Maker of the Month – September
Kookie Crafts- Joan Sturgeon
Bio
I have always loved crafts….going to a craft fair is my idea of a lovely day out.
After retiring, I found myself with more time.
As a volunteer at the Barony, I met so many like minded people who have become firm friends.
I love to make baby and adult hats and mitts and over the last few years added tote bags and small household items to my crafting. I am a simple home crafter who loves simple designs made with the best yarns and fabrics. As a result of mixing with and becoming friends with other crafters, I have become part of a community of crafters.
My work will be in the Christmas exhibition in Studio 44 in Largs from the 4th of December….before that I will be at the legendary west Kilbride Christmas craft fair along with many other talented makers.
What inspired you to start Kookie Crafts?
I was inspired to start Kookie crafts because I enjoyed knitting baby hats and shoes…this was long before I started making bags. I had a lot of people asking me to knit a hat…I only used good yarn such as merino and cashmere so the hats were not cheap to knit so Kookie crafts was born.
What is your favourite item that you have created so far?
I don’t really have a favourite item although my tote bags are special to me. I like simple designs made with good yarn and fabric using vibrant colours.
What challenges do you face as a maker and how do you overcome them?
I have faced a few challenges mostly a lack of confidence as I don’t have a crafting background. When I started doing craft fairs I felt like an imposter so I sold my stuff very cheaply and it became too expensive for me to continue unless I increased my prices.
What is one thing you have learned as a maker that you wish you knew when you first started Kookie Crafts?
The one thing I have learned is that I need to believe in myself….I have so many customers who come back again and again so I must be doing something right.