Every now and then you come across a blogger who seems so genuinely wonderful that you think 'I wish X lived right next door to me'. Kate from Fox's Lane is such a blogger for me and not just because being Kate's neighbour would mean I was living next door to an organic farm in Daylesford. No, not just because of that.
Kate is a warm, loving person with a blog that's super-fun. She has three girls and a hunky Farmer Bren to call her own. She's sooooo creative and crafty that my head spins. Read a little more about her and you'll get it.
What is your creative space all about?
My creative space documents what I am making at any given time. I get distracted easily and I feel like my creative space portrays this.
I am a crafter who likes to try a bit of everything, sometimes separately and then at other times all together at once. I knit, I crochet, I sew, I design, I draw and I print. I do not do ceramics because I cannot stand the feel of the clay on my hands and I don't patchwork but I am thinking about it.
[Kate is also an awesome photographer, as evidenced by her blogs!]
How did you learn to do what you do?
I grew up in a house full of academics so I feel like I must be mainly self taught. I believe that if you love what you do, then the learning how to do it is mostly fun. The most exciting crafty projects for me are ones that challenge me along the way - projects that require new knowledge and skills. I ask Mr Google or that lovely knitting helper lady on YouTube, I look up books or I just try it out and make it up as I go along.
I love learning new knitting stitches and trying to work out how to make a sewing pattern just right. I love looking at how other people make things and then figuring out the best way for me.
These days I am a bit too impatient to be taught stuff, but if it works with what I am trying to do then I'll muddle along until I get it right.
Can you recommend some sites that might have tutorials or inspiration for us to learn your favourite craft too?
I learnt to crochet from Lucy at Attic 24.
I was totally inspired to knit after seeing some of the gorgeous patterns Georgie was designing at Tikki.
And I recently made a purse from one of Nikki's fab patterns at You Sew Girl!
How does creativity fit into your everyday life?
I do not make time for creativity, creativity demands my time. I have so many more important, pressing things to do, but creativity creeps in and makes itself at home. It makes me prioritise it and makes me feed my kids rice and vegies too often for dinner.
Creativity is like an itch for me. I feel restless and irritable if I am not making something. I make wherever I am, whenever I can.
I always carry a few projects in the making for a crafty opportunity on the go, and I love that time of day when the girls are in bed and the dinner dishes are done when I can snuggle up on the couch with my Farmer Boy and knit a few rows.
Where do you do your work?
I do have a couple of desks in our office/sewing room for my sewing machines and sewing stuff but the truth is I have projects dotted all around the house. Little nests of craftiness waiting to be picked up and played with.
A cut out dress on the ironing board, a half hooked granny square near the kettle, a wrist warmer on the needles on the couch.
I cannot pack anything away because I know that something new and exciting will inspire me and the packed away project will remain unfinished forever.
What sparks your creativity the most?
My girlies, a pattern, warm air, a song, a picture, a dream, the cold, nature, an idea, a smell, love, a feeling, sunlight, happiness, time, craft supplies and vintage, floral manchester... life.
What drives you to create?
I think that's who I am. My craft defines me. I don't want to create, I have to.
I urge you to visit Kate's blog and her online shop to see what all the fuss is about. You will be so glad to get to know this spirited soul a bit more. Thanks for being part of things, Kate.
Is it just me or does Kate also spark in you an urgent desire to move to a pretty country town, grow organic vegies and make wonderful stuff?