Meet our talented tutors - Racheal Gwilliam of Artyarn - Knitting and crochet

Introducing...

Rachael Gwilliam of Artyarn, who's been heading up our knitting and crochet courses now since 2009. After we stumbled across the 'knitted shed' - see below- nearly 5 years ago, Rachael has taught more willing customers to knit and crochet than we can count.

Shes' a master of the needles and hook, full of creative va-va-voom and her patient, almost one-to-one teaching style gains her some of the highest praise any tutor has received.

We're looking forward to the wooly knitting and crochet starting up again in the autumn, but in the meantime she'll be teaching our customer how to knit jewellery with wire! She's that good...

What first drew you to your craft ?

The first time round it was because my mum would sit and knit at home .. but she'd never finish anything off! I was about 7 and would knot the yarn up almost immediately after mum had fixed my mistakes!

I tried and failed and left it alone for many years. I did enjoy a bit of embroidery at Brownies though. The second time round, at about the age of about 25 - the 'stitch n bitch' phenomenon was just kicking off and I wanted a bit of the action!

What’s your crafting background?

I went to art school and studied painting and drawing, not having much interested in textiles at all. As far as my knitting and crochet skills are concerned I'm completely self taught (with maybe a little one or two nudges from mum and friends who could knit).

I started a knitting club in 2007 as a way to learn more and bring crafters in my local area together - I was living in central Salford at the time and used my local boozer as the venue.

Shortly after becoming very obsessive over knitting I started a small business called ArtYarn, putting my art school knowledge and training in the mix to create art installation and creative workshops. I've since been commissioned by galleries, Museums and creative institutions world wide to create knitting and crochet projects.

What are your main sources of inspiration? 

Nature and my love of drawing. I there are very close connections between my drawing works and how I knit and crochet my projects. I also look at fine needle work, especially in crochet and tatting, from the arts and crafts movement, as I'm quite fond of intricate doily patterns.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far? 

Professionally, a few key artists have really inspired me- mainly Magda Sayeg in the early days when I would indulge in a bit of Yarn Bombing. I also love the work of Elaine Bradford, Suzie McMurray and Kate Mcguire.

Personally and professionally, the people who gave me my first teaching jobs, including Sam at Ministry of Craft. The opportunity to teach regularly in a professional environment has meant that I've had to really perfect my skills in both my crafts and in my teaching style. This has given my tremendous confidence , which I was seriously lacking in 5 years ago.

What’s the best thing about being a crafter?
Being able to teach others about your craft and to share crafting skills, which I have always done since becoming freelance.

Do you do any other crafts in your spare time, apart from what you specialize in?
I draw, I'm a fanatical drawer. I also like to do some embroidery.

What’s you’re the best thing you’ve ever made?
A jumper for a garden shed.

Have you ever made a creative mistake?
All the time. Its how you learn, and therefore how you progress on with your work.

And your favourite tool or material?
4mm basic metal crochet hook and come cotton yarn. I like to keep things basic and let the stitches do the magic.

What’s you favourite crafty anecdote / story?
I tried to knit with two pints of beer once. It didn’t work out.

Where can we see / buy your work? 
At either www.artyarn.org or www.rachaelelwell.co.uk

What have you got coming up in the future? 

More knitting and crochet courses at ministry of craft, with brand new courses in crochet and knitting socks! The launch of my online shop.

You can find Rachael all over social media (!): on Twitter @artyarn on facebook.com/artyarn and her revered yarn based blog - artyarnblog.tumblr.com

Meet our talented tutors - Sarah Humphreys - Patchwork and quilting

Introducing...

Sarah Humphreys, our patchwork and quilting guru, who lives and breathes her craft. We're lucky to have such an expert on board and even more lucky that Sarah just so happens to be super lovely and very cool to boot! She's as bright and vibrant as the quilts she makes, with ever changing hair colour (blue the last time I saw her), and she sets every one of our customers at ease with her patience and quilt-side manner. You can take a number of classes with Sarah at Ministry of Craft although you'd do well to book in advance as they regularly sell out!
 

What first drew you to your craft?

In 1991 I went to see Gillian Clarke talk about a quilt she had made depicting women’s work in the Middle Ages.  I went because I was interested in women’s history.  And I came away excited about the wonderful quilts I had seen – as well as charmed by the talented, welcoming women who made them.  I started my first quilt soon afterwards, and I’ve been making quilts ever since.

What’s your crafting background?

I come from a crafting family – and I have crafted for as long as I can remember.  My mother, aunt and grandmother would encourage embroidery, sewing, knitting, papercraft – any craft you can think of.  The worst thing you could say in my family was that you were bored – there was always something to do.

Did you train professionally as a quilter or are you self taught?

I didn’t train professionally as a quilter – nor am I entirely self-taught.  Over the years I have attended evening classes, local quilt groups, workshops and quilting retreats to learn and develop my skills.  Of course the internet is an amazing resource – and I love to buy and read patchwork books.  Mainly though I have learnt from being around other quilt-makers – quilters are amazingly generous when it comes to sharing skills and ideas. 

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Other quilters.  From international quilt shows to ‘show and tell’ at my local quilt group, there is always more to see, admire and learn from.  I am a member of the Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles and the conference and AGM is one of the highlights of my crafting year – I attend lectures, view exhibitions and spend time with some of the most talented and diverse quilters in the country.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

My mum.  She encouraged me to go to that first talk and we have quilted together ever since.   We have travelled all over the UK together to attend shows, conferences and workshops.  She is always supportive of my work – and lets me raid her craft room when I’m short of the right bit of fabric. 

What’s the best thing about being a crafter?

Spending time with other people who love the same things you love.  The quilting world is predominantly women and it is amazing to spend time with women of all ages, learning and sharing skills with each other.  Positive female relationships have been really important in my quilting history – I have met women who I may otherwise never have even spoken to and they have become really good friends.

Do you do any other crafts in your spare time, apart from what you specialize in?

I enjoy cross stitch and free embroidery.  Sometimes I make cards and have done a bit of scrap-booking. Occasionally I make clothes.  I dabble but I always come back to quilts. 

What’s you’re the best thing you’ve ever made?

It depends who you ask!!  I have two modern sampler quilts in the living room which my husband loves.  He can often be found tucked up with a quilt and the cat on the sofa watching late-night cricket or early morning Grand Prix.  My best friend loves her wedding quilt - she requested ‘sky blue and sunshine yellow’ - not colours I tend to use but we were both delighted with the end result.  My personal favourite is ‘Frank’ – a wall hanging I made last year depicting Frankenstein’s monster.  He hangs in my house like a family portrait!!

We'd love a Frank in our lounge!

Have you ever made a creative mistake?

Who hasn’t?!  In fact, if there’s a mistake that can be made I’ve made it.  And I’m still making mistakes – but that’s part of learning.

And your favourite tool or material?

I have a pair of Fiskars scissors which I am particularly attached to.  They have a non-stick coating which makes them easy to keep clean.  I use them on anything and they seem to stay sharp – and they are just the right size for me.

I’m also really into interesting threads for quilting.  I love Superior threads as they produce a great range of different colours and weights.  I use their bobbin fill ‘Bottom Line’ almost all of the time in my sewing machine.  And I adore the vivid shades of their ‘Nature Colors’ polyester thread – I use a lot of this for free machine quilting.

What’s you favourite crafty anecdote / story?

I love to see learners’ work displayed in quilt shows – I teach adults and young quilters and it’s always exciting to see their quilts on show.  My ‘claim to fame’ is that one of my young quilter’s wall hangings – along with young lady herself – was visible on the tv show Kirstie’s Handmade Britain.  I was so excited when I saw it!!

Halloween style quilting!

Where can we see / buy your work?

You can see my work on my website www.edwardandthewhitebear.co.uk.  I also use my blog to show lots of work done in my classes both at Ministry of Craft and other venues. 

What have you got coming up in the future?

I’m really excited to be expanding my teaching as I love helping other people to discover the world of quilt making which has been my passion for so long.  I have regular classes now in Leeds and Doncaster as well as at Ministry of Craft.  This year I’m teaching four workshops at Festival of Quilts at the NEC.  And in October I’m running the first ever Edward and the White Bear quilting retreat with my mum – we can’t wait!!

You can follow Sarah and find out more about her quilting adventures on twitter @EandTWB or by following her blog www.edwardandthewhitebear.co.uk

  

Meet our talented tutors - Margaret Postings - Dressmaking

Introducing... 

What first drew you to your craft ? 

Watching my grandmother work 'magic', or what seemed to be magic to my child's eyes, on a (treadle) sewing machine.

What's your crafting background?

I've been sewing all my life.

Did you train professionally as a dressmaker/tailor or are you self taught? 

I was taught by many people. Firstly my Nana, then my mother, the nuns at my school and finally I was taught tailoring by a professional.

What are your main sources of inspiration? 

Fashion, people watching and sewing patterns.

Who's been the biggest influence on your career so far?

My tailoring tutor, Dorothy Green, and my grandmother.

What's the best thing about being a crafter?  

Creating something beautiful from a flat piece of fabric

Do you do any other crafts in your spare time, apart from what you specialise in?

I knit a bit, but not brilliantly and I enjoy working and creating with leather too.

What's you're the best thing you've ever made?

My Chanel style jacket I made it about 10 years ago and its still looks brill. I love it!

Have you ever made a creative mistake? 

Too many to fit in here...but we learn from our mistakes!

And your favourite tool or material?

My sewing machine I couldn't live without it. After people and pets it's what I'd save in a fire.

Where can we see your work?

By coming on a Ministry of Craft course! 

What have you got coming up in the future?

Hopefully I'll be expanding the courses I teach to leather clutch bags and a faux fur coats just in time for Christmas.

If you'd like to come along to one of Margaret's course she'll be teaching Stretch yourself: Sew a jersey top and Totally tailored: Sew a lined straight skirt.

Meet our talented tutors - Alison Leese - Dressmaking and sewing

Introducing... 

Alison Leese, our ever talented dressmaking and sewing tutor, knows more about the technical side of sewing than all of the staff put together! She's never without an idea for a new course and has a love of very stylish fabrics.

Alison has been working at Ministry as a tutor since 2010 and has developed our range of
Beginners Sewing courses, making sure there is a sewing course to suit everyone, including folk who have never used a sewing machine in their lives!  Since 2011 she's been working as Operations Supervisor in the Ministry of Craft office as well. She may be super efficient on a sewing machine, but she's damn fine with a spreadsheet too!

What first drew you to your craft?

Being a typical teenager wanting all the latest clothes but not having the funds to access them, I decided the only other option was to make them or alter what I did have.

Having a wonderful ‘needlework’ teacher (Mrs Boden) at school inspired me to work hard at the subject so I was always designing and making things in my spare time.

What’s your crafting background?

I am not so much a crafter but a sewer; I have always worked in product design and development in both the clothing industry and event merchandise and then I gained a PGCE to teach Design and Technology

Made in Alison's son's nap time!

Did you train professionally or are you self taught?

I took a clothing design and production management degree at Manchester Metropolitan University but most of my experience has been through my working career in the clothing industry and working hands on in product development and manufacture.

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Scanning the internet, Pinterest is one of my favourites, looking at any products that can be sewn and made at home without the need for ‘industrial type’ processes. I usually start with a fabric as the fabric design itself can be very inspirational.

Foxy tunic dress

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

I think I have to say my needlework teacher as I may have never sewn if it was not for her knowledge and ability to teach the subject well and enthusiastically.

What’s the best thing about being a crafter?

The satisfaction you get from making something yourself that looks good, is functional and may have even saved you some money in the process!

Best make - boned bridesmade dress

Do you do any other crafts in your spare time, apart from what you specialise in?

Taste wine?

What’s the best thing you’ve ever made?

I was a bridesmaid for a friend and made a quite complicated boned dress when I was still a fairly inexperienced sewer, probably the best thing I made at the time

Sew a gorgeous girls dress

Have you ever made a creative mistake?

Yes lots, but less as I have become more experience. The worst was on an overlocker, I cut a hole in the front of my final degree project and there was no going back!

And your favourite tool or material?

My quick unpick is my most useful tool, I love my Janome sewing machine, as do all the customers that come on our courses, and I love Amy Butler fabric.

Is there a plaster in this pouf?

What’s you favourite crafty anecdote / story?

Losing a plaster off my finger inside a customer's patchwork pouf when I was stuffing it, I only realised after she had left ……..should I say that? Also making a typo on my course ‘Sew your own knickers’ and I called it ‘Sew your own knockers’!

Where can we see / buy your work?

Come to one of my courses!

What have you got coming up in the future?

Lots more courses and I'm in the process of researching a few new ideas for the autumn.

Meet our talented tutors - Nell Smith - Screen & Lino Printing

Introducing...

Nell Smith is one of Manchester's finest printers and we're lucky to have her skills on board at Ministry of Craft. She's been teaching with us since the very beginning and, in fact, her screen printing course was the first course we ever taught back in 2009.

Her eye for colour and design is second to none and her fantastic range of prints and clothing can be found at nellclothing.co.uk. Her amazing expertise allows Ministry customers to go away with the skills to try printing - often for the first time - on their kitchen table and turn their own ideas into perfect prints. 

What first drew you to your craft ?

I've always loved drawing and all things arty, I first screenprinted at college and fell in love with it!

What’s your crafting background?

I'm a tenant at the wonderful Manchester Craft and Design Centre. I've been running my own business from there for the past 6 years.

Did you train professionally or are you self taught?

I trained professionally – I have a degree in Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design from Leeds College of Art and Design. I moved to Machester to complete my Masters in Textiles just after my degree.

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Japanese cartoons, Scandinavian design and the natural world, especially strange and curious creatures! I've recently started some more experimental work based on geometric drawings, which is pretty exciting.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

Hmm, that's a tricky one. I think that support from various teachers, tutors, family members and friends has influenced me the most and encouraged me through tough times.

What’s the best thing about being a crafter?

Being self-employed, creating things everyday, having the satisfaction of people admiring and buying my work!

Do you do any other crafts in your spare time, apart from what you specialise in?

I draw all the time, but I don't really do any other crafts. I'm all about the two-dimensional world, so perhaps it's time to push myself to learn knitting or crochet!

What’s the best thing you’ve ever made?

One of my most favourite things I made recently was a glow in the dark Yeti t-shirt! So much fun to design and print. I make new work all the time, so my favourites change constantly.

Have you ever made a creative mistake?

All the time! Printmaking can be a messy business, you have to learn to either work with the mess or be very annoyed a lot of the time.

What’s you favourite crafty anecdote / story?

I once saw Grayson Perry walking down the street wearing tracky bottoms! His studio is near my sister's house in london.

Where can we see or buy your work?

My studio at Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Fig and Sparrow on Oldham Street, Chirpy in Leeds and online via Not on the High Street and other websites.

What have you got coming up in the future?

I have just got a closed studio at Hot Bed Press in Salford, so I am planning on spending the Summer experimenting with print processes and making new work.

You can find Nell at  www.nellclothing.co.uk, on twitter, or nellsmith.blogspot.co.uk. She also sells her work at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, so pop in to see her soon. OR come and learn to print with Nell at Ministry of Craft, check out our forthcoming courses here.

 

Meet our talented tutors - Sam Moylan - Sewing and papercraft

Introducing...

One of the foundation stones of Ministry of Craft - Sam Moylan. She was the first ever tutor to be interviewed back in 2009, and has created no less than nine different courses. Her skills span from sewing to papercraft to felting with a few experimental skills thrown in, such as plastic bonding!

Sam is best know for teaching our Conquer your sewing machine course and has taught over 1,000 people to sew over the last 5 years.

Sam also keeps Ministry on track every busy Saturday by making sure that our customers and tutors have everything they need in the studios. 

What first drew you to your craft ?

Just before my son was born my husband bought me a Janome sewing machine, I haven't stopped sewing since.   


Did you train professionally as a sewist or are you self taught?

I'm self taught in all the crafts I do. I research what I need to learn and practice and practice. I love the challenge that comes from working out how to do something then using that knowledge to develop the project.

What are your main sources of inspiration? 

I find inspiration everywhere. YouTube, Google! Pinterest, is an amazing site, such a lot of talented people out there. 

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

I think working as a tutor at Ministry of Craft has had a major influence on my career path. 

What’s the best thing about being a crafter?

To be able to make something yourself, which is also good enough for other people.

Do you do any other crafts in your spare time, apart from what you specialise in?

I do lots of other crafts, at the moment I'm enjoying all aspects of paper crafting such as decoupage, printing, stamping and embossing. 

What’s the best thing you’ve ever made?

My son !!! He's a real work of art...

Have you ever made a creative mistake?

I made lots in the beginning. I think mistakes in any area of life teach us such a lot but with the creative aspect of craft a mistake can sometimes lead to a wonderful discovery - you remember the mistakes and they help you to advance.

And your favourite tool or material?

My Janome Sewing machine and Janome overlocker

What’s your favourite crafty anecdote or story?

I get lots of ideas some really good, some way off the mark, but there's always "The ONE". When mobile phones first came out they were big and when people were on the bus their voices were loud and repetitive in their conversations.

I invented a sound proof phone box that could be worn on your head when travelling on public transport. Thank goodness mobile phone technology moved on, otherwise you might all be wearing the portable "Mob Box" in a choice of colours...    

Where can we see or buy your work?

I'm working on a website and a new exciting product at the moment.

What have you got coming up in the future?

I have a few projects in the pipeline, one of which may lead to a possible business opportunity. However nothing is concrete, but watch this space!