I’ve just uploaded a whole page of shiny new buttons you can use to link to Felt from your website, blog or mySpace. Choose yours here.

The next Craft2.0 is coming up on 22nd March in Wellington, and this time I’ll be there! If you’re lucky enough to be in Wellington on Easter weekend too, come and say hello.

This is going to be a GREAT event! You can check out all the latest information (and a lovely item about Felt) on the Craft2.0 blog. Sellers, find out more about applying for a stall here.

Among the unique and talented crafters showing off their latest and greatest D.I.Y. wares for your handmade-shopping pleasure are:

WHSKR
trixiedelicious
Art Divine
supervery
lop

Are you signed up for Craft2.0 AND the proud proprietor of a Felt shop? Email me at admin@felt.co.nz or post a comment below and I’ll add your link here.

What do you make?
I make hand embroidered cushions, doorstops, brooches, tea cozies … actually, I’m always introducing new designs. I’m playing around with simple clothing right now such as linen tunics.

Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
Linen, cotton, embroidery silks, resin plaster, buttons, vintage fabrics and lace, wool felt, Singer sewing machine, Bernette 334D over-locker and a pair of Mundial scissors. For my 12th birthday my Mum brought me a sewing box and filled it with needles, elastic, cottons, buttons and a pair of Mundial scissors that I still use daily.

What inspires you?
Japanese modern craft, vintage patterns/fashion/textiles, pebble beaches, detail that usually goes unnoticed, art, strong + creative women, nature…

Describe your workspace:
Neat and tidy – obsessively so! My studio has to be organised otherwise I find it difficult to start making. I need to know where everything is. Glass-fronted Victorian dresser cabinets and cupboards store my fabric, labeled boxes and jam jars are used for buttons, wool and notions, patterns hang neatly from Clothes Peg Boards. I have three separate areas in my space, one for computer work and updating my website, one space for crafting and another for sewing. I love being in my studio.

Where are you based?
I’m in a small town in Wairarapa. I emigrated here from the UK in September 2006.

What are you currently listening to?
BBC Radio 4 online

Recommend an album:
Shine by Joni Mitchell

Your favourite childhood book?
The Magic Far Away Tree and The Circus of Adventure by Enid Blyton

What are you reading now?
A Land of Two Halves by Joe Bennet
Lucia Rising by E.F. Benson
The latest copy of the British ‘Living Etc’ magazine

Your hero/heroine:
I have many heroes/heroines for very different reasons, but if I had to pick one then it would be Frida Kahlo. Not just for her art but also for her strength.

Favourite quote:
“I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly, because you tread on my dreams.”
William Butler Yeats

Do you have any pets?
A wonderfully naughty cat called Trumpet. I’m also keeping my fingers crossed for some chickens!

Voting is open for the 2008 NetGuide People’s Choice Web Awards and it would be fabulous if Felt got some recognition in the Best New Site category. Of course, it all depends on you – if you’d like to show your support for Felt, vote now!

If you adore Felt and think it’s just the best thing since bread came sliced, you’re more than welcome to vote for it in the Site of the Year category as well, and rest assured, Felt loves you too!

Voting closes on 14 April, so get in now and make sure your vote is counted.

Out Wellington Inc. is the committee charged with organising Out in the Square, the 2008 Gay and Lesbian Fair!

With generous Wellington City Council support, this event is being held in Civic Square, on Saturday 1 March 2008, between 10am and 5pm. It is also the day before the Martinborough Fair.

Out in the Square showcases professional performances and comperes from the talented LGBTIF community and wider, features wonderful food and wine, quality merchandise, and supports LGBTIF community groups in their fundraising ventures. This event is expected to grow over the next five years into one of the most talked-about events of Wellington’s social calendar!

The organisers are looking for quality stallholders to add edge to the event. If this opportunity is of interest to you, please contact Virginia on 021 126 8616.

www.OutintheSquare.co.nz

An interview with Katie of in my backyard is featured on lovelypeople.co.nz. Meet the person behind hand painted Little Bird on a Hill zippered pouches, Blackbird Fabric Pins and Wee Cutey Bird scarves.