Today we meet Hilary of Hilary’s Patch, who will be joining us on Saturday 6th December at Brighton Racecourse!…
Please introduce yourself and your brand…..
I’m Hilary and I started Hilary’s Patch a few years ago following a house move and leaving a job in The City. I love to create in fabric or wool and it felt like ‘coming home’ after working as a secretary for years, as I was always surrounded by handmade as a child from both my Mum, Dad & Nan.
My partner, Rich, came up with my business name as I am interested in modern contemporary patchwork but I don’t limit my work to just that, so ‘Patch’ seemed very appropriate and allowed me to experiment with lots of different products. The creative side starts with my ‘STASH’ – every crafter has one and I have loads of fabric although I don’t always know what I’m going to make when I buy it. It’s a gradual process and quite often an idea comes to me overnight or over a period of time.
Tell us a bit about your creations and how you make them….
It usually starts with researching fabric retailers online (their newsletters have a lot to answer for!) to find the quirky prints that inspire my cushions for the www.cushion.boutique. I don’t just make cushions though as I also make quilts & personalised blankets for babies as well as patchwork Nursery Kites and many more items.
I love the process of choosing what to make, the fabric choices/colours and then finally cutting the fabric into pieces only to join it together again!
How long have you been making your creations?
In reality, only a short while but I have been crafting most of my life so, even though I have served my apprenticeship, there’s always something new to learn.
Do you have a best seller or most popular item?
Cushions are very popular as I tend to use fabrics that strike a chord with customers, such as children’s characters; photography; planes; London scenes to name a few. As I only buy a very small quantity of any fabric, my products are one-offs and therefore very unique.
What do you enjoy most about your craft/ work?
I love the fact that every day is different and I can work from home – no more commuting! I also enjoy working on commissions for customers.
As a new exhibitor at The Fairy Tale Fair, I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and enjoying the experience.
Will you be selling some festive themed creations at The Fairy Tale Fair?
I have some festive products along with affordable items for ‘Secret Santa’ gifts.
What are your plans or ambitions for the future, or have you already achieved them?
My partner, Rich, of www.richardsgallery.co.uk has some lovely photographic images and I have used a small selection of these this year incorporated into my cushions. I want to expand the range of images and also the range of products I make them into.
I have a STABLE – STAsh Beyond Life Expectancy that I intend to work on!
Describe what Christmas means to you in 5 words or less!:
Family and eating too much
How can we find out more about you?
Please visit: www.hilaryspatch.co.uk
