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A bit about me!

Welcome to my first blog post on The British Craft House.   I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you a bit more about myself.  I’m Amy, I live in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire but I’m originally from Ely in Cambridgeshire.  I moved up North with my partner in 2011 and love living here but do miss being closer to my family and friends in East Anglia!

Sewing and dressmaking is my passion and I spend most of my free time in my attic sewing room making my own clothes and of course sewing the bags that I sell here on my shop.  Aside from sewing, I like being outside whether that’s in our garden at home or exploring a National Trust estate; Fountains Abbey is one of my favourites.

I love animals, especially dogs and have a beautiful husky cross called Pepper, who gets lots of attention when we are out and about for her small petite size and her lovely blue eyes!

I’ve always enjoyed being active and exercise is a big part of my life whether that’s walking Pepper daily, dancing weekly at my neighbour’s Clubbercise class or working out at home. 

So that’s a little bit more about me.  I’m planning to publish more regular blogs on here in addition to my main blog – www.dressbyamy.co.uk where I write about sewing and dressmaking including pattern reviews and how-to’s.  Thank you very much for taking the time to visit my shop and read this blog post!

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My First Experience Showing at Yarndale: A Woolly Dream Come True

If you’re a fan of yarn and all things woolly, you’ve probably heard of the award-winning Yarndale. Held annually in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, it’s a celebration of yarn, wool and creativity that draws people from near and far. This year’s event took place just two weeks ago, over the last weekend of September, and I was thrilled to be a part of it as an exhibitor!

Since my work incorporates locally sourced wool cloth, I felt incredibly lucky to be offered a stand. The event, originally set up to inspire and encourage people to get creative with wool, offers a vibrant space for artists and makers to share their craft. It was my first time showing at Yarndale, and I loved every moment!

A Unique Setting: Trading from a Cattle Market Pen

Yarndale has a distinctive charm – it’s hosted in a cattle market, which admittedly was a bit chilly in the early hours! But once the venue filled up (and it really did fill up!), the atmosphere warmed. We all had our own pen, usually used to house animals during the livestock auctions, as our stall space, encouraging a certain creativity with the space. 

As William and Tilda is rooted in WWII-inspired themes, I turned my pen into an air raid shelter for the day. And my top seller of the weekend? The gas mask bags. Although made from an original pattern from 1941, there’s something very contemporary about the design. And you’d never know it was originally designed for carrying a civilian gas mask! 

A Podcast Feature at Yarndale

If you’re interested in hearing more about the inspiration behind my work, I had the pleasure of sharing my story on the Making Stitches podcast, recorded live at Yarndale. It was a wonderful chance to talk about how William and Tilda celebrates the resilience and resourcefulness of WWII-era women, and why I feel so passionate about creating handmade pieces that honour this legacy. You can listen to the podcast episode [here].

Why You Should Visit Yarndale

Whether you’re a maker, a yarn enthusiast, or someone looking for a bit of creative inspiration, I can’t recommend Yarndale enough. It’s a fantastic event that celebrates the versatility and artistry of wool in all its forms – and it’s well worth a visit if you get the chance.

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Lucinda’s art

I am Lucinda from Lucinda’s art and I’m an embroidery/textile artist from Cardiff. I create large hand embroidered framed pieces inspired by the Pembrokeshire coastline and the beaches of the Gower Peninsular. I also make smaller pieces as well, that include four inch hoops and some everyday jewellery and accessories such as hand embroidered pendants, brooches and keyrings that are framed in mini embroidery hoops that measure a tiny 2.5 – 4 cm. I work from my front room, its has a wonderful light all day long and I am making preparations to turn this room in to a fully functioning studio space.

I work from my home which is lovely because I am also a busy mum of three boys, who are growing fast and eating me out of house and home! We all live together with my husband, two dogs and an elderly cat.

 Due to health conditions, I have had a lot of time to dedicate to my business. I have a rare muscle disease called Myasthenia Gravis and I also have Lupus. So you can imagine how tired and weak I can get sometimes. This can be problematic as my energy levels can vary dramatically and lead to slow progress of my sewing which is very frustrating at times. Embroidery can be quite soothing too, and it helps me focus my mind and inspires me to carry on creating and take my mind off my difficulties..

I use only a few embroidery stitches. My favourite has to be the French knot, I love its versatility. I use it to describe foliage but also I use it to describe the texture of sea foam crashing with the waves or the pebbles on the shoreline. I also like to use the technique of thread painting. This is often referred to the long and short stitch and is a lovely way to blend the colours of the embroidery thread. It reminds me of painting. I love painting as well and I have completed a degree in art and aesthetics where I painted Large abstract pieces. This embroidery technique taps into my love of painting and blending colours as you do when you paint.

I have an exciting year ahead! I have my work in a gallery in Llanelli, who’s aim it is to support the artists they have displaying with them. Then I will be in a summer exhibition in Dale, Pembrokeshire and a Christmas craft fair at Picton Castle. So I have lots of embroidery to do!

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New beginnings October 2024

A blog?  Do I want to do a blog?  Do you want to read my blog?    Lets give it a go!

 It’s the middle of October 2024 and I decide to apply for a store with the British Craft House.   I was delighted when my application was accepted.   I love a project and setting up this shop was certainly that.  There is so much to input to make everything look attractive.

First the photos.  I take plenty from my phone and its always good to have a sunny day.  Then they have to  be resized, renamed, and then copied across to my PC.    I find art  quite difficult to photograph,  the colours and textures are not showing on a photograph as they would in real life.

Then there’s the descriptions, you need to put down every little detail.    Shipping rates to sort out and Search engine optimisation, amongst other things.    Help!

Well,  I have managed to get 3 paintings up on the site by Friday 25th October, so I am pleased with that.  Hopefully I will get quicker and add more stock each week. 

Now I am working on gift wrapping.   I love geli printing, so I am wondering about using some mono printed papers as wrapping paper.  They would be different, but maybe customers would prefer simple gold paper?   What do you think?

That’s it for now,   Have a great weekend.  Jackie x

 

 

 

 

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Craft Store of the Year – Somerset 2024/25 – two years running!

Orange and white winners logo stating 'South west England prestige awards 2024/25 winner

Here at Quantock Inspiration, I am thrilled to share some incredible news that fills me with pride and joy. My small business has been awarded the title of Craft Store of the Year for Somerset for the second consecutive year!

Achieving this recognition is no small feat. It speaks for the hard work and determination I have poured in, (in the bucketload!) as well as the support I receive from my valued customers. Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is an achievement in itself, but being named the winner is a testament to my dedication to providing quality products and exceptional customer service.

 Winning Craft Store of the Year – Somerset has not only boosted my reputation within the local community but has also reinforced my commitment to nurturing the love of crafts. I believe that crafting is more than just a pastime; it fosters creativity, builds connections, and enhances well-being. My mission is also to hopefully help inspire and empower individuals to express themselves through various forms of art and crafts – anyone can craft something from just about anything!

 As I celebrate this significant milestone, I look forward to continuing to serve my customers, locally and nationally with the same passion and dedication that earned me this accolade.

I am excited for what the future holds and remain committed to being a leading destination for craft lovers in Somerset and the rest of the UK.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way; I couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s to another year of creativity and inspiration at Quantock Inspiration!

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The Story of Libra Fine Arts: Turning Art into Solace and a New Beginning

At Libra Fine Arts, every stroke of the pen tells a story, not just of creativity, but of resilience and rebirth. The journey began during a time of mental stress, where life’s challenges weighed heavily on Skip. In a search for solace, he turned to something that had always been there quietly in the background—art.

For Skip, drawing wasn’t just a pastime; it was a way to express what words couldn’t. With each hand-drawn creation, he found peace. The simple act of putting pen to paper, capturing the world in intricate detail, became his refuge. In those quiet moments, something beautiful began to bloom—not just on the pages but within his spirit as well. Through art, Skip found a way to calm the storm and rediscover joy, one picture at a time.

Katherine, ever the visionary, saw something even greater in those drawings. She didn’t just see art; she saw a doorway to a new life. Each piece Skip created was like a window opening to new possibilities. What began as a personal journey of healing soon became a shared dream. Together, they envisioned bringing Skip’s work to the world, not just as art, but as something that could bring joy to others in the form of beautiful, meaningful gifts.

Thus, Libra Fine Arts was born—a space where art meets heart, offering eco-friendly, hand-drawn gifts for all the family under one roof. The mission was clear: to share the healing power of art, to turn Skip’s quiet moments of solace into something that others could cherish. The idea of turning these drawings into sustainable, high-quality gifts was more than a business venture—it was a way to spread joy and connection, one piece of art at a time.

Every time a new design is shared—whether it’s a festive Highland Cow, a quirky puffin, or a majestic polar bear—it feels like a piece of their story is being passed on to someone new. The fact that people from all over can now buy these beautiful gifts for their family, all in one place, brings both Katherine and Skip immense happiness. They’ve built a community that appreciates art not just as decoration, but as something with depth and meaning.

As Libra Fine Arts continues to grow, Skip and Katherine are constantly reminded of how it all started: with a pen, a piece of paper, and a need for solace. The journey wasn’t always easy, but it was always filled with heart and purpose. Now, every drawing, every product, and every gift sold carries with it a piece of their story—a story of finding light in the darkest of times and sharing that light with the world.

For Katherine and Skip, Libra Fine Arts isn’t just about art or business; it’s about connection, healing, and the pure joy of bringing people together through the magic of handmade, eco-friendly gifts. Each piece is a reminder that, sometimes, out of the hardest moments, something truly beautiful can grow. And that’s what makes Libra Fine Arts so special—sharing that beauty with everyone.

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Hello

Michelle Leaver Jewellery has an introductory offer of 12% off your basket by using the code HELLO at Checkout.
Hi, I’m Michelle from Michelle Leaver Jewellery and I wanted to just say hello and introduce myself. 🦋 I’ve been lucky enough to have been designing and making jewellery for over 35 years! I can’t quite believe it’s been that long and it has been so, so rewarding. The first part of my career was before the internet so I sold directly to the public. Today even though I sell online I still value the good relationships and connections with my customers so if ever you have any questions about my work, please don’t hesitate to reach out.🦋 My jewellery is inspired by the beauty in this world, nature, particularly the ocean. 🐟 I fell in love with enamel particularly the blues and turquoise colours, when I was studying at university and as a result, 50% of my work is enamelled. The rest of my work includes silver and gold and I also use stones. I hope you enjoy looking at the jewellery and just to say that I make all the rings in any size you need and I also do Commissions so please reach out if you have any ideas. 

Michelle 🦋

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Its that time of year again.

It’s time to get the big warm coats back out of retirement and fill the cloakroom once more with wooly hats, scarves, gloves and boots. Some of us dread this time of year and dream of heading of somewhere hot.

I personally love this time of year.  It is time to have cosy nights in watching your fav films snuggled up on the sofa with a big mug of hot chocolate.  It is the best time for long walk in the forests collecting acorns and leaves of all colours. It is a time of change, reinvention, new beginnings. I love autumn what a beautiful time of year, search for those bright colours in-between the rain. 

 

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How to block a hat

felt hat pinned on a millinery block held in hand

Have you ever wondered how a hat is made? 

I first discovered millinery when I was given a hat making gift experience, and was transfixed by the magical process which transforms a 2-dimensional fabric into a fabulous 3D structure.

The basic techniques for creating hats have remained pretty much the same for centuries, using heat and water to soften the fibres before stretching over a block to create the desired shape. I prefer to use traditional wooden blocks, though metal and polystyrene are also commonly used. In fact, you can use pretty much anything to shape a hat – an upturned bowl, interesting vase, or just your hands to free-form a shape.

three images showing how a felt hood is blocked (shaped) on a wooden millinery block to create a hat base

My favourite material to block is felt. I use pure wool felts as it is more economical than fur felts and is a renewable resource so more ethical too. As a side note – did you know that millinery was one of the main causes of bird populations plummeting in the late 19th and early 20th century? The feather trade nearly wiped out several species with desirable plumage, with over 5 million birds killed every year just for the sake of hats! Thankfully we are more aware of our impact these days, so I try to be mindful when selecting fabrics and trims.

Millinery felt comes pre-shaped into either a cone, or ‘hood’, or a cone with wide brim known as a ‘capeline’. For this small percher hat, I’m using a hood (figure 1). To begin with, I dip the felt into a bowl of warm water, just to dampen the fibres. It’s important the water isn’t too hot or the felt with shrink.

Once damp, I place the felt over the wooden block and pull down on each side (figure 2), steaming the felt to further soften the fibres and make stretching easier (figure 3). 

three images showing how a felt hood is blocked (shaped) on a wooden millinery block to create a hat base

As you keep stretching and steaming the felt, it starts to take the shape of the block (figure 4). I can then begin shaping the underside and pinning to hold it in place (figure 5). It’s important to keep stretching and pinning until all the creases are gone, as once dry the felt will hold whatever shape you have created (figure 6).

Once all the creases have been pulled out and the felt pinned into place, leave it for at least 24 hours until completely dry. It’s really important not to take it off too early, as you could stretch the damp fabric and distort the shape.

felt hat pinned on a millinery block held in hand

And there you have it – a hat base ready to wire and add stiffener to help hold it’s shape. You are then open to the wondrous world of trimmings. Although I tend to prefer more classic, tailored designs with minimal trims, one of the reasons I love millinery as a craft is there really are no rules. You can create a hat from literally anything, and add the craziest decorations – just think of ladies day at Ascot!

A hat should exude your personality, be a fabulous reflection of your true self. If you wear a hat, it’s often the first thing people will notice about you, so have fun with it and make it speak volumes about you.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about millinery, and perhaps you’ll look twice at that vase on your windowsill and ponder the creative possibilites it may bring?

Isobel x

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Craft Store of the Year – Somerset 2023/24

south west England prestige awards banner - white and orange

Well, I have finally got round to writing a bit more – if all the experts are anything to go by I would need to be writing a blog every day!! I mean, who’s got time for that?!!

I don’t have time to blog every day so a little is good rather than not at all I say.

Anyway, recently my store won an award!! I am so chuffed that my little outfit has been recognised. South Wales Prestige awards contacted me to say I had won and sent me this lovely piece on what their judges thought:

‘Offering a fantastic selection of locally produced handmade products, Quantock Inspiration is an arts and crafts store specialising in gifts you can be proud to display in your home. The brainchild of owner and entrepreneur, Esther Parr, the must-visit store provides a winning combination of creativity and craftsmanship with Esther pouring her heart and soul into every creation, drawing inspiration from the idyllic surroundings of the Quantock Hills. Rooted in nature and fuelled by artistic flair, Quantock Inspiration offers an eclectic range of products. From charming decoupage items to exquisite jewellery pieces, Esther’s creations resonate with a timeless charm.

The judges were particularly impressed by the environmentally sound work ethics and practices that steer every decision at Quantock Inspiration. Her commitment to sustainability echoes Esther’s ethos of responsible craftsmanship; incorporating recycled materials wherever possible, she not only creates beautiful items but also champions eco-conscious approaches. This dedication to environmental stewardship adds an extra layer of depth to the brand’s appeal, resonating with conscientious consumers. From exquisite bottle crafts to a myriad of handcrafted accessories and home decor items, Quantock Inspiration offers something for everyone.

 QUANTOCK INSPIRATION OFFERS UNIQUE, HANDMADE CRAFTS AND GIFTS, BLENDING NATURE[1]INSPIRED DESIGNS WITH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AND EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY’

So wow! It took a little while to sink in but now I am just very proud of what I have achieved. Five years of learning, trial and error, ideas, mistakes and back to the drawing board on occasions but it all came together. I’m still learning of course – SEO is a minefield!! Marketing a permanent challenge and trying to keep up with the trend on how to keep moving forward with an online store.

I am hoping this year to have a new workspace. At the moment I am still working in my living room. I started in the corner and have gradually spread slowly across until I take up about two thirds of it now – there’s still a space for the sofa and TV but that’s about it – I am fortunate to have a very big lounge, but I have outgrown it now. I don’t want to work away from home as that wouldn’t work for me as this is very much a lifestyle business.  

I have been looking into a log cabin style building for my garden or something similar that I can have as my own – and give the lounge back to my Husband!!

I think that will really help me move forward – plus I will have an even better view of those Quantock Hills! And that means more inspiration of course which is the whole concept of my store.

So, I’ve kept this one short and sweet, until next time – cheerio!!