Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

I am a self taught passionate crafter, learning to knit at just 5 years old. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t knitting something for someone. My love of crafting grew and I progressed from knitting for family and friends to knitting for designers and spinning companies, making test garments and pattern checking. After some time I began to design small projects. I then contacted various magazines and offered my services as a designer. I was very fortunate to be accepted and from then on my career took off.

Tell us a bit about the book?

I had always dreamed of writing a book so was delighted when I was approached by Search Press about the possibility of writing a book for them. I made 20 tiny teddy bears, all dressed up in their own special clothes, little did I know that the book would be the start of many more to come. The teddy book has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and is still as popular now as it was when I first wrote it.

What was the inspiration behind it?

Knitted Rabbits is perhaps one the prettiest books I have written, the projects are so cute, ranging from very tiny little bunnies that sit in the palm of your hand to big cuddly bunnies with clothes. I have tried to design projects to suit all tastes and abilities, from the absolute beginner up to the more experienced knitters.
Search Press came up with the initial idea of rabbits and I then developed their thoughts into projects.

Which is your favourite project?

I don’t have a firm favourite in the book, I love them all.

What is your craft space like?

I have just moved home and now have my own studio to work in, it is very nice and I sit surrounded by my books, yarns, computer and everything that I need to design.

Have you always been creative?

When did you first start crafting?

Who are your crafty heroes?

There are so many old favourites and up coming wonderful craft designers and authors so it isn’t easy to list any particular person. I suppose Kafe Fasset is somebody who I do admire for his wonderful use of colours and patterning.

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes from many different places, when making an animal project I always research the animal online, looking at the many breeds. Then I take ideas from what I see, with the rabbits, there are so many different types. Long floppy ears, upright pointed ears, big eyes, huge feet to mention but a few. Each bunny has its own special character, cute or funny face.

What's next for you?

I don’t know what is going to come next, at the moment I don’t have any pending books, just commissions for knitting and crochet projects for magazines. I never know what I will be asked to do next which is quite exciting !!