patterned fabric for the main body, and matching it with the felt for the stomach, face and beak. Felt doesn’t fray, so no hemming is needed. I also happened to have a variety of colours to choose from and was able to match my colour scheme perfectly.

Once I had chosen my fabrics, I could then start using the templates to create my owl shapes. I started with the main body shapes, so I laid out my patterned fabric and drew around the body shape twice, once for the front and once for the back of my owl body (2).

Then, making sure I left a 1cm hem allowance all around my pencil line, I cut out the two body shapes.

how to:

Skill Level: Beginner

Tools you’ll need:• Sewing machine• Needle (for hand sewing)• Pencil• Pins• Scissors

Supplies you’ll need:• Owl pattern (see page 38)• Card for template• Fabric • Felt• 2 buttons• Colour coordinating thread• Stuffing*

Instead of buying stuffing, try using the inside of an old cushion.*

sew an owl toy

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Written and photographed by Emily Steel

Emily suggests* *

Tutorials

Craftie 21

For the stomach, face, and beak pieces I used the corresponding templates on the felt. You don’t need to leave a seam allowance as they are going to be sewn directly onto the front body piece of fabric.

Once you have all of the fabric pieces ready, you can pin them into place. The first piece I attached was the beak onto the face piece. I pinned the beak into position and carefully sewed it close to the edge with a straight stitch to make it look as neat as possible (3).

I placed the face piece into the desired position onto the front body piece and again, using a straight stitch as close to the edge as possible, neatly attached it (4).

The last thing to add to the face is the button eyes. I spent a long time choosing the right size and colour to match my colour scheme and then hand sewed them straight onto the front piece. Next, I stitched on the stomach piece, the same as the face and the beak.

The front of the owl is now complete!Next we have to place the right sides of the two

pieces of body fabric together, so the freshly sewn face is on the inside, and pin the pieces in place.

Using a straight stitch on the sewing machine, I sewed all around the 1cm hemline, leaving a 4cm gap on the bottom of the owl to add stuffing.

Before turning it out, I made small snips all around the hem from the outer edge of the fabric with scissors to close to the stitch line. This ensures the shape will be competely filled out when turned the right way.

The next step was to fill the owl with stuffing (5). Make sure that it is pushed right into the small gaps of the ears.

The final thing to do now that the owl is fully stuffed is to pin together the opening at the bottom. Then hand sew the gap with lots of small stitches to ensure that no hole is left and that the final product is as neat as possible!

Now, all that’s left to do is plump your little owl into shape and find him a nice home!

5

Issue One


Interview with

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?Melanie: I’m originally from Canada and I now live

and work in North West London. I originally wanted to be a painter. I love working with ceramics and enjoy making pieces but I fell in love with refiring on vintage. I like to treat the surface as a canvas for my ideas.

Where did you get the idea to upcycle traditional china with non-traditional designs?

This idea developed over a period of time, but it started with a visit to the Turner Prize show at the Tate Britain in 2004, the year Grayson Perry won. I was so taken with his approach and loved the way that he used a series of techniques on his beautifully made pots, and in particular the digitally produced ceramic transfers that he used. I decided I would learn everything I could about using this technique myself.

According to your website, you have a love of eco-friendly design. Is this some-thing that has inspired or influenced your work on Melody Rose?

Yes, definitely. A lot of the furniture and decoration in my house, both functional and non-functional, are upcycled. It’s something I’ve been interested in for many years and it was a key element in developing

Melanie RoseveareMelanie Roseveare is a Canadian-born, London-based designer and the founder of Melody Rose designs. Melanie upcycles vintage china sets, adding unusual and non-traditional imagery to the otherwise traditional collections.

Skull Teacup and Saucer from the Rock and Roll Collection

Photographs by Melody Rose designs.

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Melanie Roseveare

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Melody Rose. I love the idea of re-using something, particularly of wonderful quality, that would have previously been overlooked.

Can you tell us a little more about your process?

I use an old technique of ceramic transfers but I create them in a modern way, using new technology, and make the transfers digitally.

Where do you find inspiration for each collection?

I’m inspired by things in my everyday life. My ideas for my collections have developed over a few years by(sic) I have added them and they’ve grown organically. For instance, the Modern SurRealist collection was inspired by my early love of surrealist artists when I was growing up in Canada.

Skull plate from Rock and Roll Collection and Bird mug from Urban Nature collection.

Finger pointing tea cup and side plate from Modern SurRealist Collection.

What does your workspace look like?I have my studio at my home and I’m very lucky

to have a lot of space for my work. I have a studio which is packed with vintage china but also has plenty of room for creating, thinking and making. I like to surround myself with lots of mad things I’ve collected for inspiration. I also have a kiln room which not only has my kilns but plenty of space for stacking work to be fired.

Have you any plans for new collections or projects?

I would love to design a line of wallpaper.

What do you like to do for fun, when you’re not making beautiful china sets?

Anything to do with music, friends and food makes me very happy!

Regular Features

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Regular Features

Craftie 25

There’s a lot of satisfaction to be found in creating your own individualised item to keep as a trinket, or offer as a thoughtful present

to a friend or loved one. For many of us, the appeal of crafting often lies with the challenge of making something individual, practical and that ultimately serves a purpose. More often than not, the sheer relaxation that comes with crafting is the appeal, not to mention the chance to forget the mundane side of life and get lost in your own creativity.

It’s true that crafts can be simply a hobby, practiced in peace and quiet early on a Sunday afternoon. However, for those of us who have the dedication to take it to the next step, our favourite hobbies have the chance to grow into something more than a pastime, often expanding into small businesses and sometimes creating a bit of profit.

Case-in-point is Margaret Jane Simms, or Maggie as she prefers to be known. Maggie started out with a few simple beads she noticed in the sale at a local store. A creative and opportunistic thought struck her, ‘I’m sure I can make something pretty out of these’.

Several hours later, after a lot of fiddling around, Maggie had made her first bracelet and a new passion for jewellery making had taken over.

Get inspired!

Margaret Jane Simms runs her own business, hosts parties and supports a local hospice all in the name of W.

crafters with purpose

Written and photographed

by Sean Simms

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Friends and family took notice of Maggie’s creations and soon requests were flying in from all angles. Everybody wanted something, a necklace for an upcoming ball, a bracelet for a friend’s party or, on one occasion, matching sets of earrings for all the bridesmaids at a local wedding. As the demand grew, Maggie was so sought after that she was working round the clock to fill orders.

She insists on charging only slight revenue on what the materials cost; she gets her satisfaction from watching the pleasure that her work gives people. After losing her close lifelong friend Vanessa, a big fan of Maggie’s jewellery, Maggie now often donates some of her profits to a local hospice, where her friend was made to feel very comfortable as she lost her battle with cancer.

Now, three years on from that day in the shop, Maggie runs her own part-time business, EM Jewells, named after her niece, Elsa-Margaret. Those first few beads have turned into a whole host of finely crafted, custom pieces, each with the signature mark of perfection provided by EM Jewells. She’s since expanded her business into hosting jewellery-selling parties. Like a doctor on a house call, Maggie will bring along her creations, set up in a venue of your choice, and offer lucky partygoers the chance to snap up a piece of extremely high calibre craft accompanied by yummy white wine spritzers and nibbles.

Anyone can take inspiration from Maggie and what she has achieved. It’s a simple matter of not being afraid of getting in touch with your creative side. Whatever you’re into making, it’s time to get creative and get crafting!

three years on from

that day in the shop

Maggie runs her own

parttime business, EM

Jewells

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!!!

Tutorials

Craftie 29

Cut up a few comics into jagged, odd pieces (1). Use Mod Podge and a paint brush to stick the pieces to the shoes.

Tackle the heels and edges first, keeping the lines nice and straight*, then fill in the gaps with bigger feature pieces (2, 3). You can try a theme if you like (Avengers heels, anyone?) but I just went for a generic comic theme for this pair.

Save some fine cut feature words, speech bubbles and/or characters to really stand out as a final touch. Patience and a steady hand are key here! You can use a craft knife but I used scissors.

Fill in the platform or don’t, leave the heel blank or don’t. You are the master of your own destiny. But remember, with great power . . .

When completely covered (4), coat in matte or gloss Mod Podge and leave to dry overnight. Coat once more and leave for a day.

Wear. Be fabulous. SUCCEED.

how to:

Skill Level: Beginner

Tools you’ll need:• Scissors or a craft knife

Supplies you’ll need:• Mod Podge• Vinyl Shoes• Comics

make some killer comic book shoes

Written and photographed by ironspy

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Use thinner strip on the curves of the shoes to avoid bumps and bubbles.

You can use Mod Podge as the glue AND the varnish to go on after. This should seal them, but I wouldn’t recommend wearing them in the rain (just in case)!

*ironspy suggests* *

**

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Interview withBridgeen gillespie

This month we’ve interviewed freelance writer and illustrator Bridgeen Gillespie, who currently runs the blog CherryandCinnamon. Her blog is a great mixture of embroidery patterns, designs and illustrations. I was particularly drawn to her embroidery work, which features a number of famous film and television characters.

How did you get started in embroidery?Bridgeen: Primarily I think of myself as an

illustrator and I never considered textiles as a medium until recently. A crafty friend passed on her enthusiasm for the current embroidery revival (with

its edgy alternative subject matter like tattoo designs, snarky quotes, and pin-up girls!) by lending me a few great books and I was hooked.

But rather than work from their patterns, I wanted to make my own. With my background in small press comics my illustrations have always featured strong line work, and embroidery really feels like a natural extension of that.

Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration in all the things I’m geeky about.

I love classic science fiction, horror movies, and cult TV shows from the 1990s. I love archetypal characters from films, kids books, and comic art. Song lyrics and musicians also inspire me, as do digital illustrators and designers on T-Shirt sites, and painters from the Low Brow art movement. I also adored Nude Magazine; I’m so sad it’s gone.

Do you have any other artists/crafters you admire?

There are so many artists and crafters I’m in awe of, but in the world of embroidery I admire Jenny Hart and Lucky Jackson. I love the designs that Niamh at Urban Threads creates. I also follow sites like FeelingStitchy.com ,MrXStitch.com and Pikaland.com which are great for inspiration.

Bridgeen Gillespie is a freelance writer and illustrator with a passion for creating fabric and embroidery designs.

Photographs by

Bridgeen Gillespie

Interviews

Craftie 31

What is your favourite recently-created piece of work?

It’s hard to pick a favourite. I really love creating embroidery portraits from my digital illustrations, like the series I’m currently creating for exhibition in Manchester (in The Lass O’Gowrie). I’m getting a great response to them and I constantly have more ideas for people I want to stitch!

I also love creating new patterns for other people to stitch too. For example I was really happy with how my Wizard of Oz pattern set turned out.

What advice can you offer those new to embroidery?

What I love about this embroidery revival is the whole ethos that anyone can do it. My advice is go online, find some patterns that inspire you and just

You can find Bridgeen Gillespie blogging on cherryandcinnamon.com or you can visit her Etsy shop for embroidery patterns and finished works: www.etsy.com/shop/Bridgeen.

have a go! There are some amazing designers out there selling patterns of their work on Etsy.

We love books at Craftie; do you have any you’d recommend?

Doodle Stitching: Fresh and Fun Embroidery for Beginners by Aimee Ray (Sterling Publishing, £9.99), and Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart (Chronicle Books, $19.95) are amazing books for beginners and full of patterns and projects to try out.

Also it’s an oldy but a goodie – find a second hand copy of Odham’s The Big Book of Needlecraft. There are many reprints of this book, some date as far back as the 1930s, but it covers all kinds of textile crafts and it’s a fantastic reference book!

Top-left: Audrey HorneCentre-left: Rabbit Heart detailTop-right: Amelie detailOpposite: Bat Girl

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I was

really

happy with how my

Wizard of Oz paTtern

set turned out.

Interviews

Craftie 33

Opposite PageTop: Ruby Slippers

Bottom: Tin Man

This PageTop-left: Anchor

Bottom-left: CatwomanRight: Hello Sailor

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Written and photographed by Kelsey Hoffman

This month Craftie pays a visit to one of Oxford’s

newest galleries and its shop full of hand-crafted

goodies.

Shop at the Old Fire Station

Regular Features

Craftie 35

This month Craftie pays a visit to one of Oxford’s

newest galleries and its shop full of hand-crafted

goodies.

Shop at the Old Fire StationEvery Wednesday in Oxford

local farmers and sellers set up shop in Gloucester Green,

next to the bus station. I went into town one day to check it out and see if there were any interesting artists selling items. What I found at the market was ultimately a disappointment (perhaps other weeks are better?), but this trip lead me to an unexpected find: The Old Fire Station.

Recently opened in November 2011, I wandered in the off chance in an attempt to escape the weather.

The Arts at the Old Fire Station offers an interesting programme of artists, from art exhibitions of collages to musical and theatrical performances; it seems there’s a bit of something for everyone with an interest in the arts.

The Shop at Old Fire Station is also a friend of local craft-makers and artists alike. It stocks a variety of handmade items, and specifically aims to support ‘homegrown’ makers from the Oxfordshire area.

The website advertises a variety of stocked items, including ‘original prints and illustrations, jewellery, accessories, cards, zines and more’.Not only was the Shop a haven

from the heat, it is also a comfort to know that local artists and designer-makers in Oxfordshire, as well as the UK in general, are getting support somewhere in my fair city.

Some of my favourite items from the day included wood-carved jewellery designed by Layla Amber, upcycled ceramic dishes featuring prints skulls and cats by Melody Rose (see page 22 for interview) and beautiful

pillowcases designed by Oxford’s own Two Birds Textiles.

As well as offering help, support and shelf space for local artists, the Old Fire Station also shares a space with CRISIS Skylight to help the homeless find a voice through art and gain artistic skills.

It also is one of Oxford’s best places to check out for unique crafts and gift ideas.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Above: The Woodland Collection by Layla Amber features a number of beautifully made designs laser-cut into birch wood jewellery pieces.

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Top: Vintage owl plushies by Two Bird Textiles and Build a Birdie sewing kits from Tiny Stitches.

Bottom-left: Beautiful pillow cases by Two Bird Textiles.

Bottom-right: A variety of handmade items on display at the Old Fire Station.

Regular Features

Craftie 37

Top: Jewellery by Wolf & Moon.

Bottom-left: Handmade jewellery from a variety of sellers.

Bottom-right: Upcycled vintage ceramics designed by Melody Rose.

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Emily’s owl toy pattern

For a larger version of this pattern, please visit http://craftiemag.wordpress.com/owlpattern or download our Craftie app, available in the Apple and Android app stores.

Face

Body

Stomach

Beak

We now ship to the UK.http://www.ModCloth.comhttp://www.facebook.com/ModCloth

Shop at ModCloth for the

best indie, retro, and

vintage-inspired clothing.

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Blogs we’re reading

See for yourself at: http://onesheepishgirl.blogspot.co.uk/

One Sheepish GirlReview by Jade Warden

The blog, One Sheepish Girl, focuses on the knitting journey of Meredith; a self-confessed shy child. Meredith blogs about her knitting projects, the items she sells in her Etsy shop, and what inspires her work.

The blog is maintained regularly, with work posted every few days. She receives a good amount of commentary on her work, and it is easy to see why; the blog is organised in a simplistic fashion but maintains an arty style throughout.

Her own photography enhances the site, and adds visual pleasure.

Unlike some arty types who can appear elitist, Meredith has maintained a down-to-earth nature. She gives quick response to her commenters with friendly messages, and asks questions directly to her audience. The blog is undoubtedly an original; you can feel how passionate Meredith is about her knitting and craft work and witness how much effort she puts in to running the blog alongside creating her own unique work.

The blog has an extensive ‘About Me’ page so Meredith’s readers can be in touch with her on a personal level; everything is written in a pleasant tone making you want to get that much more involved with her journey and creations. She also has a list of her tutorials. The tutorials come complete with pictures and text to accurately guide you through her process. One Sheepish Girl illustrates that no matter how shy you are you cannot let it stand in the way of your creative passion.

Dearest Naturehttp://dearestnature.com/blog/

An ‘artsy lifestyle site and blog’ with some fabulous content inspired by nature. The blog has a good balance of photography, art and unexpected DIY projects that you won’t feel too overwhelmed making.

Mr. Yenhttp://mr-yen.com/

Mr. Yen, aka Jonathan Chapman, is a freelance designer who specialises in papercut artwork. His blog aims to keep us up-to-date on his latest work, and trust me, you will never be disappointed.

One of Mr Yen’s ‘Promotional Papercuts’

News, Events and more

Craftie 41

events & workshops

Crafts for Christmas and Hobbycrafts

25-28 OctoberSECC, GlasgowThe International Craft & Hobby

Fair Ltd is hosting two events on the same weekend in Glasgow. Hobbycrafts is packed full of every type of product you can imagine getting your craftie fingers and Crafts for Christmas will have plenty of unique gifts and festive food and drink to go around. So if you’re in Scotland, this one is a definite ‘must see’.Find out more: http://www.ichf.co.uk/events_calendar.php

The Creative Crafts Show18-20 OctoberSaviles Hall, Royal ArmouriesLeedsThis year the Creative Crafts

Show has moved to a brand new venue and promises to be better than ever. Offering a wide range of supplies to restock after a summer of crafting. Find out more:http://www.sccshows.co.uk/lo12_proceed.html

MADE London: The De-sign and Craft Fair

26-28 OctoberLondonAfter the huge success of the

MADE Brighton, the team behind it has organised MADE London, which brings together professional designer-makers of beautiful, sophisticated crafts. Find out more:http://www.madelondon.org/

Festival of Crafts20-21 OctoberFarnhamThe 16th annual Festival of

Crafts will be hosted this year by Farnham Maltings. It’s a celebration of contemporary craft in the south-east of England and exhibits everything from ceramics to embroidered accessories to one-of-a-kind wallpaper.https://farnhammaltings.com/festivals/festival-of-craft/

Pedigree Patterns: Knit a Dog

12-13 OctoberVictoria and Albert MuseumLondonA two day workshop hosted

by one of our favourite museums where you get to learn how to knit your own Jack Russell and Golden Retrievers. Basic knitting skills required and dog training not included.Find out more:http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/

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directoryAbakhanA craft store and haberdashery with everything from buttons and ribbons to sewing patterns. Abakhan also offer workshops at their various store locations. http://www.abakhan.co.uk/

Brighton Sewing CentreA small shop packed full of sewing machines, fabrics, sewing supplies, craft goods and more.68 North RdBrightonBN1 1YDwww.brightonsewingcentre.co.uk

Donna FlowerVintage, retro and antique online fabric store. Fabrics and haberdashery from the 19th Century to the ‘80s. www.donnaflower.com

Jane MeansAn online supplier of great British designed ribbons in all patterns and designs. www.janemeans.com

Make, Do & Mend Work-shopsMake, Do & Mend has workshops in everything from bookbinding

and shoe making to beading and knitting. They also sell local handmade items as well as some craft supplies.94 Byron RoadChelmsfordEssexCM2 6HJwww.makedomend.com

Patch FabricsStocks ribbons and trims, cotton fabrics for crafting and fashion. Fabrics include some designer names. They also hold workshops.9 Bevan Street EastLoewstoftNR32 2AAwww.patchfabrics.co.uk

Quilty PleasuresFabric, haberdashery and workshops for anyone who loves quilting. Craftie readers get 15% off all purchases using the code Craftie15.1b Upper Hamilton RoadBrightonBN1 5DFwww.quilty-pleasures.co.uk

Sew CraftyA lovely haberdashery with all the trimmings, buttons, fabrics, ribbons and beads you could ever want. 3 High StreetMaidenhead, BerkshireSL6 1JN

News, Events and more

Craftie 43

The Sewing BasketA wide variety of goods, including a good selection of knitting yarns, as well as sewing and cross stitch supplies.61 Newmarket StreetAyrKA7 1LLhttp://www.sewing-basket.co.uk/

Wool-n-ThingsOffers an extensive range of yarns and accessories for knitting, crochey, and cross stitch. They also offer workshops for all skill levels.3-5 Hitchin StreetBaldockHertfordshireSG7 6ALhttp://www.wool-n-things.co.uk/index.php

Beautiful Mayblossum GiftsA great site to keep in mind as the gift-giving season approaches, it sells unique vintage and retro inspired items. Everything in the shop is reasonably priced and Craftie readers get free shipping on all purchases over £25. Just use the code CraftieShipping.www.beautifulmayblossumgifts.co.uk

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Final say:There are so many recipes out there for two or for

families, but not really a lot good for one. This recipe is for one, but can easily be adapted for more.

Cook the rice according to the instructions on the packet. I only wanted a light meal, so I just put a little bit in the pot.

Meanwhile, heat a frying pan on high. Once hot, add the butter. When the butter is melted, put the chicken in the pan. Cook the chicken on one side, add half of the lemon juice and pepper to taste. Flip and repeat. Make sure to stir and flip the chicken so it cooks evenly. I cooked this for about 10 minutes on its own. For best results, use the instructions on the packaging. Always make sure the chicken is fully cooked before eating.

For a side dish I added the sweetcorn to the pan- add this to the pan of chicken when the chicken is already cooked. The sweetcorn is ready to eat, it just needs to be heated up. I cooked them together in the lemon-pepper juice for about 3 minutes and then took the pan off to sit until the rice was finished cooking.

Drain and then pour the rice into the chicken pan and stir on a low heat for about 30 seconds and . . . order’s up! Time to eat.

Overall, this was a delicious meal. Simple and cheap, and for one! I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did.

recipe for Lemon pepper chickenServes: 1Cook Time: 15 minutes Cost: Roughly £2.55

Ingredients: One chicken breast One serving white riceOne half tin sweet corn15 mL Butter30 mL Lemon JuiceGround black pepper

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