Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

We're Emma & Beth from Hamble & Jemima and Authors of Abbygale Sews.

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Tell us a bit about the book?

Our beautiful book is packed full of designs for bags, accessories and delightful items for the home. There are 20 easy projects to choose from which are simple yet distinctive in style...we believe that beautiful design does not have to be complicated.

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What was the inspiration behind it?

We originally started by creating our Hamble & Jemima, sewing kits, to try and inspire other people to craft. The opportunity to create a book grew out of that so we set about producing an inspirational and practical sewing guide. We worked hard to create straightforward instructions with beautifully drawn illustrations, and filled the book with inspirational photographs.

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Which is your favourite project?

The projects we chose to put in the book are all items we have made that we find useful and use often, or love to look at when in our homes, so they should appeal to busy women everywhere! Our favourite project is definitely the sling sac; we use these all the time. The size of the sling sac means that everything can fit into it (and we carry lots around with us!) and the long handle allows it to hang perfectly across your body, freeing up your hands to carry shopping, hold the dog lead and wipe snotty noses!

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What is your craft space like?

Although we work from home much of the time, we also have a studio in Cockington, Devon, called Hamble & Jemima, which is in the middle of a country park, surrounded by other traditional crafters. It is always great to talk to the customers that come into the studio because we get direct feedback on our kits and are therefore able to gauge which of our items are most popular.

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Have you always been creative?

Although we've both previously had creative careers, the need to craft and fill our houses full of handmade, organic things did not really kick in until we had families. One Christmas we took on a challenge to make all our gifts by hand and made all manner of things from homemade jams and pickles to sewn bags and sock monsters. All the gifts were hugely appreciated and from there-on-in we caught the craft bug! We wanted to spread the word, so started creating our kits so everyone could have a go.

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When did you first start crafting?

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Who are your crafty heroes?

All the independent and everyday crafters around the country who work hard to make special, individual items for friends and family are our heroes. Its amazing what people can achieve when they are given some time, fabric and inspiration.

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Where do you find inspiration?

We both have a strong sense of style and love simple design with maximum impact. We enjoy going to markets and looking for vintage fabrics which inspire us. We often look to other creative areas such as fashion to keep up to date with all the latest trends. Interestingly some of the best ideas have evolved through experimentation and happy accidents!

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What's next for you?

We are working on ideas for a new book, and possibly creating our own range fabric. Exciting times!

Signed copies of our book can be purchased from the hambleandjemima.co.uk website. We're more than happy to do a reader offer which would entitle cut out and keep readers to a 20% discount off their purchases.

A beautiful new collection of sewing projects inspired by the Devon countryside! This book is aimed at new and experienced sewers and includes twenty simple, yet stunning  projects ranging from gorgeous floral designs for bags, accessories and lovely ideas for the home such as a teacosy and cushion. Plus, all of these projects would make an extra special gift for your loved ones. The authors Emma Curtis and Elizabeth Parnell have drawn inspiration for their designs from Devon, which will surely make anyone proud to be British! The projects have their pattern pieces on a fold-out sheet making it easy to understand and complete the projects with ease.