The Queen of Craft
We nab 5 minutes with the world's most famous crafter, Martha Stewart
Tell us how you first got interested in crafting
I've always been interested in anything that is home made, even as a young child, so crafting is very important to me.
Is your family creative?
Oh, extremely. My father was a craftsman – he was a great carpenter, plumber and gardener. My mother was a fabulous sewer and cook, my sister is a weaver, my other sister is a collector, my brother is a wood worker and makes fine furniture, and another brother is a carpenter. My home growing up was full of handmade items.
We love the quality and aesthetic of your Home Office stationery, did you have a particular customer in mind for this range?
Me. I always use myself and people around me as focus groups – if we want it, they'll want it. I have to like the products, otherwise I won't approve them for sale.
Of all the craft disciplines, which is your favourite and why?
I really don't have a favourite, I just like really good tools which allow me to accomplish almost any job. I'm a good sewer and knitter, but I'm not a great crocheter yet; I'm learning at the moment.
The creative home is a really big trend here in the UK, will we be seeing this influence coming through in any new Martha Stewart product ranges?
We have a whole book on sewing already! We have a whole book on children's crafts coming out next April and we have two other great hand books for all different types of crafts – very big ones!
Can you share a tried and tested tip or craft trick with us?
If you want your products to look professional and well designed, it's really important to use fine tools and the best materials. For example, a very talented knitter could make something out of polyester and it'll look awful, but if she had just thought to use a more beautiful yarn, what a long-lasting and lovely product it would be. I hate to see great handiwork wasted on bad materials.
We know it's early, but give us a sneak peek on your Christmas lines
We have amazing collection of festive ornaments coming out soon – they're really fine quality and are just stunning.
Name three things you would want with you on a desert island?
My craft tools – a big box of them, that's one! Then a sewing machine and generator.
What would we be finding you doing on a typical Sunday?
Outside in my garden; I'm a very keen gardener.
Finally, if you could design stationery for anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
I like the presidents stationery so I don't think that needs improving. I'd love to design for The Queen, though!
Martha Stewart's Home Office and gorgeous products are available from QVC, http://www.qvcuk.com
Pictures taken from Martha's Entertaining (£50, Clarkson Potter) available from www.amazon.co.uk
