Meet the Maker Monday - Introducing Catherine Jacksmon from Knit Sew Rosie

At Hand Made Yorkshire, we want to introduced to you our artists, crafters 

and designer makers, their wonderful work and where you can find them.

This week I'd like to introduce to you Catherine Jackson owner of Knit Sew Rosie based in  Melsonby.  Richmond, North Yorkshire.       

How long have you been a designer maker?

I have been working as a self employed designer for six months.

What do you do/make?

My main passion is creating beautiful embroidery hoop art. I especially enjoy the free hand design aspect of my creations. I love these colour therapy books but get bored colouring them in, so instead I free hand draw some basic designs on my fabric and embroider and appliqué them in instead. I love combining textures and work a lot with buttons, beads, different fabrics, crochet and knitting all fused together to create my hoops.

How did you become a designer/maker?

I have always sewn and embroidered from a young age, many of my skills have been passed down from my granny and my mum. After having my children and becoming a full time mum, I found that I needed something to do to relax, unwind and escape the everyday hustle and bustle of family life. I took up my knitting needles (not forgetting to blow the cobwebs off!) and started knitting. My creating then started to take off and I settled into my own unique way of designing and creating. I am also an avid crocheter I love making baby blankets and wedding shawls.

How did you choose your business name and what’s the meaning behind it?

I chose my business name to reflect what I do which is knitting and sewing. My youngest daughter is Rose or Rosie and this was added as it sounded good and more personal.

Do you run your business full time or balance another job as well?

I am a busy mummy to my three beautiful children. I run my business part time inbetween school pick ups and when they ve all gone to bed.

How do you make time for it all?

I often ask myself this very question. Sometimes one has to turn a blind eye to the cobwebs!

What’s your favourite thing about running your business?

I love the freedom of being able to work the hours that suit myself and my family. I enjoy being able to design and create what I like.

Of all the things you’ve ever made, which has been your favourite?

This is a hard one, I have two favourite things. Firstly I love and couldn’t be without my toolkit. One birthday my brother bought me some beautiful fabrics and I designed and created my own knitting needle and crochet hook case.

The second is a beautiful gift box from one of my closest friends and god mother to Rose. She had filled it with all sorts of things from fabric and beads to buttons and ribbons. In it she had written a note saying to make a keepsake for Rose. I felt very touched by this and will treasure this memory always. I created a cushion and incorporated all the items we had received on to it. The leaves were made using leaves from a Rose bush from the same friend for Rose’s first birthday  as a template.

Describe your business in three words?

Unique, Bespoke and Personal

I have a love hate relationship with?

My sewing machine

I love?

Fabric, more fabric and did I mention I love fabric?

I ignore?

Others comments, there are many who think what you do is not a justifiable job and that no priority should be given to it. I will prove those people wrong.

What inspires you?

Colour, texture and pattern. I really love Scandinavian, Indian and Hungarian designs along with anything from a folk background.

Where can you be found? 

Tel: 01325 717979

Email: knitsewrosie@hotmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knitsewrosie/

Pinterest:  https://uk.pinterest.com/knitsewrosie/

Folksy:  https://folksy.com/shops/KnitSewRosie

Thanks Catherine for letting me interview you and showing us your colourful creations. 

I love your needle roll! I made one similar to hold my calligraphy pens in. I hated the plain calico ones available on line and managed to get some green fabric with lettering on. It was much admired :-) 

And what a fantastic idea Rosies God Mother had of filling a box of bits and pieces to make something memorable. How creative was that?

Once again, thanks for taking the time to share your life as a designer maker and showing us your beautiful work. .

Happy crafting

Sue x