Artisan of the Week, Jo from Dolly Knits

Today I take great pleasure in introducing to you a fellow knitter and designer Jo from Dolly Knits. This is the lady that designed and created the much talked about "Bright Red Coffee Cup Cozy Sling". She also makes a whole host of other lovely knitted goodies. Her work is divine and you can see it on Etsy and Folksy. Now I'll let her tell you a bit more about herself.

1. Could you please introduce us to who you are and what you do?
Hello! I am Jo and a recent graduate in BA Hons Textile Design from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, UK. I specialized in designing knitted textiles for fashion and interiors and recently decided to start my Dolly Knits shop on Etsy and a UK shop on Folksy, selling things I like to knit for fun. My Great Gran was called Dolly so I thought I would steal her name for my knitty business.

2. What led you to take up your craft?
When I was younger my Mum had always knitted, so I think I was brainwashed at a young age to love knitting. I didn't start knitting properly until I went to University where I learnt how to use domestic knitting machines and then industrial Dubied knitting machines. Since then, I have continued hand knitting and am still teaching myself new techniques all the time.

3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
I love starting to knit something and not really knowing where it is going and then ending up with a final product which looks exciting and works. I also love to shop for yarn and usually end up with much more than I really need. I enjoy spending a lot of time getting involved in the crafty online community. It also fun for meeting people and getting information and tips on techniques and materials.

4. Which part do you find hardest?
The hardest part is organising time and being able to fit in all the designing, knitting, blogging and promoting that there is to do.

5. Where do you hope to be in 1 year’s time?
In one years time, I would love to have designed and made full collections of accessories and clothing for all seasons, and have a steady flow of customers through my shops, building up to being able to run Dolly Knits full time in the future.

6. What is the best advice you have ever been given?
If you go wrong, always go back and correct it immediately, if you leave it and it is not perfect, it will annoy you forever more.

7. Could you name artisans sites/shops would you recommend are worth a visit?
Joanna Rutter's Jewellery.
Hannah Fenton Steven's Jewellery.
Applique Childrens Gifts from Tobyboo.

8. What is your favourite sandwich filling?
Prawn Mayonnaise.

Thank you for answering our questions and joining in with our blog Jo. I agree whole heartedly with the best advice you were given. It does eat away at you if you know that imperfection is there, even if no one esle knows it. So lovely readers if you want to know more about Jo and keep up with whats going on in her world you can Visit her shops and read her blog where hopefully soon it will tell you thats Dolly Knits has become her full time job and that her hopes for the future have all come true. Well the sun is shining and I have a vegetable plot to dig over. Enjoy your Sunday everyone.

Written by Lynne of PiratePixieCrew and Hyperloop Hoops

Cambridge Handm@de fair

Today I’ve chosen a gorgeous selection of handmade items from sellers attending the Cambridge Handm@de fair. This is takes place on the 4th April, in the Guildhall and will include a range of different handmade crafts from sellers all over the UK.

This adorable bracelet is made by Poor Robin. The stacks of colourful buttons, tied together with leather makes a great accessory. As well as wonderful bracelets, Poor Robin also makes felt cuffs, pendants and hair clips.

Namolio makes a range of different items, including this blue and pink hand knitted scarf – it look so soft! It’s still pretty cold out there, so just looking at this makes me feel all toasty again. I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the beautiful fabric covered buttons by Namolio’s– I’m not sure I’ll be able resist!

This fantastic cubic necklace is the perfect thing to brighten up an outfit. The turquoise cubes alternated with grey and clear beads creates a striking effect.
Made by MomentsByMartha, it’s only one in a range of beautiful pieces of jewellery available in her shop.

I don’t think I’ve ever owned a clutch bag, but I’m extremely tempted by those on offer from Cloudhopping. I adore the retro fabric, and the brown hand crochet woollen strip really brings it together! As well as clutches, items also include beanies (for men and women), brooches, belts, shrugs and ipod cases. I simply can’t believe how talented this seller is! I’m becoming extremely jealous already!

Aha, buttons again – I just love them! Well two buttons and a pendant which is even better! These ceramic hearts are made by Hodgepodge arts. Perfect for adding that extra unique detail to bags, purses or clothes. I’ve got a feeling that crafters won’t be short of things to treat themselves too at this fair either!

I hope some of you will be able to come along and check out the amazing variety of stuff on offer. It’s a great opportunity to get some unique handmade gifts at reasonable prices. I’ll be there with a small stall, trying not to spend all my profit on all the lovely things! Feel free to say hello!

Written by Rose of Felt Giraffe