From: Berkshire, UK
Occupation: I’m currently the Lead Designer (Software Development) for Avis, looking after the design and usability of Avis’ European websites.
Favourite colour: Orange
Favourite animal: Cats, obviously ;-)
Favourite band: That’s a really tough one as music is a huge part of my life. Of all time, probably The Rolling Stones – though as a teenager it was The Cult.
Favourite book: The Road to Reality by Roger Penrose. Scientific textbook.
Shop / Business name:
Pussy Galore Sock Cats
What you make:
Beautifully handcrafted sock cats and kittens.
How did you know you were crafty / artistic?
From a very young age. As I child all I wanted for my birthday or Christmas was pencils and paper, Lego, or scraps of fabric. 40 years on I would rather buy a new pen than new shoes!
What was the first thing you ever made?
Back in the 70’s I used to make my own doll’s clothes from felt or fabrics my gran would pick up from second-hand shops. I had a “Pippa” doll (which is like a miniature Cindy/Barbie) and I’d make skirts and tops and big floppy hats.
Do you have any formal training or who taught you what you know?
No, no formal training whatsoever. Most of my career has centred around IT and design of one kind or another. I paint, draw and illustrate as well – it’s how I relax.
How did your craft business come about?
I started out with Feltique last year, making covered books and decorations. Sock-creature making happened by accident and has been very successful for me.
Where and when do you do your crafting?
Having a day job it can be difficult to fit everything in. I do admin in the mornings, and planning at lunchtime. Most evenings involve craft and/or marketing. I’m most productive when I make large batches of sock cats and kittens over a weekend, and can list them gradually over a week.
Tell me something surprising about yourself:
I’m doing a distance-learning degree in Astronomy. If I could do my life over, I would have been a scientist.
Which Folksy / Etsy shop can you not get enough of?
Pants and Paper. I adore Sam’s creations and have bought many things from her either for myself or as gifts for friends and family.
Why is handmade / crafting important to you?
On a personal level I love having hobbies, and having a hobby I can make money from is great. There’s also the satisfaction of knowing how much pleasure the sock cats bring to others – if I can make someone else happy, then I’m happy! From the consumer perspective I get fed up with the lack of creativity and innovation on the high street. If I’m buying a gift, then handmade is always my first port of call.
Is it just me or is crafting really hot right now?
You’re right, it is hot! I think men are harder to convince about buying handmade, and I think that as more and more men start to make and sell handmade themselves, we will see yet another consumer revolution.
Tell me why I should buy something from you!
All of my sock cats and kittens are designed to be absolutely unique. Even if 2 cats are made from the same style of sock, the detail will differ in style or colour. Every cat and kitten is uniquely named and customers have the option to change the name and personalise for the recipient. I take pride in the presentation too, and my customers often comment on how nicely the packages look and smell when they arrive.
Ok you’ve got me convinced! Where can I find you?
My primary shop is on Folksy and I’m just starting to dip my toes in Etsy’s waters.
Blog
My personal design blog – for anyone interested in my other creative activities – is http://www.missweblash.com/
Lovley feature! I adore Shirley-Ann's cats and kittens
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