'Meet the Maker' #6 - A Crafty Conversation with...

... Caroline from Caroline Watts Embroidery

Would you like some cake? 

Don’t mind if I do, lemon drizzle please.

Sit down, make yourself comfortable! Time for introductions... What's your name, where do you come from and what do you do?

I’m Caroline and I’m from a little village in North Yorkshire.  I am an embroidery designer but that covers the designing, stitching and a little unpicking of stitching!

So... Are you Yorkshire born and bred?

I am a true Yorkshire Lass.  I moved away when I went to University and I have lived in Northampton but I couldn’t wait to get back.  Now I am back I won’t be leaving Yorkshire again.

What's the earliest thing you can ever remember making, was it any good and have you still got it?

I was always trying to make things from an early age but I gave up because I couldn’t do anything as well as my Mum or Gran.  Once I was older I became a big fan of crochet, I think it was quite good but sadly the dog thought it would make rather a cosy bed.
 

 What have you made most recently? (and do you like it!?)  

I have a half finished cushion in my ‘to do’ box but the colours weren’t quite right and the design didn’t translate from paper to embroidery.  So, it is one to unpick.

More successful was a Bunny Cushion for a friend which turned out rather well and she loved it!

What are your 5 craft cupboard essentials?  

Tricky to limit to just five but the things I use everyday are:-

Linen of various colours, Embroidery threads, Embroidery hoops, Scissors, sketch pad.

What music do you like to listen to while you make? Do you prefer to 'Get on Down' or 'Boogie on Up?

This really depends on my mood and if I need to concentrate! For the concentration moments it is usually a bit of classical to keep me calm but I am known to sing along to Glee albums and Adele.  I do a lot of my work sitting somewhere comfortable so the television is often on.

If I gave you £250 to spend on craft supplies and equipment what would you buy? 

I have a long list of things I would like! Equipment wise I would like a new camera and a printer.  Craft supplies.....I would probably go for some silk embroidery threads, some wool so I could do some crocheting and a modern sewing machine!

 
Other than your own, name a shop, website or blog that you really love:

I love Snapdragon products and also their blog.  

Moonlight and Hares is a wonderful blog full of beauty and inspiration.

And now for the quick fire round!

What's your favourite craft magazine?

I don’t read craft magazines but I have an enormous collection of craft books.  Jan Constantine is a favourite at the moment.

   What online craft site do you prefer? 

 Folksy has a fantastic range of crafts.
 

 What is your favourite part of the designing/making/selling process?

My most favourite part would be hearing what people think of my work.  It is still a huge thrill when people say they love what I do. I also like the moment when a new design works as an embroidery.

And finally...

What question would you like to ask the next person who features in 'Meet the Maker...'?

Who or what inspires your work?

Where can we find out more about you and your work?

I sell through www. notonthehighstreet.com/carolinewattsembroidery 

or my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/carolinewattsembroidery 

and my brand new website – www.carolinewattsembroidery.co.uk

I will also be attending a local craft fair in Richmond, North Yorkshire at The Station in November.  If you’re there pop over and say hello!