Preeeeesenting, lucky number 3 (which happens to be my fave number): Leonie from Cuppa + Cake.
Once upon a time, Leonie owned a home-based online fisherman pants shop called Raglan Guld, and started a blog to support this shop. She soon found that getting the balance right between a young family and her own business was about as impossible as we all know it to be. She closed the shop, but continued to blog – and how grateful those of us who know her are about that.
Leonie is a sewer, a knitter and a crafter and… well, I’ll let her tell it her way…
So, Leonie, with so much on the go, how do you find the time for creative pursuits?
As well as holding the invaluable portfolio of ‘Domestic Affairs’, I’m also a partner and chief bookkeeper in a brick laying business. I’m also the extra-hands on site that washes down the bricks and helps her husband load them up! Its a bugger of a job but this year with the money that we saved, it has helped us retrofit our house with skylights. I also work one day a fortnight, helping manage an old country homestead garden.
I’m super lucky when it comes to support. It’s no secret that we have a disabled son and because we live in the lucky country (Australia), we are given respite care of 4 hours a week on a Thursday night. Dave and I often use this time in the garden or the workshop.
We love tending to our veggie’s and pottering around the yard. I also have very dedicated (close by) grandparents that love to spend time with the kids. So both get a set time each week to kidnap the elfs and create their own adventures.
How did you learn to do what you do?
I’m a tinkera, thinker and trier. I learnt some basic gardening, knitting and sewing skills from Mum but for the most part I jump in totally blinded, with loads of gusto, good books and chocolate. Dave supports my creative adventures fully, laughs at my many stuff ups and says all the right things when it falls into place.
Can you recommend some sites that might have tutorials for us to learn your craft too?
I am a super slow learner, so most YouTube tutes drive me nuts because I have to pause and rewind all the time. However, I can recommend a few books that I constantly use.
Knitting Without Tears - Elizabeth Zimmermann. If only I had this woman's sense of humor my knitting would never fly across the room again!
Encyclopedia of Knitting and Crochet Stitches - Fran Westfall. If you can get your hands on this gem then GRAB IT!! I believe its out of print but invaluable for learning more complex stitches.
Sew Step by Step - Alison Smith. This book is brand new on the market and I am learning all the secrets that seamstresses know. I would recommend it to anyone.
Leonie's own work is also great for learning and inspiration...
Make the cutest wrap skirt from scraps (above) via Leonie’s easy tutorial (well, easy for some, I suppose!)
Check out her marvellous fertility goddess pin cushion (with boobs!)
And to inspire creative play in your junior burgers, you can’t beat Leonie’s take on Poppy Dolls (see pic at the beginning of this post).
Where do you do your work?
Most of my crafty work is done in my studio. I know that sound a little “swish” but I have this huge space in my house that was once a second lounge with loads of natural light and we still don’t really know what to call it!!
Because we live in the bush we also have 'the every man’s dream'.....7 SHEDS!! I know....I’m super lucky!
What drives you to make the time to keep creating?
I think it started with a yearning to make an original thing! You know the magic “thing” that no one else has. Often my creations are one offs and people ask me to make more but I have done that and I didn’t like it, so now I’m a touch greedy and just make for myself, friends and family.
I have spurts and farts when it come to creating. Some weeks you can’t get me off the machine, others I am glued to the knitting sticks and then sometimes I’ll be plonked on the couch with my head in Jane Austen… I know that didn’t come out right!
Hi.larious! I’m leaving that in!
I have never really thought of myself as a creator more as a tinker but in all honesty I think its all the same.
Creating for me is an essential part of our lives. I am often making things we need rather than want. Its cheaper and a whole lot more fun.
Can you share with us five fabulous crafty blogs?
Myrtle and Eunice
Chunky Chooky
Ric-Rac
Greedy for Colour
Foxs Lane
Where to next, Leonie?
Who knows? But I am really excited to be here, to go with the flow and to enjoy life. I think that's what blogging is about for me. Its about documenting my trials and tribulations, about telling stories, sharing knowledge and trying to improve my skills, oh...as well as having a laugh on the way.
I urge you to meet Leonie over at Cuppa + Cake. Her blog is like her country kitchen table where we’re always invited to have a yarn over some yarn… (sorry about that). Leonie is charming and oh so 'real'! For me, posts like this one are what blogging is all about. Wouldn't you agree?