Features
Sew a travel card holder in #ShopShowcase with Cheekyhandmades in London.
How did you get started?
In July 2010 I gave up my job to become a full time crafter. I didn't have a plan and wasn't too sure what exactly I was going to do even but now I'm a quilter, I teach sewing classes, I fix sewing machines, I take on bespoke sewing projects and I have a fabulous garden studio to work from.
Where are you located?
Walthamstow, East London, UK
Which products do you specialise in?
I love making unique heirloom quilts for people, and have made them out of baby clothes and men's shirts as well as denim and regular cottons. I also love collecting and fixing vintage sewing machines.
Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?
All my quilts are my favourites!
What's on the stereo?
Usually radio 6 music, or anything from Iggy Pop, Dolly Parton to Kings of Convenience to Northern Soul. I must have music whilst I work!
Where else should we visit in your area?
There's an amazing range of cheap fabric and haberdashery shops in Walthamstow as well as many coffee shops, a Debbie Bliss home shop (she lives in e17!), Epping Forest is very nearby and I live right at the back of the amazing William Morris gallery. The E17 art trail is a biennial feast and everyone has to see the knitted garden (displays change regularly) on Howard Road!
Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?
I run sewing classes for beginners, dressmakers and quilters as well as teaching free emotion emvroisery, make do and mend and making your own jeans workshops. I also run kids making parties and hen parties in my studio.
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
Last year I took a pledge to not buy any clothes apart from socks and underwear and to make the rest. I did pretty well and successfully made my own jeans and bras. No looking back now although I have bought some warm jumpers and leggings and a cute dress by local designers. I am now getting to grips with making knickers and would like to become wholy me-made dressed. Alas time is in short supply!
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