Queen of Arts
We catch up with designer Sarah Tremelling
Sarah Tremelling is the face behind the wonderfully original textile pieces at Picture It In Stitches. A clear example of someone who has put crafty skills to professional use, she has a lovely range of unique, hand-stitched textile and applique pieces suitable for almost every occasion.
Have you always been creative?
I've always loved to make things and try out new crafts. I was the one in the Brownies with an armful of craft badges and not much else! I didn't have much time for crafting when I hit my teens, as I had a pony and he took up most of my spare time. However, after starting work at 18, a colleague introduced me to cross stitch and my creative side came to the fore once again!
Did you know you wanted to pursue an artistic career?
Unfortunately when I left school, a career within textiles and crafts wasn't really an option. Unless you were extremely academic (which I wasn't) you were pushed towards an office job or encouraged to take a Youth Training Apprenticeship scheme. I ended up opting for a Business Studies course at college and then went on to become an Events Manager for a large multinational company in the city. If I had my time again, I would definitely have pursued an artistic career from the word go - there are so many wonderful courses available now that I would love to take.
Your site incorporates many different crafts, from ceramic painted buttons to textiles and applique. What's your favourite?
Unfortunately the ceramic buttons aren't made by me, I buy these in from a very talented lady as I feel they sit very well with my goodies and I do actually use them on a lot of my products. Out of the all the crafts I do, I think applique has to be my favourite - seeing a picture come together from scraps of fabric and various notions is really satisfying.
Do you have a favourite item that you've made?
I think my favourite has to be the beaded felt circles picture that I finished recently. I intended it to be a one-off piece, but I've had so many comments about it that I think it might become a regular on my website.
What do you like about working with felt?
I love that there are so many colours available and it's so easy to work with - the fact that it doesn't fray makes life a bit easier!
What's been the most interesting thing you've made from felt?
I recently made a baby/cot mobile which consisted of a number of different sized and coloured stuffed felt flowers. It was really beautiful but very hard work - I don't think I'll be doing another one for a while!
Have you had any crafting disasters?
Yes - I managed to turn a whole batch of stunning, second-hand mohair and cashmere jumpers that I was felting bright pink because I put a red jumper in the machine with them accidentally. They came out beautifully felted, but rather horrible shades of pink.
Do you think felt is coming back into fashion?
Definitely.
How long has Picture It In Stitches been running?
Almost a year now - I first started creating my textile applique pictures in November of last year and the website went live in December.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
The freedom I think, and the fact that there are no restraints on what you can and can't create. It's also really nice to receive lovely comments and compliments from satisfied customers.
What's your one top crafting tip?
Don't put red jumpers in the washing machine with other colours!
Do you run any workshops/demonstrations/open days?
Not at the moment, but it's something I would absolutely love to do in the future. If the demand is there, I would definitely give it a go.
What inspires you to come up with new designs? Do you ever run out of ideas?
Simple things really. I might see an image on a piece of wrapping paper or a greetings card and think that it would look good in textiles. My children give me lots of inspiration as well. Sometimes I get "crafters block" and just can't think of anything new or different to create. But a quick look through one of my many craft books or looking for inspiration on the internet usually gives me lots of new ideas.
What advice would you give to someone who is keen to follow in your footsteps and carve out a creative career?
Don't give up the day job (well, to start off with anyway)! Making a living from crafting is extremely hard work. If you can spend your evenings and weekends crafting and then take a table at local fairs, it's a great way to get started. Once you get your name out there, people start to recognise it and you can build up a great client base. The majority of my customers are regulars or people to whom I have been recommended. Having said that, a creative career is a passion and if you want to succeed ... you will.
What do you think you would be doing if you hadn't gone into the craft industry?
I would probably have returned from maternity leave to my job as an Events Manager.
To check out Sarah's inspiring range of products, visit http://www.pictureitinstitches.co.uk
Keen crafters and fans of her work will also enjoy her brilliant blog that's well worth a read. See http://www.pictureitinstitches.blogspot.com
